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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Johnny Magliozzi, RP
DOB: 7/21/1991
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
2013 Total Stats: 15.1 IP, 1.17 ERA, 2.61 FIP, 7.04 K/9, 2.93 BB/9
2013 Review
The Mets drafted the 5’10” Magliozzi in the 17th round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of the University of Florida. He would be assigned to the Brooklyn Cyclones of the New York-Penn League, where he would only pitch 15.1 innings. It was enough to make an impression though, as Magliozzi would post a 1.17 ERA and strike out 12 batters. Command was a bit of a concern, however, and he would allow five free passes in his short stint in pro ball.
Prospect Outlook
Despite starting a bit in college, it’s obvious that Magliozzi is a reliever all the way. His delivery shows a lot of effort and his motion has been described to me as “slingy”. The diminutive righty uses his entire frame to generate a solid fastball that sits 91-93 and can touch 95. He also throws a slider, change up and curve that at times flash potential, but are mostly in need of work. Scouts like his bulldog mentality on the mound; he attacks hitters without fear. It’s going to come down to developing his secondary pitches and improving command, but I think there’s a ML reliever here.
2014 Prediction
I’d like to see the Mets be a little aggressive with Magliozzi because he has college pedigree. Perhaps a jump over Savannah right to St. Lucie to start 2014. If he excels there, and I suspect he would, I wouldn’t hesitate to bump him to Binghamton. He seems to have the makeup to handle being pushed, and the desire to compete against the best.
Prospects On The Fringe:
(Photos: BrooklynCyclones.com and Gatorzone.com)