Scouting Report Ronny Paulino

Ronny Paulino- #9

29 years old (30 in April)
7th major league season
6'3" 250 pounds
Bats R/Throws R

Profile: He was originally signed by the Pirates in 1997 out of the Domincan Republic, and was selected by the Royals in the Rule 5 draft in 2002, but was returned early in 2003. He was traded to the Phillies in 2008, but never played a game for them, and was then shipped to Florida. He received a 50-game PED suspension for taking a diuretic in an effort to lose weight.

Good: He can mash versus lefties, with a career line of .338/.390/.491 in 531 career at bats. He also has a strong arm behind the plate.

Bad: He barely has a .300 OBP versus righties, so he's strictly a platoon player (.245/.301/.335). He also has a lot of work to do to catch up with the time he missed this spring training and learn the pitchers and their tendencies.

Role: Should be a platoon player with Josh Thole with Paulino seeing the majority of time versus LHP.

Last year's stat line: 344 AB, 4 HR, 37 RBI, .260/.311/.354
My 2011 Prediction: 300 AB, 6 HR, 40 RBI, .300/.350/.440 *As long as he just hits versus LHP and not used every day.

Scouting Report Mike Nickeas

Mike Nickeas - #13

28 years old
6th professional season (10 at bats last year)
6'0" 210 pounds
Bats R/Throws R

Profile: Started his professional career in 2004 when he was drafted by the Rangers in the 5th round. He was rated the best defensive catcher in the Rangers system, and was traded to the Mets in 2006 in exchange for Victor Diaz.

Good: He's a career .231 hitter in the minors. His OBP was .334, and slugging .346. Wait that's not good? Hmm, well, he's supposed to be good defensively. He's thrown out 30% of the runners in the minor leagues.

The Bad: See his career slash stats above. He nearly retired after wrist surgery and languishing in the minors for 7 years, but he persisted and made his major league debut in September 2010.

Role: He will be on the 25-man roster for at least 8 games, as Ronny Paulino is serving his PED suspension and his resultant visa problems. Thole will face the RHP, and Nickeas will spot him versus LHP.

Scouting Report Chris Young

Chris Young - #55

He is TALL

31 years old (32 in May)
8th major league season
6'10" 280 pounds
Bats R/Throws R

The good: He throws 1st pitch strikes 60% of the time. He's an extreme fly-ball pitcher (28% GB % for his career). He had a minuscule 0.90 ERA in his 4 starts in September for the Padres (only 20 innings total). And yes...he does appear to smile with every pitch.

The Bad: After numerous injuries, he now throws between 84-86 mph. He's never thrown 180 innings in a season, and only threw 160+ 3 times (last in 2007). His career ERA at home (Petco) = 3.43. Road = 4.16. He's had a BB/9 rate > 4 the past 3 years, which is too much for someone who doesn't miss bats or strike out guys (< 6K/9 in 2009).

He doesn't utilize any of his height. Why??

Role: He was another low-risk signing this off-season, but I don't think he's going to be very effective. Hopefully he stays healthy and can throw 160+ innings, but don't count on it.

My projections: 110 innings, 4.40 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 85 Ks, 55 walks.

Can't understand it...

Video: 3rd base view


1st base view and a hot comebacker.



 This finishes up all the pitcher's scouting reports on the 40-man roster. Next up will be the catchers and infielders. When the 40-man roster is completed, then I will go back and cover the non-roster invites who make the 25-man roster (Isringhausen, Tankersley etc.)

Scouting Report Josh Stinson

Josh Stinson - #64

22 years old (turns 23 tomorrow, March 14)
6th professional season (no major league experience)
6'4" 205 pounds
Bats R/Throws R

Profile: Drafted out of high school, he didn't pitch above A ball until last season. He started to open some eyes at the end of 2009 in high A ball when he was turned into a reliever and he had a sub-2.00 ERA (1.98 in 38 innings). He pitched between AA and AAA last year, and he earned a spot in the AA All-Star game in 2010. He was added to the 40-man roster so he was not eligible to be selected in the Rule 5 draft.

