1. Zack Wheeler, Pitcher, Bats: R, Throws: R, Age: 21, ETA: 2013
Carlos Beltran might be long gone, but his departure netted the arrival of the top overall prospect in the Mets organization. Shipped from San Francisco late from last year, Zack Wheeler has all the makings of a big time starting pitcher.
What you’ll get from Wheeler in the future is a plus fastball with a smattering of tough breaking pitches. He’ll carry the ability to toy with hitters.
In the farm system for the Giants, Wheeler looked to be developing into a solid prospect. He posted a couple seasons of 3.99 ERA pitching. His command left a bit to be desired and his effectiveness with the breaking stuff was not much different.
The trade to New York just may have been the course-correction Wheeler needed to send his prospect credibility in a hugely positive direction.
Upon entering the Mets organization, we have begun to see Wheeler limiting his walks. In six starts at Port St. Lucie last year, he walked just five. And this trend continued into Double-A this year as well.
Wheeler’s reported mechanical change is clearly having an impact on his output. He went 2-2 in his six starts in the Mets organization last year by allowing a measly six runs in 27 innings pitched. He continued to make full use of his fastball.
Struggling with an ankle injury, Wheeler came into the 2012 season starting at Double-A Binghamton, which is evidently a change he quickly grew accustomed to.
In seven starts this year, Wheeler is 3-2 with a 2.15 ERA; that is just nine earned runs in 37.2 innings pitched. He has also zeroed in on the zone with 45 punch outs. The 19 walks aren’t terrible, but it would be nice to see him exhibit the same control he showcased in the latter part of the 2011 season.
Like his right-handed counterparts Matt Harvey, and Jeurys Familia, the ceiling is high. Expect to see at least two of these three represent the pulse of the Mets rotation in a couple of years. This is the first time I can remember feeling this confident about a trio of young arms in the Mets the farm, and there are more on the way as well.
I have favored Wheeler in the bunch, but it is hard to figure who be the top-of-the-line starter of this bunch.
But who cares? Especially when you have such a group of young talent that can potentially head up a strong youth movement in a pitching staff.
10. Matt Den Dekker, Outfield, Bats: L, Throws: L, Age: 24, ETA: 2013
9. Jordany Valdespin, Middle Infield, Bats: L, Throws: R, Age: 24, ETA: 2012
8. Cesar Puello, Outfield, Bats: R, Throws: R, Age: 20, ETA: 2013
7. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Outfield, Bats: L, Throws: R, Age: 24, ETA: 2012
6. Wilmer Flores, Third Base, Bats: R, Throws: R, Age: 20, ETA: 2014
5. Reese Havens, Second Base, Bats: L, Throws: R, Age: 25, ETA: 2012
4. Brandon Nimmo, Outfield, Bats: L, Throws: R, Age: 19, ETA: 2015
3. Jeurys Familia, Pitcher, Bats: R, Throws: R, Age: 22, ETA: 2012
2. Matt Harvey, Pitcher, Bats:R, Throws: R, Age: 23, ETA: 2012
1. Zack Wheeler, Pitcher, Bats: R, Throws: R, Age: 21, ETA: 2013
