As the New York Mets look for their first series sweep of the year tonight against the Atlanta Braves, the Mets 4 minor league affiliates (currently in season), completed their own affiliate sweep today going 4-0 on Sunday afternoon, wrapping up a very good week for 3 of the 4 clubs.  The excitement in the third week of baseball stems not only from the games themselves, but also the arrival and departure of some very notable players.  

In what was undoubtedly the biggest promotion of a Mets home grown prospect since Wright or Reyes, Ike Davis was called up to the New York Mets on Monday the 19th and has not disappointed. Ike is batting a cool .350 in 20 AB over six games, including one Mammoth homerun out to the newly named Shea Bridge, while collecting two RBIs.  Mike Jacobs was subsequently DFA'd and made his arrival in Buffalo known, going 3 for 6 today with a homerun in his first game for the Bison.  Two other top 10 Met prospects, Brad Holt (P) – Binghamton and Jeffrey Marte (3B) – Savannah returned from injuries and played their first respective games.  More to come on them later in the article.

BUFFALO BISON
(Triple A, International League)

RECORD:   Overall – (10-7) 2nd place in Northern Division — Week 3 – (4-3)

BATTING RANK:  5th out  of 14 teams

PITCHING RANK:   3rd out of 14 teams

Despite losing Mr. Davis to the Mets early in the week, the team actually jumped up from 11th to 5th place in the league in batting with a .272 team batting average.  The team has continued to pitch very well as a whole with a team ERA of 3.26 allowing a total of only 55 earned runs on the year.  Buffalo is the only team to have pitched a complete game in the league, which came from R.A Dickey.  Individually, the players are all coming into their own after a few slow starts from some of the bigger names.  Thole and Tejada were both below the mendoza line after the first few weeks, but have shown some promise raising their averages.  Tejada especially has jumped from .080 to .233 in 7 games.  FMart continues to show signs of life as well raising his average to .268.  Fernando has not played since Friday night, and although I have not heard any information on him regarding an injury, this may be something to keep an eye out for.  Hopefully we'll see him in the lineup tomorrow night, as an injury-free season for Martinez is crucial in his development.  One other note – Manny Acosta was promoted to big leagues and is currently being used out of the pen in replacement of Igarashi who was placed on the 15 day DL due to a hamstring injury.

MVP of the Week:  The batter of the week goes to lead-off man, Jason Pridie who's seen his average raise .56 points to .306 on the season.  Over this period Pridie is 12 for 30 (.400) with 4 extra base hits including one homerun and 9 RBIs.  His strikeout totals are still higher than he would like but he is showing that he could be a very valuable asset on the Mets bench over such guys as Cattalanotto and GMJ.

Pitcher of the Week:  Goes to veteran knuckle-baller, RA Dickey.  Dickey had two starts this week and went 8 innings while allowing only 2 ER in each start.  The most impressive stat for me is that in those 16 innings, he has only allowed one walk and has recorded 7 strikeouts.  Whether or not  Dickey is capable of producing these numbers still in the majors is yet to be determined and he will most likely not receive the chance this year as guys like Takahashi, Gee and Nieve would most likely get the call in case of injuries.

Week in Preview:  The Bison conclude a 6 game road trip with the series finale tomorrow in Pawtucket, before returning home for an 8 game stand against the Durham Bulls and Louisville Bats.

BINGHAMTON B-METS
(Double A, Eastern League)

RECORD:  Overall – (10-8) 2nd in the Eastern Division — (Week 3) – (4-3) 