Good: He throws a hard fastball (91-93 mph), with a good slider and curve-ball.

Bad: In the minors, he hasn't been striking out a ton of hitters (5.5 K/9 in 110 innings in AA, 6.75 K/9 in AAA in 28 innings in 2010).

Role: He will probably start the year in AA or AAA, and try to solidify a role in the bullpen in September/future.

Video:
 1st base view


3rd base view

Link: Johan May Miss Season ?

The Bergen Record is making waves this morning/late last night with a report that Johan may be shut down for the season as early asd today.

Read it here: http://www.northjersey.com/sports/031311_Johan_Santanas_season_in_jeopardy_for_the_Mets.html

My Take: Johan may indeed be progressing slowly from the surgery, but in no way would a shut down in Mid-March result in him missing the entire season. The Mets had indicated he would be back late June/early July, but I've said all along that was optimistic. From a Physical Therapists perspective, I've been saying late July/early August, and that time frame is still achievable barring any setbacks. But even just a "Carlos Beltran set-back" (4-5 days off, which doesn't do a whole lot physiologically), would push that time table for a return into August.

Scouting Report Johan Santana

Johan Santana- #57

32 years old today (Happy Birthday Johan!)
11th Major League Season
6'0" 210 pounds
Bats L/Throws L

For 2010 scouting report, click here

The Good: Short arm action and delivers from a three-quarter arm slot. Excellent movement on his fastball which is now 89-90 mph (averaged 89.4 last year, down from 93 in 2006). Has one of the best change-ups in baseball (79 mph), and has a solid slider (82 mph). Very athletic and his fun personality is contagious. He threw first pitch strikes 66% of the time last year. He minimizes walks (2.5 BB/9), and keeps the ball in the yard, especially in the cavernous Citi Field. He had a shiny 2.98 ERA in 2010.

The Bad: Had season-ending shoulder surgery on September 14th; Johan had elbow surgery in September 2009 (2nd time he's had this "clean up" surgery), and this was his 3rd straight year he's had surgery. His K/9 rates have dropped every year from 2004 (10.46 to 7.88 in 2009, to a pedestrian 6.5 K/9). His swing and miss rate has also steadily dropped, from 14% in 2007 to a career low 9.2% (league average is 8.5%), which is not promising. He has turned into a fly ball pitcher, which is ok in Citi Field, but presents a problem on the road, where he let up 13 home runs last year in 110 innings (3 home runs in 89 innings at Citi).

Role: Johan he is the most exciting pitcher on the Mets, and is a treat to watch every single time he is on the mound. He is the clear #1 pitcher on the staff when healthy, but he is just a shell of what he was just a few short years ago, and he is still owed at least 77.5 million over the next 3 years (depending on the buyout of the 2014 season). The word from the Mets is that they expect him back late June/early July; I'd put the target more during August, as my projected innings below will indicate.

2010 Mets Opening Day

My Projected Stats: 60 innings, 10 starts, 3.70 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 55 Ks, 30 Walks.

Last two pitching scouting reports will be posted today: Josh Stinson and Chris Young

2011 Scouting Reports:
Francisco Rodriguez
Armando Rodriguez
Oliver Perez
Mike Pelfrey
Bobby Parnell
Jon Niese
Pat Misch
Jenrry Mejia
Dillon Gee
R.A. Dickey
D.J. Carrasco
Chris Capuano
Taylor Buchholz
Pedro Beato
Manuel Alvarez
Manny Acosta

Scouting Report Francisco Rodriguez

Francisco Rodriguez - #75

29 years old (that's it? I thought he was 32 by now)
10th major league season
6'0" 175 pounds
Bats R/Throws R

To View his 2010 Scouting Report, Click here

The Good: 'Violent' delivery with a rapid, high leg kick. Attacks hitters with 3 above-average pitches: 92 mph fastball with good movement, power curveball with a big 12-6 break, and a swing and miss change-up. Saw his K/9 rate rise back up to 10.5 (from 9.6 in 2009, and highest since 2007). Hitters hit .211 against him last year. His 3.3 BB/9 rate was his best since 2002. He had a 2.20 ERA last year, but no one will remember the 2010 season for how good he pitched. There are also reports from camp that he is throwing his slider again; he last threw it consistently in 2008 with the Angels. The slider was his most effective pitch early in his career.

