Another exciting year for the Mets in the high heat approaches on April 8th, and we at MMN are very giddy at the the year starting finally. It’s like a soap opera with a cliffhanger to us… so many unanswered questions, and we need answers! Anyway, here is a breakdown of what we believe will be the Las Vegas 51’s.

Catchers

Kevin Plawecki – Still in the running for starting catcher, if Travis d’Arnaud goes down with an injury. The former supplemental first rounder out of Purdue is capable of calling a good game with great catch and throw skills, and a bat capable of hitting .280 with gap power.

Nevin Ashley – Meant to back up Plawecki. Excellent defensive Catcher.

Infield

T.J. Rivera – A pure bat with not much pop. Hits everywhere he goes and plays anywhere in the infield.

Jayce Boyd – Tried to play left field last year, but can usually only play first base. Hits for average and nothing else.

Dilson Herrera – The guy who is all but guaranteed to take the 2nd base job from Neil Walker next year, we just have to see him perform offensively at the MLB level.

Gavin Cecchini – Former First Round pick that broke out with the bat last year, but needs to work on setups and throws to become better as a shortstop.

Matt Reynolds – Was poised to become a player on the big club last year after a big 2014 and 2015 spring, but stumbled hitting .267 in a hitter’s paradise. He may use an outfielder’s glove this year to improve defensive versatility. This infield spot could go to someone like Niuman Romero, Jeff McNeil, or L.J. Mazzilli if Asdrubal Cabrera‘s injury lingers and Reynolds is needed on the big league roster.

Marc Krauss – Career first baseman with some good power, has hit 20 homers in a season before.

Danny Muno – Utility Infielder who was drafted in 2011 and has steadily risen through the ranks.

Outfield

Ty Kelly – Super utility player that can play 2b, 3B, LF, CF, RF, and can draw some walks.

Brandon Nimmo – 2011 First Round Pick who has not lived up to snuff, and is running out of time to be considered a starting player. It now sounds like Nimmo will be healthy enough for Opening Day.

Travis Taijeron – Senior sign from Cal Poly Pomona who hits for a lot of power, but strikes out at a 31%, which may inflate at the major league level. Launched 25 home runs at the Triple-A level last year.

Roger Bernadina– Curacao native who is a MLB Veteran, and is a possible bench piece.

Starting Rotation

Seth Lugo – An older arm who throws in the low 90’s with a plus curve and good control. In consideration for a spot start in case of injury.

Logan Verrett – Did excellent job as a swingman last year after selected in the Rule 5 draft and being DFA’d by the Rangers and Orioles.

Rafael Montero – Right-hander who skyrocketed through the system, but has had some mysterious trouble at the major league level. His velocity and control were out of whack in spring training and he was cut early.

Stolmy Pimentel – Veteran Journeyman depth arm who can be used as a starter or reliever.

Gabriel Ynoa – 22 year old starter who doesn’t miss the zone with a 95 mile per hour fastball, but doesn’t miss many bats.

Bullpen

Zach Thornton – Depth reliever that was acquired in the Ike Davis deal in 2014.

Paul Sewald – Reliever who was signed for way below slot and has done a great job at every level.

Chase Huchingson – Sidewinding lefty reliever that has been in the org since 2010.

Dario Alvarez – Possible LOOGY who can throw up to 94 with a plus slider.

Josh Smoker – Hard throwing lefty that we will see in Flushing soon. 

Chase Bradford – Right-hander who pitched entire 2015 season with Las Vegas. Throws in the low-90’s.

Duane Below – Minor league lefty who throws an average fastball. Could be a useful LOOGY.

Assessments for a potential Vegas team:

Well, the staff at MMN believes the Vegas team will possess  three first round picks in 2011’s Brandon Nimmo, 2012’s Gavin Cecchini and Kevin Plawecki. This means we have a few things to watch on the offensive side with three of these players. Cecchini broke out offensively last year with a .317/.377/.442 slash line at Double-A, causing excitement among the fan base for his offensive ability at Shortstop, however, his defense could still use a bit of work.
Brandon Nimmo has been slipping in prospect consideration even in our ranks and has been struggling against left-handed pitching and tapping into his power. His approach has turned off a few, and he has lost a step in speed possibly relegating him to a corner from now on. Plawecki is a phone call away from re-joining the Mets as a primary backstop.

Aside from the three first rounders, we have Dilson Herrera, who just needs a bit more time in the oven but many believe he’s the 2B of the future for the Mets. Also returning will be Reynolds, who can be a great utility guy in the future if he performs.

The rotation is interesting, (not as much as Matz + Syndergaard last year) but Lugo and Ynoa are solid prospects, and Montero needs to get back into form.

Another arm that could be in Vegas is Jeff Walters who ultimately will probably get designated for assignment to make room for Jim Henderson on the 40-man roster.

Before too long you will also see Robert Gsellman, Mickey Jannis,  and Andrew Barbosa get a chance in the Triple-A rotation.

Ted’s Prospect Extras

Last 5 Mets AAA Homerun Leaders

2015: Travis Taijeron – 25

2014: Andrew Brown – 21

2013: Wilmer Flores – 15

2012: Val Pascucci – 17

2011: Val Pascucci – 21