Archive for Lucas Duda
The Duda is Back and In the Lineup
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Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
After last nights win against the Milwaukee Brewers the Mets announced that Nick Evans had been designated for assignment. The Mets now have 10 days to trade, waive, or outright send him to the minors. If sent to the minors Evans can decide to opt out of his contract and become a free agent.
Evans was hitless in 12 at-bats for the Mets with five walks.
To fill out his spot on the roster the Mets have recalled slugging Lucas Duda who has been on an absolute tear in Buffalo.
“Lucas Duda won’t have the International League to kick around anymore. The Mets intend to recall the 1B/LF today to replace Nick Evans, the replacement for the inured Ike Davis. The 25-year-old Duda belted three homers and three doubles this week for Triple-A Buffalo as part of a 10-for-25 (.400) week that included a solid 4-to-5 walk-to-strikeout ratio. He’s been one of the IL’s hottest hitters since May 1, hitting .390, compiling a 1.415 OPS (74 PA) and bashing nine homers in 19 games” – Baseball America.
Duda was 2-for-20 earlier and struggled early on after the demotion, but his absolute tear as of late as made his season numbers in Triple-A look like this, .302/.414/.597, 8 2B, 10 HR, 24 RBIs, and a 23:27 BB:K. By the way his OPS is only a mere 1.011.
Duda will hit sixth and play left field in the game tonight. Jason Bay will be riding the pine. Hmm…
Izzy and Igarashi to the Mets, Boyer and Duda Off
Posted by: | Comments[tweeted]http://twitter.com/AdamRubinESPN/status/57201422772604928[/tweeted]
Blaine Boyer has not been very effective in almost all of his appearances, including his save against the Marlins, pitching to an 0-2 tune with a 10.80. The last straw for Boyer was giving up all 4 runs in extra innings today against the Marlins. He will have to clear waivers before he can wind up in Buffalo.
With the Mets purchasing Jason Isringhausen’s contract and adding him to the roster it will be the first time he pitches in a Mets uni since being traded for Bill Taylor on July 31st, 1999.
While Lucas Duda struggled both at the plate and in the field, this move is more about getting more pitchers on the roster to eat some innings.
Ryota Igarashi has pitched well so far for the Bisons striking out 4 in 3.1 innings and earning the save today.
Sandy Alderson told reporters the reason they went with Igarashi over Manny Acosta is unless a player was placed on the disabled list before the game they would need to wait ten days before he was eligible to be added back onto the roster. He also said making the move to thirteen pitchers is temporary until Jason Bay returns when Igarashi will be sent back down to AAA.
I am not a big fan of the move to thirteen leaving the bench crippled. There are now just four three players on the bench Scott Hairston, Daniel Murphy, Chin-lung Hu, and Mike Nickeas. Terry Collins is now going to have a difficult time pinch hitting a righty in for Josh Thole should a lefty come to the mound because that move alone would wipe out half of his bench, unless of course Nickeas is the pinch hitter but he is essentially an automatic out.
2011 Top 50 Prospects: Prospects 11-20
Posted by: | CommentsAll grades are subject to change.You can find a full listing of the Top 50 Prospects of 2011 Archive Page.
QUICK PRIMER ON GRADE MEANINGS:
Grade A prospects are the elite. They have a good chance of becoming stars or superstars. Almost all Grade A prospects develop into major league regulars, if injuries or other problems don’t intervene. Note that is a major “if” in some cases.
Grade B prospects have a good chance to enjoy successful careers. Some will develop into stars, some will not. Most end up spending several years in the majors, at the very least in a marginal role.
Grade C prospects are the most common type. These are guys who have something positive going for them, but who may have a question mark or three, or who are just too far away from the majors to get an accurate feel for. A few Grade C guys, especially at the lower levels, do develop into stars. Many end up as role players or bench guys. Some don’t make it at all.
-John Sickels
11. Lucas Duda | OF | AAA | Age – 25 | Drafted – 7th Round 2007 (C+)
Duda burst onto the scene in 2010 with some huge power numbers. This are the numbers that made him a top prospect out of high school, but he had never put it together in college or in the minors till this point. His bat looks like it will play anywhere, but it is just a matter of where it will wind up.
Best Case Outcome – All bat slugger
Most Likely Outcome – Platoon hitter
12. Armando Rodriguez | SP | LoA | Age – 23 | Drafted – IFA 2007 (C+)
Possibly the most overlooked prospect in the whole system. If you look at his numbers there is almost nothing you can complain about. The only thing holding him back from higher rankings anywhere is an average fastball and fringe average breaking ball.