The Bad: Appeared in 53 games last year, the lowest in his career. His season ended prematurely due to surgery on his thumb as a result of a domestic dispute/assault, pitching in his last game August 14th.

Role: He is the closer for the 2011 Mets, and he is hoping that he finishes 55 games so that the inexcusable option for 17.5 million for 2012 will automatically vest. If he appears in less than 55 games, the Mets need to pay him and a 3.5 million dollar buyout. The Mets need to ensure they don't allow him to get that vested option, but the player's union will be watching this situation closely.

My Projected Stats: 62 innings, 50 games finished, 35 saves, 2.70 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 75 Ks, 26 Walks.


2011 Scouting Reports:
Armando Rodriguez
Oliver Perez
Mike Pelfrey
Bobby Parnell
Jon Niese
Pat Misch
Jenrry Mejia
Dillon Gee
R.A. Dickey
D.J. Carrasco
Chris Capuano
Taylor Buchholz
Pedro Beato
Manuel Alvarez
Manny Acosta

Scouting Report Armando Rodriguez

Armando Rodriguez - #66

23 years old
5th Professional Season
6'2" 185 pounds
Bats R/Throws R

Profile: He was signed as a 19 year old out of the Dominican Republic, and hadn't advanced past short season-A ball for 3 years before turning heads in Savannah (Sally League, Low-A) ball last year in 27 starts. He threw 146 innings, and had 152 strikeouts. He was added to the 40-man roster this year to prevent him from being taken during the rule 5 draft this off-season. He was among the first cuts this week and reassigned to minor league camp. He was ranked 24th by Baseball America's Top Mets Prospects

Good: He led the Sally League in strikeouts last year, had the second lowest BAA (.214), and third in ERA (3.08). He's a strike-thrower who keeps the ball down. He isn't afraid to pitch inside, and has natural deception in his delivery.   His fastball sits from 89-92 mph, with a 86-88mph cutter.

The Bad: He also throws a slider and a change-up, but neither are effective. In order for him to be effective at the higher levels, he needs to develop a better change-up or off-speed pitch.

Role: He will start the year at High-A, and will not pitch for the Mets this season.

Video: He isn't throwing 100% here, but you can see his easy arm action.



Next up: Francisco Rodriguez

Previous 2011 Scouting Reports:
Oliver Perez
Mike Pelfrey
Bobby Parnell
Jon Niese
Pat Misch
Jenrry Mejia
Dillon Gee
R.A. Dickey
D.J. Carrasco
Chris Capuano
Taylor Buchholz
Pedro Beato
Manuel Alvarez
Manny Acosta

Link: Playing Pepper with a Cardinals Blog

Just wanted to direct you guys to a season preview I did as part of the Baseball Bloggers Alliance, and Dan from C70 (a Cardinals blog), sent out a series of questions to Mets bloggers.  This Q/A was done on February 18th, so some things have changed by now (Beltran's knee particularly), but it's still interesting to get eight different perspectives on the Mets off-season and what the projected record would be.

As far as the Mets record for this upcoming year, I had it at 83 wins, but with a standard deviation I would expect between 80-85 wins. It was interesting to see the majority of the bloggers had the same record/range of total wins, with one going below (75-80), and one competing for a wild card.

Check it out here: http://www.cardinal70.com/playing-pepper/playing-pepper-2011-new-york-m.php

And let me know if you agree/disagree with any of my answers.

