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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Zach Mathieu — 1B
DOB: 11/25/1991
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
2013 Total Stats: .138/.266/.188, 11 Hits, 4 Doubles, 2 RBI, 94 PA
2013 Review:
Mathieu spent his first year as a professional with the Kingsport Mets. The 6’7″ 265 pound 21-year-old who was drafted with the 16th round pick of the 2013 draft struggled at the plate, although his sample size is still considerably small. Mathieu had trouble making contact, striking out too much (22.3%) and failing to consistently drive the ball when he did. However, despite all his struggles, we just haven’t seen enough out of him to discount such a young prospect from the small adjustment period presented this season.
Prospect Outlook:
Mathieu is big, even at 21, he is a massive man who should have the power to drive the ball at any level of competition. However, even with his power, Mathieu needs to effectively hit the ball to apply his power. I talked with Mathieuthis off-season and he spoke extensively of his training regime and the work he is doing to improve his approach at the plate. His power is undeniably there, his arm strength is even ranked as above average, and he has just been hindered by faulty mechanics and a cluttered swing. If he continues to work and can develop a better approach behind the plate, Mathieu has the chance to seriously crush the ball at a high level. Taken so late in the draft, Mathieu was a cheap pickup for the Mets, one who brings some serious potential.
2014 Prediction:
2014 is the year for Zach Mathieu to really prove himself. He has had the entire offseason to work on his mechanics, and he is going to have to show that he has the ability to work through some of his issues. Since he didn’t get out all that much this year, I believe he will start the season at Kngsport again, but if he shows improvement and can get that big bat of his on the ball, I don’t see a reason why he won’t see a promotion by the end of the season.
Prospects On The Fringe:
(Photo Credit: Dan Guttenplan/Baseball Journal)
“The 6’7″ 265 pound 21-year-old who was drafted with the 16th round pick of the 2013 draft struggled behind the plate, although his sample size is still considerably small. Mathieu had trouble making contact, striking out too much (22.3%) and failing to consistently drive the ball when he did. ”
” If he continues to work and can develop a better approach behind the plate, Mathieu has the chance to seriously crush the ball at a high level.”
Timothy, you write about baseball but seem to have no idea what “behind the plate” means. The only two people behind the plate are the catcher and umpire. That’s baseball 101. A batter is at the plate, not behind it. If you’re going to write about baseball, you should better acquaint yourself with correct baseball terminology.
Maybe you are related to this guy? Extreme long shot…a Met fan’s trademark, to pull for the underdog. We need real offensive talent – some teams like Yanks over the years do not focus on the extreme long shots but the proven pros, and spend what it takes to get them. Let’s hope the Mets do what is needed – and right – to win.
LongTimeFan – thanks for catching that about “behind the plate” noted by Timothy. Timothy is one of our bright young writers that has put together some great posts for our site. I am sure what he meant to say that the batter was “at the plate”, just a slip up, but thank you for pointing it out and I am sure you will continue to enjoy his writing as you continue to follow.
Thank you for being a loyal reader. Happy Holidays.