Best Case Outcome – #3/4 starter
More Likely Outcome – Middle reliever
13. Zach Lutz | 3B | AAA | Age – 24 | Drafted – 5th Round 2007 (C+)
Similar to Reese Havens health has been the only thing holding him back. He can absolutely mash when he is on the field, but various different injuries have prevented that from happening. Not a terrible fielder still his bat will always carry him.
Best Case Outcome – Everyday Hitter
Most Likely Outcome – Role Player/Bench Bat
14. Juan Urbina | SP | GCL | Age – 17 | Drafted – IFA 2009 (C+)
I am not as big on Urbina as some other people. He does have some intriguing upside with a decent fastball and good change up, but I need to see some more positive results before I go any higher. I love the control for a young pitcher.
Best Case Outcome – #2/3 starter
Most Likely Outcome – Too early to tell. Anything from #3/4 starter to career minor leaguer
15. Sean Ratliff | OF | AA | Age – 23 | Drafted – 4th Round 2008 (C+)
Ratliff had a really big, breakout season in 2010. His numbers only got better after being moved out of the tough environment in St. Lucie and up to AA. His BABIP was high, but it has been high throughout his whole career. If he could ever get his strikeouts under control he can become a force.
Best Case Outcome – Starting Outfielder
Most Likely Outcome – Platoon Fielder
16. Darrell Ceciliani | OF | SSA | Age – 20 | Drafted – 4th Round 2009 (C+)
A great fielder and speedster, had a great season swinging the lumber in Brooklyn. The 12 triples just show you what kind of speed he poses, but he is still a little raw on the basepaths. Not much to complain about so far.
Best Case Outcome – Good leadoff hitter and fielder
Most Likely Outcome – 4th outfielder
17. Mark Cohoon | SP | AA | Age – 23 | Drafted – 12th Round 2008 (C+)
Cohoon completely changed my opinion on him as I was a huge hater. Dominance is an understatement for his efforts in the Sally and after a few terrible starts in AA he really settled down and was great again. If only he had a big time fastball he would be a huge prospect, but until he makes it in the pros he will always have some doubters.
Best Case Outcome – #3/4 Starter
Most Likely Outcome – #5 Starter/Loogy
18. Albert Cordeo | C | LoA | Age – 21 | Drafted – IFA 2007 (C+)
Good athletic defensive catcher who has shown some pop. Has some high upside if the bat continues to develop along. I like him a lot. Huge sleeper potential in 2011.
Best Case Outcome - Starting Catcher
Most Likely Outcome – Bench player
19. Dillon Gee | SP | AAA | Age – 24 | Drafted – 21st Round 2007 (C+)
Pitched much better in AAA than his ERA says. Great peripherals and an inflated BABIP were his killers. On the flip side he didn’t pitch nearly as well in NY as his ERA. Should compete for the 5th starter spot in camp.
Best Case Outcome - #4/5 starter
Most Likely Outcome - #5 starter/middle relief
20. Matt Den Dekker | OF | LoA | Age – 23 | Drafted – 5th Round 2010 (C+)
Had a great start to his career after signing. Stark splits as he kills righties and didn’t do to well against lefties. His defensive alone should help him find a way onto a big league roster at some point.
Best Case Outcome – Fringe starter/platoon partner
Most Likely Outcome – 4th outfielder
Me “Filling In” For Adam Rubin
Posted by: | CommentsI’ll be filling in my own answers to some questions fans asked Adam Rubin over at a Sports Nation chat.
Tommy Crimmins (Conneticut)
Adam do you think the Mets should use Josh Thole at the 2 spot in the order because of his great contact or the 6 or 7 because he will drive in more runs
I would have Josh Thole batting 7th/8th for the fact that I want Brad Emaus, who I believe will win the second base job, to hit second because of his ability to take a walk and his strike-zone discipline. Both players would fit perfectly into the 2 slot with no problem I just feel Emaus has the better all around skill set to take that spot.
Danny (Brooklyn)
Hey Adam,During your last chat, you mentioned that you were uncertain if Ike Davis would reach 20 homers this year. Considering the fact that he hit 19 homers as a rookie, that he’ll likely have a better lineup around him, and that most of his homers aren’t wallscrapers, what makes you doubt his power potential?
Unlike Adam Rubin I have no questions about Ike Davis‘s power. I have him slotted to hit about 25 home runs in this season and build off his very solid rookie season. I think an improved season from him and a bounce back from Jason Bay could do a lot for both of their power numbers. Outside of the great defense I don’t get the John Olerud comparisons.
Luke (Brooklyn)
Who would you put money on to be the Mets starting second baseman coming out of spring training and why?
I’ve already mentioned this above that I think it will be Emaus. He is the perfect Sandy Alderson player and if he has any say in it this will be the 2011 New York Mets starting second baseman.
Craig Lerner (New York)
Hi Adam, do you envision Willie Harris actually making the team? Does this mean Lucas Duda is out? How do you view Duda as a prospect?