Scouting Report Oliver Perez 2011

Oliver Perez - #46

29 years old (30 in August)
10th Major League Season
6'3" 205 pounds
Bats L/Throws L

If you want to check out the 2010 scouting report where I was actually expecting something good out of Ollie P, click here. Here was my projected line for Perez last year. 160 innings, 13 wins, 4.40 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 150 Ks, 80 Walks. I was only off by 114 innings, 2.4 on ERA, and .71 on WHIP... (OOPS)

The Good: May be the most expensive left-handed specialist in the majors. Yes, that may be the best that the Mets can get out of Oliver Perez. He is going to make 12 million dollars this year if he pitches 150 innings, 40 innings, or if the Mets release him tomorrow. So why not see if he can get some batters out and be semi-useful. He held lefties to a .214 batting average last year, but he didn't discriminate and walked them equally as he does right-handed hitters.
    
The Bad/ugly: He's thrown 112 1/3 innings combined over the past 2 years. He walked 100 people in those 112 innings. 100. His ERA was over 6.8 each year, and his WHIP was 1.98 and 2.16. His once electric stuff is now 86-88 mph and his off-speed stuff is not sharp.

Role: "same ol' Ollie". We will see if he can focus and not walk lefties and compete versus Tankersley, O'Connor and Brydak for the LOOGY out of the 'pen.

My Projected Stats: 20 innings, 14 walks, and he gets his walking papers.

Next up: A-Rod (and K-Rod, even though he's still not on the 40-man roster), as well as Santana, Stinson and Young to finish up the pitchers this weekend.

Previous 2011 Scouting Reports:
Mike Pelfrey
Bobby Parnell
Jon Niese
Pat Misch
Jenrry Mejia
Dillon Gee
R.A. Dickey
D.J. Carrasco
Chris Capuano
Taylor Buchholz
Pedro Beato
Manuel Alvarez
Manny Acosta

Scouting Report Mike Pelfrey 2011

Mike Pelfrey- #34

27 years old
6th Major League Season
6'7" 230 pounds
Bats R/Throws R

To check out his 2010 scouting report, click here

The Good: Throws a sinking 91-93 MPH fastball, which he can dial it up to 96 MPH (averaged 92 mph last year, lowest of his career). Lead the team in starts and innings in 2009 and 2010, and pitched over 200 innings for the 2nd time in his career in 2010. He added a split-finger to act as a change-up last year, and posted his career best ERA, 3.66.  Is known as a ground-ball pitcher, but only slightly. He's had less BB/9 than league average the past 3 years (3.0BB/9 in 2010)

Big Pelf isn't so big anymore with C Young around

The Bad: The biggest knock against "Big Pelf" is that he can't strike hitters out, and last year was no exception. His K/9 rate was below 5, and his career average is 5.1K/9. He simply doesn't have the ability to miss bats, and hitters only swung and miss 6% of the time last year; as a reference, league average was 8.5%. Still throws his fastball a lot (69%), because his slider is still a below-average major league pitch, and even though he added and threw his split finger last year (14% of the time), it wasn't a league average pitch. He started to throw a curve-ball a little more last year (5.5%) and that was a decent pitch for him. He also has big home/road splits, with a 2.82 ERA at Citi Field, but a 4.95 ERA on the road, and he allowed twice the number of HRs in 44 fewer innings while averaging less than 6 innings per start on the road.

Role: Opening Day Starter, but only in the sense he is starting on April 1st. He would be a #3 or 4 starter on a playoff team, but he gets the distinction because of the lack of Mets starting pitching depth. His most comparable player was Bobby Jones in 1996, and others on his top 10 included: Scott Erickson 1994, and Joe Blanton 2007. All serviceable major league pitchers, but no "opening day starters."

