On Sunday I went to MCU park.  There I saw the Mets minor league team the Brooklyn Cyclones take on the St. Louis Cardinals minor league team the State College Spikes.  The Cyclones started the game poorly with a number of errors, but they rebounded quickly and beat the Spikes 9-2.

This was a  game that had a number of prospects step up and play well.  The first prospect who stood out to me was pitcher Carlos Valdez.  Even though Valdez is old for his league (23).  He pitched a masterful game.  He showed good command, he has a live fastball, a solid curve, and the making of a fringe slider.  Valdez kept the Spikes guessing all night, he finished the night going 6 innings, giving up one run, one walk and he had 8 strikeouts.

The second prospect that stood out to me was centerfielder Patrick Biondi.  Biondi is a very good defensive centerfielder, he displays a lot range and a lot of speed.  At the plate Biondi  works the count, he was 1-for-4, with a walk.  The third prospect that really stood out to me was L.J. Mazzilli.  LJ finished the night 4-for-5 with 2 RBIs and he scored 3 runs.  LJ is able to drive the ball to all parts of the field.  LJ’s defense is solid, he has good range and a solid arm, that will improve has he moves through the system.  The fourth prospect that stood out to me was shortstop Gavin Cecchini.  Gavin went 2-for-5 with one of hits being a double.  Gavin has a good eye at the plate, and he clearly waits for pitches that he can drive.

The final prospect who stood out to me was Matthew Oberste.  Matt has been having a tough season, but last night it seemed like he was regaining his form.  Matt went 3 for 5.  Even though they were all singles, it is a step in the right direction.  Hopefully the power will develop as his shoulder heels.  Matt has been dealing with a sore shoulder all season.

It was a great night at the ball park, as the weather was great, the Cyclones won 9-2 and a number of the Cyclones big name prospects played well, and even a player I was a little unsure about pitched well.  The start of the night was LJ Mazilli with his 4 for 5 night and solid defense.  The sleeper of the night was Carlos Valdez who struck out 8 in 6 innings.  Hopefully these kids like players before them will develop, and contribute to a Mets organization that is turning around.