Kevin Goldstein at Baseball Prospectus ranked centerfield prospects, and the Mets did very well, placing Fernando Martinez at #5 and Carlos Gomez at #9.  He called Martinez “a ridiculous offensive talent with ability beyond his years” who will either develop into an “ideal” #2 hitter or a middle of the order power threat.  I’m hoping for a basher.  Regarding Gomez, a “plus-plus runner” Goldstein pointed out that although the youngster hasn’t hit for big time power yet, “scouts believe it’s in him.” 

            I spent another night traveling on the 99, this time home from Stockton, so Mike McGann of nybaseballcentral.com filled in with the daily recap below. 

 

            The Mets finally get a sweep of a home series and run out to an impressive 14-game lead over the Phillies, but it was in large part a tougher day around the minor league system.

            Brian Bannister showed again he’s not really close to being ready for the majors, while Phil Humber had a solid outing again and continues to make progress.

 

Stars of the Day:

AAA: Jose Offerman

AA: Phil Humber

A+: Jesus Flores

A: Jose Castro/Hector Pellot

SSA: - Eric Brown

R (APP): Greg Mulllins

R (GCL):  Ben Saylor

 

 

Norfolk (AAA - International League)

@Richmond 6, Norfolk 1

 

            Brian Bannister was a little better in his second start for Norfolk, but still struggled, as Richmond battered him for four runs on seven hits in 4 ⅓ innings. Bannister did have better peripheral numbers, though, striking out five and only allowing three earned runs.

            Jose Offerman was the only Tide with more than one hit, with a single and double.

 

 

 

Binghamton (AA - Eastern League)

@Trenton 6, Binghamton 2

 

            The good news is that Phil Humber had another solid outing, but the bad news is that bats went quiet and the bullpen struggled.

            Humber (0-1) scattered six hits in seven innings of work, striking out seven. He did allow three earned runs and took the loss. Only Chase Lambin and Ambi Concepcion had more than one hit in the game for Binghamton.

 

 

 

St. Lucie (A+ - Florida State League)

St. Lucie 6, @Dunedin 2

 

            Jesus Flores hit a pair of home runs to lead a balanced attack and Chuck Smith managed to scatter four hits over six innings of work leading the Mets past the Blue Jays.

            Smith struck out eight, but didn’t figure in the decision after his six innings of work. Tim McNab got the win, throwing three innings of one-hit relief. Enrique Cruz and Corey Coles each had two hits.

 

Hagerstown (A – South Atlantic League)

Greensboro 10, @Hagerstown 3

 

            Jon Niese had another tough outing, and the Suns bats continued to struggle as they were overwhelmed by Greensboro.

            Niese (11-8) allow five earned runs, seven total, in six innings of work, allowing six hits. Jose Castro and Hector Pellot had three hits each, which was more than half of the Hagerstown offense.

 

 

 

Brooklyn (SSA – New York Penn League)

Brooklyn 4, @Lowell 1

 

            Eric Brown had yet another strong outing and Jon Schemmel banged out four hits to lead Brooklyn past Lowell.

            Brown (4-1) scattered five hits over 7 ⅔ innings of work and struck out six.

 

 

 

 

Kingsport Mets (R – Appalachian League)

Kingsport 7, @Princeton 0

 

            Greg Mullins continued his string of strong starts, handcuffing Princeton, while Sean McCraw drove in three runs and slugged a homer to lead Kingsport past Princeton.

            Mullins (7-1) allowed no runs in 5 2/3 innings, giving up just four hits. 

 

 

 

 

 

GCL Mets (R – Gulf Coast League)

@GCL Nationals 7, GCL Mets 5 

 

            Luis Simeoli couldn’t hang onto an early lead and a late comeback fell short as the Nationals outgunned the Mets.

            Simeoli (0-2) pitched the middle third of the game, taking over for starter Josh Stinson, and surrendered four runs and five walks in three innings. Ben Saylor had two hits and two RBI.