There's that tongue again

My Projected Stats: 200 innings, 12 wins, 4.25 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 110 Ks, 70 Walks

2011 Scouting Reports:
Bobby Parnell
Jon Niese
Pat Misch
Jenrry Mejia
Dillon Gee
R.A. Dickey
D.J. Carrasco
Chris Capuano
Taylor Buchholz
Pedro Beato
Manuel Alvarez
Manny Acosta

2011 Scouting Report Bobby Parnell

Bobby Parnell - #39

26 years old (27 in September)
4th major league season
6'4" 200 pounds
Bats R/Throws R

To view his 2010 scouting report, click here

The Good: One of the hardest throwers in the organization, throwing a sinking fastball between 95-98 mph. His fastball averaged 96.5 MPH, up from 94 mph in 2009. Also throws a plus slider, which doubled the league average for swing and misses. Returned to being a a ground-ball pitcher last year, which he was in the minors. Had a 2.83 ERA last year out of the bullpen in 35 innings for the Mets (he also appeared in 41 innings for the Buffalo Bisons). He had the best control of his career with the Mets last year, walking only 2 per 9 innings, which when coupled with his 8.5K/9, and 10.5% swing and a miss rate, represents a great year.

The Bad: He had a tougher time with lefties last year then in the past (lefties hit .327 against him last year), and he all but got rid of his change-up, so he's a two-pitch pitcher.

Role: He went from starting the year last year in AAA, to being the 8th inning guy this spring training, and the "closer-of-the-future." As long as he can minimize his walks, he should have another great year.

My projected Stats: 80 innings, 1.40 WHIP, 3.50 ERA, 70 Ks, 28 BB

2011 Scouting Reports:
Jon Niese
Pat Misch
Jenrry Mejia
Dillon Gee
R.A. Dickey
D.J. Carrasco
Chris Capuano
Taylor Buchholz
Pedro Beato
Manuel Alvarez
Manny Acosta

2011 Scouting Report Jon Niese

Jonathon Niese - #49

24 years old
4th major league season (38 games)
6'4" 215 pounds
Bats L/ Throws L

To read Niese's 2010 scouting report, click here.

Profile: His plus pitch is supposed to be his 12-6 curve-ball, but inconsistent mechanics last year limited it's effectiveness. He also tends to throw it low as a strike out pitch and hitters have learned to lay off it. His fastball is around 90mph, and he relies on a cutter (85 mph) which has late movement, and it was by far his most effective pitch last year. He will occasionally show a change-up (81 mph), but only threw it 2-3 times a game. He pounds the strike zone (except with his curve-ball, which often misses low). He is a ground-ball pitcher.

The Good: Going into September, he was throwing very well and exceeding expectations for a 23 year old in his first full big league season. He minimized the long ball, and was striking out 2.6 times the amount he was walking. He finished the year with a 4.20 ERA and 1.46 WHIP, but a lot of that can be attributed to his September swoon.

The Bad:  Had inconsistent mechanics at times throughout the year, and it especially reared its ugly head in September. Showing obvious signs of fatigue, he shifted his arm slot, which took away his plus curve ball, and he also began to lose his command. His September numbers were scary: 25 1/3 innings, 7.11 ERA, W/9 rose to 4.91 (causing his K/W ratio to be 1.71), and his WHIP was 1.97. For it to happen once is ok, but if this becomes a recurring theme...

Are they talking about being inconsistent?

Projected Role: Niese was drafted in the seventh round back in 2005. He is penciled in as the 3rd starter as his upside for a good team, but this year he will be the #2/#3, especially until Santana comes back.

My Projected Stats: 185 innings, 4.00 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 155 Ks, 60 walks.

Video from the 3rd base side:


Another video from his 2nd bullpen in Spring Training this year, same angle:


2011 Previous Scouting Reports:
Pat Misch
Jenrry Mejia
Dillon Gee
R.A. Dickey
D.J. Carrasco
Chris Capuano
Taylor Buchholz
Pedro Beato
Manuel Alvarez
Manny Acosta

Beltran Sore, Will Not Play Today

As many of you are aware, Carlos Beltran played in his first spring training game yesterday as a DH and had 3 at-bats. The reports after the game was that he was excited he was seeing the ball well etc, and he even scored on a single to RF from 2nd base (just as he's expected to, but nonetheless).

