Future Amazins: Top 10 Mets prospects
New York Mets' Fernando Martinez swings at a pitch by Boston Red Sox's John Lackey in the third inning of a spring training baseball game in Fort Myers, Fla. (March 17, 2010) Credit: AP
TOP FIVE POSITION PLAYERS
WILMER FLORES, 18, SS, signed as non-drafted free agent, 2007.
Last year: Savannah (A). This year: St. Lucie (A). Projected MLB date: 2012.
Strong, precocious teen who is likely to switch to second base or corner outfield spot.
FERNANDO MARTINEZ, 21, OF, signed as non-drafted free agent, 2005.
Last year: Buffalo (AAA). This year: Buffalo (AAA). Projected MLB date: 2010.
Showed increased maturity in spring training. If F-Mart can stay healthy, has star potential.
IKE DAVIS, 20, 1B, drafted 2008, first round (18).
Last year: Binghamton (AA). This year: Buffalo (AAA). Projected MLB date: 2010.
Showed this spring that he's ahead of schedule. Big-time power, smooth glove. Should be full-time starter by 2011.
JOSH THOLE, 23, C, drafted 2005, 13th round.
Last year: Mets. This year: Buffalo (AAA). Projected MLB date: 2011.
Solid lefthanded bat but needs work defensively, especially his arm.
REESE HAVENS, 23, 2B, drafted 2008, first round (22).
Last year: St. Lucie (A). This year: Binghamton (AA). Projected MLB date: 2011.
A converted shortstop, Havens has rare power for a middle infielder.
TOP 5 PITCHERS
JENRRY MEJIA, 20, RHP, signed as non-drafted free agent, 2007.
Last year: Binghamton (AA). This year: Buffalo (AAA). Projected MLB date: 2010.
Natural cut on fastball draws comparisons to Mariano Rivera. Enough said.
JON NIESE, 23, LHP, drafted 2007, seventh round.
Last year: Mets. This year: Mets. Projected MLB date: 2010.
Speedy recovery from hamstring surgery has him situated to be No. 5 starter, 12-6 curveball is best pitch.
BRAD HOLT, 23, RHP, drafted 2008, first round (supplemental, 33).
Last year: Binghamton (AA). This year: Binghamton (AA). Projected MLB date: 2011.
Dominant fastball. Once he develops secondary pitches, he'll be on fast track.
JUAN URBINA, 16, LHP, signed as non-drafted free agent, 2009.
Last year: -- This year: GCL Mets (R). Projected MLB date: 2014.
Son of former closer Ugueth Urbina, Juan has high ceiling with fastball that's touched 90 and developing curve.
STEVEN MATZ, 18, LHP, drafted 2009, second round.
Last year: -- This year: GCL Mets (R). Projected MLB date: 2014.
Has reached mid-90s with fastball, which is great starting point for young lefty from Long Island.