BATTING RANK:  1st out of 12 teams

PITCHING RANK:  11th out of 12 teams

Like their big brother Bison, the B-Mets completed the week with a 4 and 3 record.  This is a very streaky team in regards to both hitting and pitching as evident by their team rankings.  They are capable of putting large chunks of runs on the board at one time scoring 25 runs over a two game stretch against Portland early in the week.  At the same time they are very capable of having large chunks of runs put on the board against them as well giving up 10 runs the next night against the Fisher Cats.  They appear to be pitching better as of late and one of the main reasons they have been so poor, is the starting rotation experiment with Eddie Kunz who has gotten lit up in starts with an ERA over 10.  Zack Lutz and Nick Evans continue to dominate at the plate.  After being named Player of the week last week, Evans has shown absolutely no signs of slowing down.  Lutz is currently tied for 1st in the league with 5 homeruns and Lucas Duda leads the league with 18 RBIs, followed closely in second by Nick Evans with 16 ribbies.  One of the bigger stories for Binghamton was the return of highly touted pitcher, Brad Holt.  Holt was obviously on a short least, pitching only 2 innings.  He allowed 1 earned run on 3 hits including 2 Ks.  I don't think that there is any doubt that having Holt back in the rotation will help out their overall team ERA.

MVP of the Week:  Goes to Captain Kirk Niewenhuis!  Capo has been red hot raising his average to .321 over the last week from .275.  He has gone 12 for 32 (.375), including a 5 for 6 night in Portland with 2 doubles a homerun and 4 RBIs.  Kirk's stock has really risen since last year, even being added to the Met's top ten prospects list by many scouts.

Pitcher of the Week:  Although not overpowering this week, Scott Shaw has been on the receiving end of 2 B-Met victories this week, now with a personal record of (3-0).  Shaw has pitched 11 2/3 innings this week giving up a total of 5 runs.  The second of his starts (on Saturday) was increasingly promising as he lasted 6 2/3 cut down his # of walks.

Week in Preview:  Binghamton is in the middle of a 6 game homestand and they welcome in the Portland SeaDogs tomorrow for a 3 game set.  Binghamton just took 2 of 3 from them in Maine this past week.  Next they will be traveling to Akron Ohio, to take on the Aeros for 3 before finishing the trip in Erie.

PORT ST. LUCIE METS
(Single A Advanced, Florida State League)

RECORD:  Overall – (7-9) 5th in the South Division — Week 3 – (3-4)

BATTING RANK:  4th out of 12 teams

PITCHING RANK:  12th out of 12 teams

St. Lucie is really having a rough go at it with their pitching.  They are the bottom-feeders in both Team ERA at 5.11 and runs allowed at 97 in 16 games (16 of which have been unearned).  As mentioned in my first post, the rotation has a lot of potential with some young raw arms, but right now they are just getting hit early and hard.  Their offense has been surprisingly good to start the year, leading the league with 14 team homeruns, spread out amongst 9 different players.  Richard Lucas who has been gaining a lot of praise from scouts down in florida as of late and leads the team with 3 homers.  He had, up until today, been in a dismal 0-20 streak but broke out of that today against Bradenton with 4 hits including a homerun and 2 RBIs.  Andy Green made his return on Saturday and is batting .333 in two games.

MVP of the Week:  Goes to the big Australian first baseman, Stefan Welch.  Over the last week, Welch has gone 10 for 25 hitting at a .400 clip.  He has had at least 2 hits, scored 1 run and driven in 1 run, in each of his last three games.  On the year, he is batting .353 w/ runners in scoring position in 17 opportunities with 11 RBIs.

Pitcher of the week:  For two weeks in a row, the 25 year old closer Manuel Alvarez gets the honors.  Last week he recorded 4 saves.  This week he recorded another save but also got 2 wins.  He is the league leader in ERA, at 0.00 in 11 1/3 innings and 3rd with a WHIP of 0.78.  If he keeps putting up #'s like this, he won't be leaving this spot any time soon.

Week in Preview:  The Mets finish their series with the Marauders tomorrow in St. Lucie before going on a short 3 game road trip to Charlotte and then return home for a 3 game set with the Miracle of Ft. Myers.

SAVANNAH SAND GNATS
(Single A Low, South Atlantic League)

RECORD:  Overall – (12-6) 1st in the Southern Division — Week 3 – (6-1)

BATTING RANKS:  5th out of 14 teams

PITCHING RANKS:  2nd out of 14 teams

Savannah has been on an absolute tear as of the last week.  Before their current series with Hickory started this weekend, the Sand Gnats had been on an 8 game road trip and went 6-2.  This includes a 4 game series against the Augusta Green Jackets who happen to share 1st place with Savannah at 12-6.  The Gnats took the first 3 games of the series before losing the finale.  During the 3 wins, the Gnats outscored the Jackets by a score of 36 to 11.  An impressive offensive performance especially in the house of the league leaders.  The pitching staff continues to impress led by James Fuller and Mark Cohoon, eaching sporting ERAs under 2.  Lefty pitcher Darin Gorski has pitched great as well, returning now to the bullpen after getting a chance to start last week. 

