3. Jeurys Familia, Pitcher, Bats: R, Throws: R, Age: 22, ETA: 2012
It is only a matter of time before Jeurys Familia finds a home on the Mets 25-man roster. The 22-year old right-handed starter is arguably the hardest thrower the Mets have stashed in the farm system. His fastball has been clocked in as fast as 97 mph.
Now that the team has inked Jon Niese to a five-year deal, they’ll need some youth to emerge to help Niese anchor the rotation heading forward.
Over the course of five minor league seasons and 435.1 innings to this point, Familia has racked up a total of 420 punch outs. There is no doubt surrounding his ability to take advantage of hitters with his fastball. It will be his off speed material that will require more time for development. His command needs work, but as a young flamethrower his abilities are very promising.
His control and command have had the tendency to come and go, which has hurt his stock as a prospect in the past. But his dominant 2011 showing at Port St. Lucie and decent transition to AA Binghamton have contributed to his spot in AAA Buffalo’s rotation this year where big things are expected. Just to jog your memory, in six starts at Port St. Lucie last year, he turned in a WHIP of 0.79.
It will take some Major League experience to see where he best factors into the Mets pitching staff. His arm strength could serve the Mets best out of the bullpen in the future. He could technically be viewed as possessing closing material.
Familia could easily keep his minor league production up and be featured in the Mets rotation in the future as part of the trio of young pitching stars the Mets have to offer (stay tuned for a couple more up and coming pitchers). Expect to get a good look at Familia during 2012’s September call-ups at the absolute latest. In the long-term, he can be projected as a middle-of-the-rotation kind of guy, but he has a rather high ceiling.
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
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