In reading about the interview with a thyroid specialist on WFAN it eased some of the concerns I had about Jose Reyes and his thyroid issue as it should bring some peace of mind to you. Obviously anytime you are dealing with the heart their are some major potential problems, but it just doesn’t sound like this will cause too many complications for Reyes. The specialist said that she warns her patients to cut out strenuous activity until their levels cut back, which takes anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks and that the average is 3-4 weeks. As a top athlete in peak physical condition you would think Reyes would be able to make that recovery in less than the two month high it takes to recover.

The positives are that the Mets found out about this early in spring training giving Reyes time to recover before the season begins. Right now this injury is causing a “battle” for the shortstop position between Alex Cora and 20-year-old prospect Ruben Tejada. But there really shouldn’t be. Tejada still has to mature physically before coming up to the show and this isn’t a serious enough injury to waste precious service time on. The recovery process for Reyes isn’t asking for Tommy John surgery, it’s simply requires rest. Cora is more than capable of picking up the slack for a couple of weeks to a month at most.

For an overview of the process I use to grade players, the factors I use in determining where a player ranks, and other frequently asked questions, please click here. All grades are subject to change.You can find a full listing of the Top 50 Prospects of 2010 Archive Page.  I will be releasing the rest of the list soon.

11. Jeurys Familia | SP | LoA | Age – 19 | Drafted – IFA 2007 (C+)

Good pitchers build standing 6’3 185 lbs with room to add some more muscle.  He throws a fastball at 90-93 mph touching 94 with good movement.  He uses a slurve type breaking ball at 78-80 mph that he needs to tighten up if he wants it to be a true out pitch in the bigs.  His worst pitch by far is his  81-83 mph change up with little movement.

Perfect World Projection – #3 starter

More Likely Outcome – #4 starter

12. Steven Matz | SP | HS | Age – 18 | Drafted – 2nd Round 2009 (C+)

The Mets top pick from the 2009 draft has some serious upside.  The big 6’2 lefty is a New York native who probably would have went higher in the draft had he lived in California or Florida. He has three pitch arsenal that features a 88-90 mph fastball that has topped out at 93.  Also throws a change up, curveball, and newly added slider.

Perfect World Projection – #2 starter

More Likely Outcome – #4 starter

NO STATS

13. Ruben Tejada | SS | AA | Age – 20 | Drafted – 2006 IFA (C+)

Young, udnersized slick fielding shortstop from Panama only a generous 5’11 165 lbs.  He swings for contact, but isn’t quiet the slap hitter of Luis Castilllo, but knows what to do with the glove.  Could move to 2nd, but will have competition no matter where he goes with Jose Reyes in NY and Reese Havens in the minors.

Perfect World Projection – Average shortstop with the bat, but has great defense

More Likely Outcome – Great defensive shortstop with no bat

14. Juan Urbina | SP | HS | Age – 16 | Drafted – IFA 2009 (C+)

The son of former major league pitcher Ugeth Urbina.  Hopefully one day he will get the same nickname as his father “Butcher”, but for cutting up Philly hitters not actual people(or at least chasing them with knives).  I always like a young pitcher whose best pitch is a change up and is able to pump out a fastball at 90 mph already.

Perfect World Projection – #2 starter (?)

More Likely Outcome – #4 starter

NO STATS

15. Cesar Puello | OF | Rk | Age – 18 | Drafted – 2007 IFA (C+)

Big, strong kid who signed along with Wilmer Flores and Jefry Marte with the Mets in 2007.  He is the only one still in rookie ball, but this is mostly do to the injury bug.  Has above average speed to go along with an above average arm he does everything pretty well.  Major sleeper in 2010 could break out big if he can stay healthy.

Perfect World Projection – All-Star caliber outfielder

More Likely Outcome – Everyday MLB outfielder

16. Eric Niesen | SP | AA | Age – 24 | Drafted – 3rd Round 2007 (C+)

Smaller lefty with a filthy fastball.  It has good velocity coming in in the low 90′s and touching the mid 90′s, but it is so effective due to its late life and movement.  Has ridiculous late tailing actual that breaks in on the hands of lefties.  His slider also has potential of being a plus pitch with with good, tight downward tilt.

Perfect World Projection – #4 starter

More Likely Outcome – LOOGY

17. Jefry Marte | 3B | LoA | Age – 18 | Drafted – IFA 2007 (C+)

This ranking might be a bit harsh, but so was Marte’s 2009.  He hit an abysmal .233 and his BABIP wasn’t even that low at .291, he simply just did not hit.  Right now this is playing out as one of the cases the Mets rush a prospect to the point of failure.  Still has age and upside, but he is going to have to show some more offense in 2010 to make up for his terrible defense.

Perfect World Projection – Slugging 3rd baseman

More Likely Outcome – Everyday 3rd baseman

18. Eric Beaulac | SP | LoA | Age – 23 | Drafted – 9th Round 2008 (C)

My personal favorite and an extremely underrated prospect.  New York native and Mets fan doesn’t have the most or more consistent stuff, but gets the job done.  His fastball as been clocked as low as 86 mph and as high as 94 mph, but mostly stays in the 88-90 mph range.  His best pitch is a slider which has a good downward bite at 81 mph and is a true strikeout pitch.  The lack of a change up lead most to believe he is best suited for a bullpen role as does Beaulac himself.

Best Case Outcome – #4 starter

More Likely Outcome – Relief pitcher

19. Robert Carson | SP | LoA | Age – 18 | Drafted – 14th Round 2007 (C)

I actually think I might be ranking him a bit low here at 19.  Sure has the stuff and stats to be up there Allen and Familia, but just isn’t quiet as polished.  Fastball sits 88-90 touching 92 and hitters can’t seem to square it up.  Also uses a 84-86 mph slider and 78-80 mph change up.  Even if he has pubicly stated he doesn’t look for the strikeout he needs to strikeout more batters.  Love the ground balls.

Perfect World Projection – #3 starter

More Likely Outcome – #4/5 starter

20. Scott Moviel | SP | HiA | Age – 21 | Drafted – 2nd Round 2007 (C)

Looks like a tree trunk on the mound being listed anywhere from 6’9 to 6’11 and 245 lbs.  Actually had a pretty solid year considering he was trying to recover from knee surgery.  Needs to work on his mechanics and command as the stuff is already there.

Perfect World Projection – #3 starter

More Liketly Outcome – #5 starter/Set up Man