Christian Scott may not be the first of the Mets' young arms to get a shot in the major leagues this year, but his ceiling may be the highest of any pitcher in the farm system.
A breakout season propelled the 24-year-old Scott to great heights. Baseball prospectus list Among the top 101 prospects for 2024.
The right-hander ranks 88th on a list that also includes Mets farm hands Jett Williams (23rd), Drew Gilbert (29th), Ryan Clifford (76th) and Luisangel Acuña (77th). It was done.
Gilbert, Clifford and Acuña were traded last summer that sent Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer to the Astros and Rangers, respectively. Williams, a shortstop, was previously tipped to be the Mets' first-round pick in the 2022 draft.
Scott's stock rose thanks in large part to a season in which he posted a 2.57 ERA in 19 games with High-A Brooklyn and Double-A Binghamton. Overall, he pitched 87 2/3 innings with 107 strikeouts.
Mets officials credited the success to pitching adjustments Scott made while on injured reserve early last season. Rather than relying on upper body rotation, Scott began emphasizing his lower body to maximize fastball velocity.
The sinker that Scott threw at the University of Florida has largely been replaced by a four-seam fastball that clocks in at 94 to 97 mph.
Scouts who watched Scott last season at Binghamton said they can imagine him helping the Mets this season if needed.
But the scout added that Mike Bashir is perhaps the closest to making it to the major leagues, starting 16 games for Triple-A Syracuse last season, although he had a mixed record, including a 5.30 ERA.
Notably, however, the International League introduced an automated strike zone last season, and many pitchers had trouble adjusting to it. A great example is Jose Butt, who struggled last season with Syracuse but became an effective filler for the Mets.
“I like Vasil because he's tough. He competes really well,” the scout said. “But if I had to rank them, it would be Scott, Vasil and [Blade] Tidwell, in that order. Vasil is expected to be the fourth starting pitcher. Scott could be a slightly better player than Vasil if all goes well. ”
The Mets also include Dominique Hamel, the Mets pitcher of the year from 2022, and right-hander Tyler Stewart. Hamel spent all of last season in Binghamton, and Stewart was promoted midseason.
The Doctor comes one last time.
Dwight Gooden is looking ahead to the jersey number retirement ceremony on April 14th at Citi Field to end his Mets career.
The former Cy Young Award winner, who pitched for the Mets from 1984 to 1994, said on a Zoom call this week that he tried to return to the club at various points late in his career, but was rejected each time by the front office. I reflected on what I had received.
Gooden pitched for two seasons with the Yankees and said he spoke with Mets general manager Steve Phillips about the possibility of returning to Queens after the 1997 season, but was told he was not a good fit.
Gooden then spent two seasons in Cleveland before reaffirming his contract with the Mets, but a deal was still not reached.
After being released by Tampa Bay in 2000, the right-hander said he would accept a Triple-A draft pick if he signed with the Mets, but was told no a third time. Gooden returned to the Yankees and finished his major league career having appeared in 18 games.
“Now I'm done with my job. My last day out with my fans is all I really wanted to do,” Gooden said. “Just make one last appearance. It'll be at Citi Field, not Shea Stadium, but just in front of the Mets.” [fans] And let them know how special they are. ”
Want to catch the game? The Mets schedule, including links to purchase tickets, can be found here.
Memorable infielder
Edgardo Alfonzo remembers the 1999 Mets as a team that had to hit fly balls because infield grounders couldn't escape.
The infielders included Alfonso, Rey Ordóñez, Robin Ventura, and John Olerud.That quartet that sparkled Sports Illustrated cover That season's winners will be presented with the “Willie, Mickey and Duke” award at the New York Baseball Writers' Dinner on January 27th.
Alfonzo recalled coming to the Mets as a middle infielder and moving to play in the third after Bobby Bonilla left the team. Alfonzo then moved back to second base as Ventura became a free agent.
A little more than a week before the celebration, Alfonso shared some thoughts about his former infield mate…
About Ordóñez: “He was a guy with great instincts, and he played shortstop. What really surprised me was his flexibility. He could catch the ball behind his back and throw it at the same time. He was always really quick with his steps. I liked that he was never afraid to make things happen.”
About Olerud: “He was quiet and liked to play. He thought about business. He had great hands and was an excellent target as a first baseman. With him in the infield His communication was great. You don't even realize he's playing next to you because he doesn't say anything, but he's a great friend.”
On Ventura: “He won a Gold Glove with the White Sox. It's pretty cool to see Robin Ventura on your side because you've got a superstar player coming in and playing with you. He said what he wanted to say in a playful way that everyone could understand. He was great.”
Bobby Valentine, who managed that group until the NLCS, will also be in attendance at the event. Adam Ottavino will receive the “Good Guy” award for his interactions with the media.
Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. will be in attendance to receive the AL and NL MVP awards, respectively. Gerrit Cole and Blake Snell win AL and NL Cy Young Awards. Tickets are available to the public.information is available At NYBBWAA.com.
