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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Joe Tuschak – OF
DOB: 10/17/1992
Bats/Throws: Left/Right
2013 Total Stats: .271/.313/.376, 7 Doubles, 3 Triples, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 4 SB, 228 PA
2013 Review:
Joe Tuschak, who at only 18 years old, was signed by the Mets in 2011 out of Northern High School in Dillsburg, PA. He played his third year in the Mets organization in 2013 and his second straight season with the Kingsport Mets (Rookie). This past season he played in ten more games and recorded 80 more at bats, and nearly doubled most of his key offensive numbers from the previous season. Tuschak did walk less (only 10 times compared to 21 in 2012) and his strike out total did go from 49 to 50, which might have been from being more aggressive at the plate. On the defensive side, he had 70 chances, with an assist, one error, and a .986 FLD% in 51 games while mostly playing left field.
Prospect Outlook:
Now at just twenty years old, Tuschak has grown up very quickly in three seasons with the organization and has continued to develop into a prospect to watch. He showed some pop in 2013 and with only 80 more at bats, he put up some good numbers, not to mention solid defense in the outfield. He has put himself into a good position, with 2014 being a new season to prove that he can continue to learn and grow.
2014 Prediction:
2014 will be a big test for Tuschak. If the Mets are happy with his production so far, then he should be promoted to Brooklyn (A-) so he can continue with his development. He made a huge jump from 2012 to 2013 when he added more pop to his repertoire and that should be enough for him to make the jump to Class A ball. I really like his maturity and that he understands the areas of his game that he needs to work on. In a recent interview with him, he stated that he wanted to focus on his base running this off season, which could add another dimension to his growing abilities. With so many prospects doing well their first full seasons in pro ball, it’s easy to think that it will continue, but it takes a special type of player to reach his dreams, and I think that Tuschak has the work ethic to help him to achieve his goals. 2014 will be a special year for him and just the start of whats to come.
Prospects On The Fringe:
(Photo Credit: Allen Greene/For The Sentinel)
Hi David, I hope I have the opportunity to meet you one day. Best wishes for you and your family in 2014.
FYI, Joey graduated in 2011…same year he got drafted and same day as graduation! It was quite a year…so exciting.
Ms. Tuschak, it would be my honor for me to have the opportunity to meet you. You have raised a fine young man with a great talent. Based on my opportunity to interview him and just communicate with him since, I can tell he is on the right track and will continue to experience success in his life. It’s my pleasure to share Joey’s journey.
Thank you for the Tidbit, and I can only imagine the excitement that you and your family felt the day he was drafted to play pro baseball. Being a lifelong baseball fan, having played baseball as a youngster, and now the opportunity to share my passion for writing, I understand the excitement of watching a dream unfold before my eyes. Great success for Joey always.