Last week, according to Baseball America the Mets signed right-handed pitcher Joseph Zanghi to a minor league deal. Zanghi was drafted by the Reds in the 24th round in the 2015 draft out of Cumberland County College in New Jersey but did not sign with Cincinnati.

The 21-year old started his college playing career at Southern New Hampshire University where he split time between catching and pitching as a freshman. He transferred to Cumberland County for the 2015 season and excelled as a pitcher going 6-3 with a 1.71 ERA with 81 strikeouts compared to just 20 walks in 63.2 innings. He has a solid frame already at 6’2 and 225 pounds.

Joe flew down to Port St. Lucie last weekend and he expected to throw his first bullpen for the Mets today.

MMN – First off, thanks for taking the time and welcome to the Mets organization. When did the deal fall through with the Reds and how soon after did the Mets begin showing interest in signing you?

Joe – Over the summer the deal fell through, my agent actually set up a bullpen to throw in front of JP (Ricciardi) in January. That’s when the interest really started but at that point there was a bunch of teams involved and I felt that the Mets were the best opportunity for me.

MMN – What made you want to sign with the Mets?

Joe – The way that they have produced great pitchers. They took guys like Syndegard Harvey and developed them into the pitchers they are and to have the opportunity to work with the same guys that they did I think can bring out the best in my potential. Also as a kid me and my best friend were at Mets games in our Mets jerseys and dreamed of being on the field doing the same, and to have that chance to live that dream made it a pretty easy decision.

MMN – Oh wow that is awesome, didn’t realize you were a Mets fan. How far away from were you grew up is where Matt Harvey lived?

Joe – 50 minutes, I’m from Milford CT. There’s a video of him hitting an absolute bomb at Our cross town rival on YouTube.

MMN – Being a Mets fan, who were your favorites players growing up?

Joe – Mike Piazza and Jose Reyes were always my favorites to watch.

MMN – You are fairly new to catching right? After starting out as a catcher.

Joe – Well, right out of high school I went to Uconn then transferred mid year, I pitched one game in all of my high school career and caught throughout high school.

MMN – How did the full time change to pitching come about?

Joe – Last year at my junior college about a week before the season started I strained my oblique and it was impossible to swing a bat for me without pain. It wouldn’t hurt when I threw so it just kind of came about to throw me on the mound.

MMN – What was the feeling like to go from being a catcher to being drafted as a pitcher in such a short period?

Joe – To be honest, I hated having to give up hitting, but I think it was a blessing in disguise for it to happen the way it did. Being drafted was a great feeling for the day, but then you realize the completion and the guys you’ll be going up against and understood that I needed to go right back to work because the draft is really just the first step.

MMN – Can you talked to me about what pitches you throw and how you like to go about getting hitters out?

Joe – Honestly depends on the hitter, first pitch you get a gauge on there tendencies and there timing and I would go from there, lots of two-seamers and sliders to righties for out pitch and changeups to lefties.

MMN – What type of changeup? Do you pay attention to the radar readings at all or is that something you don’t worry about?

Joe – Circle change, by the end of the year I was consistent 94-97 but it’s not really something I ever read into.

MMN – What are you goals and expectations for your first season in pro ball?

Joe – Expectation wise I intend to become a pitcher, body wise and workout wise I’ve been a catcher so to go down focusing on just being a pitcher I think will really benefit me. I always set my expectations for myself I little bit too high but I’m just ready to compete and show what I can do.

MMN – Thanks again for answering our questions and good luck this year!

Another great job by the Mets and their scouting department finding some talent outside of the premium rounds. Tough not to like a prospect who is only one year into pitching and is already in the 94-97 MPH range with his fastball. Always easy to root for a guy in the Mets system who grew up a fan of the Amazins.

You can follow the new Met on twitter here: @Zanghi13