After not hitting any homeruns over the first 2 weeks, the Gnats put up five over the past week, including two from Stud Wilmer Flores.  2/3rds of the starting lineup is batting over .270, led again by Flores.  Catcher Kai Groanuer and centerfielder Rafael Fernandez continue to rake each batting over .300 followed closely by speedy OF Zapata and 2B Alonzo Harris.  The Gnats did receive a boost when 3rd base prospect Jeffrey Marte returned to the team after missing the first few weeks with an injury.  Marte has had a very rough time though to start as he is only 1 for 19 in his first 5 games of action.  When he gets going, the tandem of Flores and Marte is going to be very fun to watch.

MVP of the Week:  No surprise here, Wilmer Flores is an absolute animal.  Flores is currently in amidst of a 10 game hitting streak in which he is batting an impressive .381.  Amazingly prior to today's game, he had doubled in 5 straight games as well.  He leads the team with 17 RBIs and continues to impress everyone who comes across his path.

Pitcher of the Week:  Much like Mr. Flores, James Fuller continues to get it done since the beginning of the season on the mound.  Fuller earned 2 more victories this week and is now 3-1 on the year.  In 14.2 innings this week, Fuller gave up 3 ERs while striking out 12 and walking only two.  We'll see this time next week if he can stay here for a 3rd week in a row.

Week in Preview:  Savannah will remain at home with two more games against the Hickory Crawdads.  After that the Lexington Legends come in for 4 game series.

As always, for more information about all of the Met's Minor league affiliates come check out the Minor Mets section of the Metsparadise forum for all game and series threads as well as a whole lot more.

The beginning of the Mets baseball season now means three significant things are on their way in my life:  1.)  My wife (recently converted Yankee fan) and I no longer have to discuss whether or not we will be watching Bridezillas or South Park, as Mets games now prevail.  2.)  My local liquor store will be receiving a steady dose of my friend Phil and I's dolla dolla bills ya'll.  And finally 3.)  Minor league baseball is right around the corner.

Now Minor league baseball will probably not jump out at many fans and scream in their faces "EXCITEMENT" and "AWESOMENESS", but there is no denying that the minor leagues don't stir up passionate play and fans.  Below is a list of the average amount of money that a minor leaguer will make:

Class AAA–First year: $2,150/month, after first year no less than $2,150/month

Class AA-First year: $1,500/month, after first year no less than $1,500/month

Class A (full season)–First year: $1,050/month, after first year no less than $1,050/month

Class A (short-season)–First year: $850/month, after first year no less than $850/month

Dominican & Venezuelan Summer Leagues–no lower than $300/month

Meal Money: $20 per day at all levels, while on the road.”

We're basically talking about a 40-50 K paycheck per year if you are lucky enough to make it up to Triple A.  These guys aren't going out there night after night raking in a couple $100,000 per homerun like some of today's major league players, instead they are fighting  to make their big league dreams come true.  These are guys who care and play with a passion for the game.  Fans in small cities ranging from Billings, Montana to Burlington, Vermont get the chance to share in America's past time and root for their home team.  Now the New York farm system has long been criticized for it's lack of depth and out right busts.  In the recent years, Omar Minaya and others have been able to resurrect the system through international free agent signings, despite their mostly inept drafting skills.  Their inability to recognize the importance in drafting overslot to comply with Mr. Selig, has given critics plenty of reasons to dropkick the system in the face, but whether you like him or not, Omar deserves some praise for building the farms into an exciting proposition.  These reasons, as well as many others make the Mets minor league seasons, the perfect compliment to the major leagues.