Now today he reports to camp and tells Terry Collins he's sore, so he will not be playing today. There are a lot of varying degrees of "sore", and at this point in time there is no reason to push him to play today. BUT if he can't handle 3 at bats without playing the field, how is he going to be ready in less than a month to play 9 innings in the field multiple days in a row?

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming...Let's Go Mets

2011 Scouting Report, 40-Man Roster, Pat Misch

Pat Misch- #48

29 years old (30 in August)
5th major league season
6'2" 195 pounds
Bats R/Throws L

For his 2010 scouting report, click here.

Profile: Started his career with the Giants, but was designated for assignment after going 0-7 combined in the big leagues in 2007 and 2008. His major league career win lose record is 3-15 (he was 11-4 in AAA last year before going 0-4 in September with the Mets).

The Good: Threw a CG shutout for the Mets during the last week of the 2009 season. Yes that is his major league career highlight. He has good control (2.4 W/9 in the majors, even lower in the minors) but has just mediocre stuff - mid 80s fastball, decent change, as well as a slider and curve. Tries to be portrayed as "Tom Glavine lite".  

 The Bad: He is a finesse lefty who doesn't miss bats (poor 5.1 strikeouts per nine innings in his career). His fastball velocity has dropped from 88 in 2007 to now 85.7 mph.

Role: He is out of options, so would have to clear waivers to go down to Buffalo.  He is a low-cost option for a fifth starter on a team that doesn't have the money to spend/doesn't plan on winning 90 games this year. Is he going to hurt the team by making 25 starts? No. But it wouldn't be a real big loss if he doesn't make the team and is claimed off of waivers either. As stated earlier, he is little margin for error and very little upside. Right now the Mets seem to have him as the long man out of the bullpen/spot starter.

Here is video from this year:


Did you notice on the video how he doesn't work in a straight line? He actually closes off his hips, and makes it very difficult to get any torque from his hips that way. Maybe that's part of the reason he is now throwing only 86 mph?

And as a special bonus, here is a video from last year from the archives.


He seemed to be working in a straight line last year...

2011 Scouting Reports:
Jenrry Mejia
Dillon Gee
R.A. Dickey
D.J. Carrasco
Chris Capuano
Taylor Buchholz
Pedro Beato
Manuel Alvarez
Manny Acosta

2011 Scouting Report, 40-man Roster- Jenrry Mejia

Jenrry Mejia- #32

21 years old
2nd major league season (5th professional season)
6'0" 160 pounds (someone weighs less than Acosta)
Bats R/Throws R

Profile: He didn't start playing baseball until he was 15, and did so only because he saw how much money he could make. The Mets signed him for $17,500, and he was thrilled; it beat shining shoes every day for $8. His development last year was inexcusably halted as Jerry Manuel and Omar Minaya were trying to save their jobs and realized he could help the major league job as a reliever instead of developing him into an ace of the future. He missed time twice last year due to an injury, which isn't much of a surprise when you look at his mechanics. Still, he has pure talent, and is the #1 prospect in the Mets system.

Good: Plus-plus fastball that sits 94-97 and has a ton of sinking movement. He loves it though, and threw it 76% of the time last year. He also throws a plus change 86-88 mph with plenty of late fade, and a plus curve 79-81 mph (but he's inconsistent with his release point). Due to his heavy fastball, he is able to produce plenty of ground-balls.

Where is his Right Arm? You should be able to see it...this is referred to hyperabduction, and this puts a pitcher at a high risk for future injury

Bad: His career high in innings is 94, and last year he only threw 81 due to the mismanagement/injuries. There are some concerns about his future ability to throw 200 innings/be a front-end starter, or if his body type would be better suited in the bullpen. His K/9 rate with the Mets last year was 5K/9 and his W/9 was 4.6. NOT GOOD. Due to the high number of walks, his WHIP was 1.69. And even though he has great "stuff", he had below league average swing and misses (7.4% versus league average of 8.5%). How much of this needs to be written off because he was 20 years old?

