For the purpose of our series of posts, we define the word fringe as any prospects, which we considered, that were absent from MMN’s own Top 40 Prospect lists. The purpose of the series is to identify prospects that are showing promise above what fans might expect and what their futures will hold within the Mets organization.
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Beck Wheeler, RP
DOB: 12/13/1988
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
2013 Total Stats: 50.1 IP, 2.32 ERA, 2.68 FIP, 13.23 K/9, 2.86 BB/9
2013 Review
Wheeler pitched the entire season in Low-A Savannah and was dominant in his relief role. He got off to a tremendous start, not allowing an earned run in six April appearances that saw him strike out 14 batters while walking just one over 9.2 innings. He would continue to post gaudy numbers, especially in the strikeout department, while holding down the closer role for the Sand Gnats. The 6’3 righty, who went undrafted in 2011, would finish the season with 19 saves and leave a lasting impression on his coaches while opening the eyes of the organization.
Prospect Outlook
While most will overlook Wheeler’s performance in the Sally League because of his advanced aged (he pitched the entire season at 24) it’s important to fully understand his background. Beck was a shortstop until his senior season in college. So pitching is still very new to him, and I think he’s taken to it quite well. He’s got great makeup, work ethic, and the desire to get better– which was most evident in the improvement of his command in 2013. The stuff is also there, with a fastball that sits in the mid-90’s, a good splitter and a developing curve. He’s got all the ingredients you’re looking for in a relief prospect.
2014 Prediction
I’m usually in favor of the organization being aggressive with college experienced players, but in Wheeler’s case I would make an exception. He made great strides in 2013 and I wouldn’t want to wipe that away by placing him amongst competition he may not be ready for. I think an assignment in High-A St. Lucie to start the season would be a good measuring stick for just how far he’s come. It’s important to be patient and let him get the reps he needs, because he’s still in the infancy stages of learning to pitch. However that’s also what makes him so intriguing. He may take some time, but there’s a lot to like about this kid both on the field and off.
Prospects On The Fringe:
I agree they should start him at St Lucie – but look to accelerate him…at his age, he likely has the maturity that would allow him to be rushed (like DeGrom was), whereas a young guy (like Syndergaard) may have all the tools but not the age-related maturity that can help a guy weather adversity, especially as a starter, so they have been taking Noah slower thru the ranks.
I’d like to see Wheeler, if he succeeds at a force-feed upward in 2014, be a possible Sept call up, if of course his stuff is good enough. Much easier for a guy who pitches one inning to move up very fast, as opposed to the challenges of being a starter, so let’s see if the guy with a guitarist’s first name and a stud starter’s last name can make the Mets a Two Wheeler soon.
I agree with you. I think Wheeler has the ability and maturity to be pushed. However I don’t think having him skip any levels would be beneficial. If he proves he’s too good for High-A competition then push him up to Binghamton quickly.