April 8th, 2010 marked the opening day for four of the Mets six minor league affiliates:  (Buffalo Bisons, Binghamton B-Mets, St. Lucie Mets, and the Savannah Sand Gnats).   This post marks the first of many weekly roundups of the Mets minor league teams brought to you by the internet's #1 source for mets news:  metsparadise.  (The views of Ryan Fischer stating that  metsparadise is the # 1 site in the world are all true…..in his opinion as well as many others he's spoken to).

BUFFALO BISONS – (Triple A – International League)

RECORD: 6-4  (through Apr. 18th) – 2nd place in North Division

ROSTER: (click name for link to entire roster)

BATTING RANK: 11th out of 14 teams

PITCHING RANK: 1st out of 14 teams

Much like their parent counterpart, the Buffalo Bisons have struggled mightily to score runs early on this year.  The reason for the early on success is quite apparent as they currently lead the International league with an astounding 2.18 era through their first 10 games, over .80 points lower than the next team.  The starting rotation is spattered with both young farm hands and seasoned minor league veterans including: (Tobi Stoner, Dillon Gee, R.A. Dickey, Bobby Livingston and Pat Misch).  Three of which we may be seeing with the big boys sooner than later. 

Despite their ineptitude in driving in runs, the middle of the Bison's lineup has been blistering to start the season.  Ike Davis (I love you), Mike Hessman and Chris Carter have combined for 20 of the 32 RBI's the team has this year, which comes out to over 60 %.  All three also have slugging percentages over .575.  Other notable minor leaguers such as the almighty F-Mart and Omir Santos have gotten off to slow starts but are on their way around whereas prized players such as Josh Thole and Ruben Tejada have been down right awful – (.071) BA for Thole and (.080) for Tejada.  So far the Bison have been able to take advantage of winning series going 2-1 in their first three.  This includes an overall 4-2 record against their nemesis Yankee farm team, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.

MVP of the Week:  The MVP of the first two weeks has to go to 3B Mike Hessman.  Hessman a journeyman minor leaguer is batting an impressive .353 with an OPS of 1.159.  He currently leads the team in both Homeruns w/ 4 and RBIs with 9.  Ike Davis is the close runner-up with a higher BA at .364, though his lack of RBI's at 4, respectively, gives Hessman the edge.

Pitcher of the Week:   There is no question that Dillon Gee is far and away the Pitcher of the week.  In 2 starts and 13 innings pitched, Gee has as given up 5 hits along with 12 strikeouts and has compiled an ERA of 0.46.  Gee earned the victory is each start as well to begin the season 2-0.

Week in Preview:  The Bisons will continue with the 3rd and 4th of a 4 game series with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees at home starting on Monday, before heading out on a 6 games road trip with 2 against the Rochester Redwings and ending the trip in Rhode Island with a 4 game set against the Pawtuckett PawSox.

BINGHAMTON B-METS – (Double A – Eastern League)

RECORD:   6-5 (through Apr. 18) – 3rd place in the Eastern Division

ROSTER:  (click link to see full team roster)

BATTING RANK:   1st out of 12 teams

PITCHING RANK:   12th out of 12 teams

Unlike their Triple A buddies, the Binghamton Mets rank last in the Eastern League in pitching but have made up with their great and clutch hitting.  With an ERA of 5.36, almost a full point higher than the 11th place team, new Manager, Tim Tuefel and Pitching coach Mark Brewer could be in for a long season.  The rotation is headed by bright spots LHP Eric Niesen – 2.84 ERA and RHP Dylan Owen – 0.82 ERA.  Unfortunately for them, due to the ridiculously high scoring games they've been involved with, the two pitchers have combined for a 1-2 record in 5 starts.  The back end of the rotation is where things get ugly to start the season.  Pitcher, Mike Antonini, Eddie Kunz and Scott Shaw are each sporting ERAs over 7.  Kunz, the favorite to become the Mets closer just a few years ago, is making the transition to SP, but obviously starting out on the wrong foot.  It'll be very interesting to follow his progress throughout the year.