Lucas Duda and Willie Harris serve to different roles on a team so I don’t see how one affects the other players spot. Duda probably is not going to make the team anyway and he shouldn’t because he isn’t going to be playing every game and Harris could play an Endy Chavez type role as the perfect 4th outfielder on the team.
Williw (Lincoln, NE)
How had is the Mets farm system and what will it take to build it up?
The Mets system is not terrible, but not top notch as it should be with their resources. They have a lot of decent prospects, but lack the star power. A couple of breakout performances this year could change that all around. If Sandy Alderson is able to go overslot in the draft that would be the big jump the Mets need to get their farm system into the upper echelon of systems.
To read Adam Rubin’s answer and see more questions go here.
Satin, Ratliff Promoted, Nieuwenhuis Hurt
Posted by: | CommentsAdam Rubin released his weekly Farm report today and it is pack filled with news. Here are some of the key notes to take from hit
- OF Sean Ratliff and 2B and 6th round pick (not 25th round pick no clue where Rubin got that from) Josh Satin, who both recently
returned from the FSL All-Star Game, have been promoted to Double-A Binghamton. This could mean that Reese Havens injury is more serious then just being day-to-day because the Mets wouldn’t put their two best 2nd base prospects on the same team competing for playing time. - The Buffalo Bisons and Binghamton Mets swapped players with OF/1B Lucas Duda, UTIL Jon Malo, and RP Roy Merritt have been promoted to Triple-A while 1B Marshall Hubbard went down to AA.
- Top prospect Kirk Nieuwenhuis strained his shoulder making a diving catch.
- Triple-A slugger Mike Hessman is on the DL with an injury to his right hand.
- OF Carlos Guzman is on the DL with a torn meniscus
- Manny Garcia is now manning the outfield for HiA St. Lucie now.
To read the rest of Rubin’s report click here.
Mets Top Prospects: Prospects #41-50
Posted by: | CommentsFor 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.
41. Armando Rodriguez | SP | LoA | Age – 22 | Drafted – IFA 2007
This is a severe injustice ranking Rodriguez so low. He is probably going to sky rocket up the list this year working his way into possibly the teens.
Perfect World Projection – MLB Starter
More Likely Outcome – Middle relief
| TEAM | W-L | ERA | G/GS | IP | SO | BB | GB% | FIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingsport Mets | 3-1 | 3.08 | 9/9 | 45.2 | 36 | 20 | 40% | 2.96 |
| Savannah Sand Gnats | 2-1 | 2.16 | 3/3 | 16.2 | 24 | 9 | 29% | 1.94 |
| TOTAL | 5-2 | 2.75 | 12/12 | 62.1 | 70 | 29 | 37% | 2.77 |
42. Alonzo Harris | 2B | LoA | Age – 21 | Drafted – 39th Round 2007 (C-)
We already knew he had above average speed, but last year he showed a lot more pop then expected. His game is very raw, but he has loads of potential.
Perfect World Projection – Good offensive MLB 2nd baseman
More Likely Outcome – Career minor leaguer
| TEAM | AB | R | 2B | HR | RBI | .AVG | .OBP | .SLG | .BABIP | .ISO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingsport Mets | 253 | 49 | 4 | 10 | 39 | .273 | .321 | .477 | .317 | .174 |
| Savannah Sand Gnats | 25 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | .200 | .259 | .200 | .294 | .000 |
| TOTAL | 278 | 52 | 4 | 10 | 42 | .266 | .316 | .424 | .310 | .158 |
43. Chase Greene | CF | GCL | Age – 20 | Drafted – 16th Round 2009 (C-)
Great athlete who was bought out of a college commitment. Reminds me a bit of Red Sox’s prospect Ryan Kalish. Hopefully he can have a similar development.
Perfect World Projection – Average MLB center fielder
More Likely Outcome – 4th outfielder
| TEAM | AB | R | 2B | HR | RBI | .AVG | .OBP | .SLG | .BABIP | .ISO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCL Mets | 63 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 5 | .286 | .361 | .397 | .333 | .111 |
| TOTAL | 63 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 5 | .286 | .361 | .397 | .333 | .111 |
44. Lucas Duda | 1B | AA | Age – 20 | Drafted – 7th Round 2007 (C-)
Has a line drive swing that has enabled him to maintain a high BABIP for his career and knows how to draw a walk, but hasn’t shown enough power to be a first baseman despite great size.
