2. Matt Harvey, Pitcher, Bats: R, Throws: R, Age: 23, ETA: 2012
Here is a glance at the definite future of the New York Mets. He’ll be an important portion at least. 2010 first round selection Matt Harvey (7th overall) is en route to the bigs for the Mets, and he is on the fast track.
Out of the University of North Carolina, Harvey blew through Port St. Lucie last year and ended up finishing his first season in the minors at Double-A Binghamton. Single-A Advanced was absolutely nothing to him. There, he posted an 8-2 record in 14 starts where he allowed a meager 20 earned runs.
He worked his way into Binghamton improving upon his fastball’s command and craftiness. His prior struggles had raised debate about where he could end up landing in a Major League pitching staff, but such discussions have dissipated for the most part.
He’s settled in at Triple-A Buffalo this year, and has pitched well for the most part, give or take a few shaky outings. Through eight starts thus far, his velocity has shined and his ERA sits at 4.29, not terrible when you consider how he has bolted up the system in a year and a half. Whats more intriguing is how rough his biting speed is on left-handed batters.
Now if you’re to look at Harvey’s Major League readiness, he probably is there, which means you will see him in some capacity before the end of the 2012 regular season. His ceiling won’t budge either; he has top of the rotation starter written all over him once his experience is adequate.
With Mike Pelfrey done for the year, there have been those radicals out there that are fully prepared to see Matt Harvey assume a full-time position at the highest level, and he can probably succeed in doing so. But the continued Minor League seasoning doesn’t harm anyone. In the event that another Mets starter goes down, I think its safe to say there’s no reason Harvey shouldn’t get a shot. It isn’t like his playing time would dwindle.
Regardless, Harvey is in the fortunate position that allows him to continue to develop no matter what level he is at. So long as the wheels don’t come off completely, he’ll get some innings with the Mets this year.
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
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