Now lets get to the good stuff.  The B-Mets offense has been raking to start the season.  Leading the league in several categories including BA – .278, Homeruns -15 and runs scored at 67.  That's a nice average of over 6 runs a game, something the New Yorkers could certainly use a boost of.  The B-Metsy Mashers of Nick Evans, Lucas Duda and Zach Lutz are carrying the team.  Each with at least 3 HRs a piece sporting averages of .372/.333/.283, respectively.  Secondary players like Luis Hernandez, Marshall Hubbard and Kirk Neuwenheis have made great strides and contributions as well.  Binghamton started out the season losing 4 of 5 to Akron, before going on a 5 game winning streak against bottom feeders Erie and New Hampshire.  It's obvious the B-Mets can hit the ball, but it looks like their season will hinge on how that starting rotation holds up.  Scott Shaw is a guy to watch out for.

MVP of the Week: This was a tight call, but I have give the upperhand to Nick Evans over Duda and Lutz.  Evans has had a topsy-turvy career getting the opportunity to play in the big leagues and now starting the season down in Double A after a very rough year in Triple A last year.  I like Evans and am still unsure of why he never got the playing time last year with the Mets considering how bad they were.  Either way, Evans is batting .372 in the first two weeks w/ 3 HRs and 10 RBIs.  He has only struck out 6 times in 43 at bats and that patience gives him the edge and Duda and Lutz have 9 and 11 Ks on the year. 

Pitcher of the Week:  Dylan Owen, sporting an 0.82 ERA and WHIP of 0.73 gets the easy nod here.  Only one of the 3 runs that he has allowed this year in 11 innings has been earned.  He's also recorded 8 K's in this time while giving up 4 hit and 4 walks

Week in Preview:  The B-Mets are in the middle of 6 game road trip, with three coming up in Portland.  After that they will be returning back to NYSEG stadium for a 6 game stand against the the same two teams, 3 against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats before the Portland Sea Dogs come into town for the final 3 of the stand.

ST. LUCIE METS – (High Single A – Florida State League)

RECORD: 4-5 (through Apr. 18) – 4th in the South Division

ROSTER:  click link to see entire roster

BATTING RANK:  3rd out of 12 teams

PITCHING RANK:  12th out of 12 teams

The excitement that surrounds the St. Lucie Mets is mostly based off of their starters.  The rotation boasts a number of the top  pitching prospects (although not yet upper echelon) such as:  (Kyle Allen, Jeurys Familia, Scott Moviel, Robert Carson and Eric Beaulac.  The lower leagues are all about determining what type of stuff these prospects actually have.  They are all very raw and works in progress as evident by their team low 6.23 ERA.  Certainly nothing to write home about but with the talent available, they are certainly a crew to keep an eye out for.  RHP Kyle Allen, has begun the season with a 3.60 ERA in 10 innings pitched.  Unfortunately this also includes 8 walks which certainly adds to his 1.90 WHIP.  Jeurys Familia, the other top prospect has started out rough with a 10.13 ERA and 8 walks in 8 innings.  Ugly, right?  The exciting part in the Familia equation is that in those 8 innings he has 10 Ks.  He's obviously got the stuff to be a special pitcher but control is his biggest enemy right now.   Closer Manuel Alvarez, has been impressive, successfully closing out all four of the Mets wins for saves.

The batting for Port St. Lucie has been very inconsistent to start the season. despite their 3rd ranked .264 team BA.  Not very many big prospect names in the lineup but a few bright spots.  Brahiam Maldonado and Richard Lucas have lead the team in power but also lead the team in strikeouts with 13/10 each in 33 plate appearances.  They have both each committed 3 errors as well in 9 games.  Joshua Satin and Jordany Valdespin have show the most consistentency w/ above .300 batting averages.  Satin much more of a contact hitter as 8 of his 10 hits have been singles.  Valdespin, although he has a +.300 average has not yet drawn a walk.  Overall they have been an interesting team to follow as they started the season very poorly but appear to moving in the right direction.  If they are able to get their pitching settled down and become more patient at the plate, we could be seeing them in the playoffs.

