N.Y. Mets Camp: Three Potential Surprises

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

 

NEW YORK METS CAMP 2013:

The Odds On Long Shots Always Pay Big When You Hit.

 

Previews:

Starting Pitchers and Catchers

The Bullpen

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Terry Collins or Wally Backman - Will 2013 Decide?

POTENTIAL TO SURPRISE: INFIELD

With only fifty five MLB games on his resume, Brandon Hicks is a relative unknown commodity. But he strikes me as an intriguing player because he hit with power in two straight seasons at AAA as a middle infielder. In 2011, while playing in the International League he hit eighteen home runs in 361 at-bats.  In 2012, while playing in the Pacific Coast League, he again hit eighteen home runs, this time in 328 at-bats.  In six minor league seasons, his .334 OBP is rather stellar when his .241 batting average is taken into account.


POTENTIAL TO SURPRISE: OUTFIELD

Even as a role player, Collin Cowgill stands to receive substantial playing time in both center and right field.  His MLB experience equals seventy four games over the last two seasons.  While in Arizona's system, he posted a solid season in 2010 while playing at AA.  Then in 2011 playing AAA, in 395 at-bats, he hit thirteen home runs and drove in seventy runs.  He batted .354 for the season, had an OBP of .430, and posted a .554 slugging average.  Last season playing for Oakland's AAA affiliate however, his overall production slipped.  Collin still stayed solid against lefties.


POTENTIAL TO SURPRISE: BULLPEN

All of a sudden, Greg Burke is the latest rage.  His only season of MLB service came during the 2009 season.  But there just may be something to this right handed pitcher.  Prior to the 2012 season, Burke tossed one season of independent ball.  He then averaged a 4.16 ERA in six minor league seasons.  He was converted into a submariner style pitcher in time for the 2012 season.  Last year in twenty three games with AA-Bowie, he made twenty three appearances and pitched 29.1 innings.  He posted a 1.53 ERA, and a 0.852 WHiP.  In twenty one games for AAA-Norfolk, he pitched 35.1 innings, and posted an identical 1.53 ERA.  He WHiP climbed slightly to a 1.019 mark.  Terry Collins can't stop talking about him.




Mike.BTB