He also doesn't use his front side as leverage at all; so more stress is being transmitted/absorbed by his right elbow/shoulder. This and the hyperabuction noted above are two strikes...

Role: He is ticketed to be a starter in Buffalo, as the Mets will try to safely increase his innings total this year, with a target of 125 I would think to prevent a significant innings jump. He also needs to work on control/command of his secondary pitches and gain confidence so when he does return to the majors, he doesn't throw his fastball 75% of the time.

Future role: I used the comparison of Mejia to J Isringhausen to someone recently; he was tried as a starter, but ultimately his body/mechanics couldn't handle the stresses, and he moved to the bullpen. Unless the Mets spend a lot of time reworking this young man's delivery (and they've shown no foresight that they will do this), I don't foresee him being able to throw 200 innings each year.

Video: Yes I was completely impressed and excited when I saw Mejia throw during Spring Training, but when I slowed the video down/looked at the pictures, I was scared/shocked at how poor his mechanics are.

3rd base view 2011.


I hope I'm wrong and he stays healthy/the Mets realize they have a special talent and need to rework his delivery to prevent him from having two shoulder injuries again this year.

Previous 2011 Scouting Reports:
Dillon Gee
R.A. Dickey
D.J. Carrasco
Chris Capuano
Taylor Buchholz
Pedro Beato
Manuel Alvarez
Manny Acosta

Scouting Reports that will be posted this week: Misch, Niese, Parnell, Pelfrey, Perez.
As an FYI, all the pitchers on the 40-man roster will be finished by this time next week, as the weekend will once again feature four scouting reports: A Rodriguez, J Santana, Stinson, and C Young. 

Feel free to post any comments/questions in regards to what you'd like to see more/less of with these reports.

2011 Scouting Report 40-man roster, Dillon Gee

Dillon Gee- #35

24 years old (25 in April)
2nd major league season (5th professional season)
6'1" 200 pounds
Bats R/Throws R

Profile: Drafted in 2007 in the 21st round out of University of Texas-Arlington, and signed for $20,000. Although he doesn't have the best 'stuff', which will be described below, he is a fierce competitor. He opted for rehab instead of surgery on a slight labral tear which ended his 2009 season, but returned last year to throw 194 innings between AAA and 5 starts with the Mets in September.
 
The Good: He had great strikeout rates in AAA last year, which were the best of his minor league career (9.2K/9). He also minimized walks (2.3 W/9) in AAA in a 161 innings. He then started five games for the Mets in September and had a shiny 2.18 ERA and 1.21 WHIP, which gave a lot of Mets fans hope.

"Stuff": Below average fastball (89-91) with good command (except when he got to the majors), a plus change-up (81-82 mph), and mixes in a slider (79-81 mph) and 'slurvy' curve (72 mph), although from my look at spring training, he is trying out a knuckle-curve.

The Bad: He has below average velocity (88-91mph) and fringe stuff for a right-handed major leaguer. He has little margin for error, so he can get hit hurt if he can't locate his pitches. He was very prone to the long ball last year, and let up 23 HR in 161 innings in AAA, which was the 2nd most in the International League. Also of concern, was in his 33 major league innings in September, he walked 15 and only struck out 17; that's a recipe for disaster. He was ranked #22 and #23 on the Mets prospect list last year, and is listed as #16 this year with Baseball America, and #18 on Baseball Prospectus.

Projected Role: A "crafty righty"/a fringe major leaguer/long man/AAAA pitcher.

Video from Spring Training: Based on my knowledge about Gee from last year, I didn't feel it was necessary to spend much time watching him throw his bullpen this year. But here is a short clip from the 3rd base side.



2011 Previous Scouting Reports:
R.A. Dickey
D.J. Carrasco
Chris Capuano
Taylor Buchholz
Pedro Beato
Manuel Alvarez
Manny Acosta

Next Scouting Report: J Mejia