MVP of the Week:  Although he has struck out 13 times in 33 ABs, Brahiam Maldonado is still is batting .364.  I have not actually seen him play but he appears to be an all or nothing type of hitter.  He certainly does not get cheated in his at bats.  He is tied w/ Richard Lucas on the team with 2 HRs and is second on the team with 6 runs scored.

Pitcher of the Week:  As noted before the St. Lucie closer, Manuel Alvarez, has recorded 4 saves in 4 chances.  During this streak he has pitched 6.2 innings with a 0.00 ERA.  In that time he has given up 2 hits along with 2 walks, while striking out 7.

Week in Preview:  The Single A Mets are currently in an 8 game road trip which started on April 16th.  Today's game against the Bradenton Maruaders was rained out.  Tomorrow the Mets will head to Palm Beach for 3 games against the Cardinals before closing out the trip with two games against the Jupiter Hammer Heads.

SAVANNAH SAND GNATS – (Low Single A – South Atlantic League) 

RECORD:  6-5 (through Apr. 18) – tied 3rd in Southern Division

ROSTER:  click link for full roster

BATTING RANK:  10th out of 14 teams

PITCHING RANK:  1st out of 14 teams

The Sand Gnats have gotten off to a decent start at 6-5, mostly thanks to their league leading ERA of 2.11.  They have had a bit of a rough stretch of late as they had started the season 3-0, going 3-5 in their last 8.  As a team they have only allowed 28 walks and 23 earned runs in 98 innings pitched.  The rotation has a solid mix of young pitchers and seasoned veterans.  Led by the young guns of Armando Rodriguez (touted by some as the next Jenrry Mejia), James Fuller and Mark Cohoon, the pitching staff has emerged as the best in the young Sally Season.  What's most impressive of the young trio is their strikeout to walk ratio.  Rodriguez – 16 SO / 4 BB in 14.2 IP, Fuller – 15 SO / 2 BB in 14 IP and Cohoon – 8 SO / 4 BB in 11.2 IP.  If they keep this up, they could be making a run at the championship.

Hitting has been a problem for the team as they are only batting .235 11 games into the season.  Top Prospect, Wilmer Flores, however, has not been a contributor to the atrociousness.  Flores is batting a stellar .366 through his first 11 games although the power is not there yet as he has no homeruns on the season.  In fact, Savannah is the only team in the entire League which has yet to hit a homerun.  Catcher Kai Grounauer has also started the season on a hot streak batting .348.  Other big name prospects Jeffrey Marte, has yet to play a game this year as he is recovering from an injury.  Cesar Puello is off to a slow start batting only .235 but has shown improvement getting base hits in his last 4 games.

MVP of the Week:  The hitter of the week goes to none other than SS Wilmer Flores.  Touted by some as the #2 prospect in the organization, Flores has not disappointed.  If Wilmer fills out as projected, then the power will certainly come as well.  His frame is immature but his patience and talent at the plate is undeniable.  15 hits in 41 appearances is enough to give it to him this week.

Pitcher of the Week:  Goes to James Fuller.  Fuller has an ERA of 0.64 in 2 starts, going 6 innings in the first game and 8 in his next.  Over that span he has only given up 6 hits, yet struck out 15.  Can't do much better than that.

Week in Preview:  The Sand Gnats look to take the series from Rome tomorrow before heading to Augusta to face the league leading (8-3) Green Jackets in a 4 game set.  Savannah then returns home for 4 games against the Hickory Crawdads.

For more info on the Mets and all of the Mets minor league affiliates, be sure to check out the forum at metsparadise.  There are daily minor league game threads as well as many other features.  Hope to catch you there.

Mets pitching prospect Jenrry Mejia is impressing Mets manager Jerry Manuel. ” He could be the guy for the 8th  inning role,” Manuel said. For more on this part of the story check New York Post.

Steve Popper thought that Jerry Manuel was joking when he said he could use Mejia for the 8th  inning role. For more on this side of the story check Bergen Record.

The Mets have claimed Jason Pridie off of waivers from the Twins, reports Kelly Thesier.

Source: http://twitter.com/kellythesier/status/8868786350

Jason Pridie’s stats: http://www.thebaseballcube.com/Players/P/Jason-Pridie.shtml