Perfect World Projection – MLB 1st baseman (Sean Casey type)
More Likely Outcome – Bench player
| TEAM | AB | R | 2B | HR | RBI | .AVG | .OBP | .SLG | .BABIP | .ISO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binghamton Mets | 395 | 49 | 29 | 9 | 53 | .281 | .380 | .428 | .340 | .147 |
| TOTAL | 395 | 49 | 29 | 9 | 53 | .281 | .380 | .428 | .340 | .147 |
45. Yohan Almonte | SP | Rk | Age – 20 | Drafted – IFA 2007 (C-)
Another young armed probably ranked a tad too low with great sleeper potential. His peripherals were great last year and was even a bit unlucky with a high BABIP and low FIP compared to his ERA. I will be interested to see where he goes in 2010.
Perfect World Projection – MLB starter
More Likely Outcome – Middle relief
| TEAM | W-L | ERA | G/GS | IP | SO | BB | GB% | FIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCL Mets | 1-0 | 1.37 | 5/5 | 19.2 | 20 | 2 | 56% | 1.47 |
| Kingsport Mets | 3-1 | 4.40 | 8/8 | 43 | 37 | 8 | 66% | 3.08 |
| TOTAL | 4-1 | 3.47 | 13/13 | 62.2 | 57 | 10 | 61% | 2.48 |
46. Julio Concepcion | OF | AA | Age – 20 | Drafted – IFA 2006 (C-)
Big toolsy outfield with a lot of speed and developing power. If he can add muscle onto his lanky frame he can develop into a legitimate prospect.
Perfect World Projection – MLB outfielder
More Likely Outcome – Career minor leaguer
| TEAM | AB | R | 2B | HR | RBI | .AVG | .OBP | .SLG | .BABIP | .ISO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCL Mets | 160 | 21 | 4 | 0 | 12 | .306 | .354 | .356 | .377 | .050 |
| TOTAL | 160 | 21 | 4 | 0 | 12 | .306 | .354 | .356 | .377 | .050 |
47. Josh Stinson | RP | HiA | Age – 22 | Drafted – 37th Round 2007 (C-)
Stinson was lights out as a reliever last your, but I’m just not into ranking someone who will max out as a reliever too high.
Perfect World Projection – Set up man
More Likely Outcome – Middle relief
| TEAM | W-L | ERA | G/GS | IP | SO | BB | GB% | FIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah Sand Gnats | 2-2 | 3.61 | 25/1 | 42.1 | 49 | 10 | 46% | 2.18 |
| St. Lucie Mets | 3-1 | 1.98 | 25/0 | 36.1 | 35 | 19 | 62% | 2.84 |
| TOTAL | 5-3 | 2.88 | 50/1 | 78.2 | 84 | 29 | 56% | 2.33 |
48. Roy Merritt | RP | AA | Age – 24 | Drafted – 29th Round 2007 (C-)
I liked Merritt when I watched him, but his average at best fastball leaves a lot to be desired.
Perfect World Projection – LOOGY
More Likely Outcome – LOOGY
| TEAM | W-L-SV | ERA | G/GS | IP | SO | BB | GB% | FIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binghamton Mets | 4-5-14 | 3.45 | 56/0 | 62.2 | 56 | 25 | 44% | 4.41 |
| TOTAL | 4-5-14 | 3.45 | 56/0 | 62.2 | 56 | 25 | 44% | 4.41 |
49. Stefan Welch | 3B | LoA | Age – 21 | Drafted – IFA 2006 (C-)
I have a special spot for the lanky Aussie. Is decent at everything, but hasn’t really shown any plus tools as of yet.
Perfect World Projection – Bench player
More Likely Outcome – AAAA Player
| TEAM | AB | R | 2B | HR | RBI | .AVG | .OBP | .SLG | .BABIP | .ISO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah Sand Gnats | 92 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 10 | .239 | .271 | .359 | .282 | .120 |
| St. Lucie Mets | 216 | 38 | 10 | 5 | 37 | .278 | .350 | .412 | .313 | .134 |
| TOTAL | 308 | 45 | 12 | 7 | 47 | .266 | .329 | .396 | .304 | .130 |
50. Chris Schwinden | SP | LoA | Age – 23 | Drafted – 22nd Round 2008 (C-)
Another personal favorite I saved for the last spot. Fringe fastball, but decent off speed offerings and good command have gotten him by so far. I don’t see him facing any problems in St. Lucie, but Binghamton will be the real challenge.
Perfect World Projection – Innings eater
More Likely Outcome – Middle relief
| TEAM | W-L | ERA | G/GS | IP | SO | BB | GB% | FIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah Sand Gnats | 9-6 | 3.28 | 21/17 | 115.1 | 88 | 15 | 45% | 2.87 |
| St. Lucie Mets | 1-0 | 3.97 | 2/2 | 11.1 | 4 | 3 | 35% | 3.82 |
| TOTAL | 10-6 | 3.35 | 23/19 | 126.2 | 92 | 18 | 43% | 2.93 |
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