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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John Mincone – P

DOB – 7/03/1989

Bats/Throws – Left/Left

2013 Total Stats – 18.1 IP, 1.47 ERA, 15K, 2-1

2013 Review:

This was Mincone’s second season in the Mets’ system and the Brooklyn Cyclones.  Originally drafted by the Cubs in 2009, he was released by the organization after tearing his ACL and after a year in the independent leagues, he signed a minor league deal with the Mets in 2012.  Mincone saw a drop in his work this season, after pitching 29.2 innings in 2012 he only threw for 18.1 innings in 2013.  His work, however, didn’t suffer.  He pitched to a 1.47 ERA and still struck out 15 batters in his limited action.  The stat that I appreciate the most is his walk total.  In his entire 18.1 innings of work he allowed just one base-on-ball.

Prospect Outlook:

Mincone is a little old for the level he is competing in, but he has had a plethora of injuries dating back to his high school days.  What the pitching prospect has going for him is the fact that he is a south paw.  What is going to get him to the bigs is a clean bill of health, and his usefulness as a lefty specialist.  On paper I like what I see from Mincone.  He has kept his walks to a minimum while striking out a fair amount of batters over the last two years.

2014 Outlook:

Barring any setbacks to his health, I anticipate he will get the opportunity to pitch in Savannah.  Keeping himself healthy is number one for his success.  He is in a position in baseball that probably faces the most adversity.  A lefty reliever who’s job is to come in during the middle of a game/inning, and get guys out, no matter if the bases are juiced or empty.  Given the amount of setbacks he has had in his career, his display of resilience should show coaches that he has a great mentality to be a serviceable reliever.  He has the numbers the past two years to support his ability, all he needs to do is get to the mound healthy whenever the bullpen phone rings for him.

(Photo Courtesy Of:  Brooklyn Daily Eagle)

(Stats Courtesy Of:  milb.com)