These kids are alright
If the Mets are planning to make trades at this year's deadline to upgrade their roster for the postseason, they're set up well to do so after adding a bumper crop of talent in the draft this weekend
By Keelin Billue
Call it foresight. Call it goofery. Whatever you want to call it, Buckaroos, the Mets turned a series of unusual events over the past year into a Supermarket Sweep-esque run through the early rounds of the draft. Instead of putting 20 frozen hams in the cart, the Mets have picked up a diversified prospect class.
Check out some highlights of the Mets draft picks through round 10:
Ticker-Tape Parada
Round 1, Pick 11: Kevin Parada, C, Georgia Tech
The fallout from the 2021 Kumar Rocker non-offer continued into 2022 with the compensatory pick. While Rocker went to the Texas Rangers, the Mets’ first pick this year was 20-year-old catcher Kevin Parada. Parada comes to the Mets as the No. 6 draft prospect according to MLB Pipeline, which ranked the Mets’ draft class the best in the game. In his 2022 season at Georgia Tech, he had 26 HRs (a school record), 88 RBIs, and an 1.162 OPS. As a freshman at Georgia Tech, Parada was on the U.S. College National Team.
Scouting reports note that Parada is not extremely agile or physical behind the plate but can run well (for a catcher). He will need work on his throwing and accuracy capabilities.
The Boy is Back in Town (Sort Of)
Round 1, Pick 14: Jett Williams, SS, Rockwall-Heath HS (TX)
Parada is an advanced collegiate prospect who fits the organization in a way that Rocker may have, had he signed. With the first-round pick they got for last year’s 77-85 record, the Mets went for a high schooler from the Dallas suburbs. Not everything is bigger in Texas, as Williams is only 5’8”. But you know what? We stan a short king. Williams shared that he lived in New York for two years and is excited to return, rather than head to Mississippi State.
MLB.com rates Williams as the No. 21 prospect and that is because Williams can RAKE. He is noted for his quick hands and speed as well. He did have a shoulder injury and his throwing suffered because of it. However, his hitting was still impressive.
Forged in The Fire
Round 2, Pick 52: Blade Tidwell, RHP, Tennessee
Tidwell led all 18 Vols pitchers with 18 starts as a freshman. His skill helped UT make it to the College World Series for the first time in 16 years. As a sophomore, Tidwell had 51 strikeouts in 39 innings, but after his best start of the year, 7.2 innings of shutout ball in the Knoxville regional, the wheels came off in his final outing against Notre Dame, and the top-ranked team in the country missed the College World Series.
Tidwell, the No. 27 MLB.com prospect, is known for having a strong fastball and slider. While he is able to carry out other pitches, scouting reports note he has issues with command and control. Blade is Tidwell’s middle name. His legal name is Janzen Blade Tidwell, and he was regularly on the SEC Academic Honor Roll.
A Lil Bito 2B, A Morabito Center field
Round 2, Pick 75 (compensation pick): Nick Morabito, 2B/OF, Gonzaga HS (D.C.)
The Mets picked up No. 91 prospect Nick Morabito in round 2 as a compensation pick for losing Noah Syndergaard in free agency. Morabito is pretty solid compensation with a rich family history in baseball. His uncle John, who serves as his hitting coach, was drafted by the White Sox in 1987.
The high schooler originally committed to Virginia Tech, but was invited to come work out with clubs after rising through the prospect ranks in high school. His hitting, strength, and speed impressed scouts, especially for someone who is 5’11” and 185 pounds. His arm strength and throwing ability set him back for someone who might be a 2B. However, he is athletic in a way that might be suitable for the outfield which is what the Mets have expressed they plan to do with Morabito.
Sproat The Goat
Round 3, Pick 90: Brandon Sproat, RHP, Florida
A starter who has regularly worked into the seventh inning, has been called a bit of a wild card because his performance has been largely inconsistent in the past. His average pitching speed in the fall was 95 mph, and he occasionally hits triple digits. Like Tidwell, Sproat struggles with control and command. Regardless, this is an interesting and exciting pick with numbers like a 1.59 ERA over his final six starts of the season, five in SEC play and one in the NCAA regionals against Central Michigan.
Reimer Reason
Round 4, Pick 119: Jacob Reimer, 3B, Yucaipa HS (CA)
The Californian was committed to Washington until he received the call from the Mets. Reimer is 6’3” tall and around 210 pounds. He is noted for being powerful and having a strong pull swing. A shortstop in high school, Reimer has been drafted as a 3B because of his arm. Reimer is not the speediest player, and his size out of high school suggests a career path perhaps more like Jim Thome, but he will be helpful where power is needed.
Mr. Smith Goes to New York
Round 5, Pick 149: D'Andre Smith, SS, USC
The No. 189 MLB prospect and 5th round pick for the Mets was the Trojans’ shortstop. Like Williams, Smith is on the smaller side at 5’9”. However, Smith is more of a contact hitter. Smith does have a weaker arm, and it is likely he will be used in positions other than shortstop. According to his USC bio, Smith's favorite hobby is fishing. With any luck, he will make his own big splash with the Mets. He also went to San Dimas High School, proving that it’s not just the football that rules.
Six feet, nine inches of Nice
Round 6, 179: Tyler Stuart, P, Southern Miss
Coming out of hot and humid Hattiesburg is a 22-year-old with a 6’9” frame, carrying 250 pounds. Stuart had Tommy John surgery in 2020 and is still recovering: he recorded a 7.16 ERA and was 0-2 in 2021 and worked 40 innings this season with a 3.38 ERA and 38 strikeouts. Stuart’s specialty is his fastball, but he also has a slider than can hit the mid-80s, and you’ve got to like someone who’s got experience getting the final out of a clincher.
That Tong, Tah-Tong, Tong, Tong
Round 7, 209: Jonah Tong, RHP, Bill Crothers SS (Ontario)
If you did not read the line that is two lines above here in the tune of the “Thong Song,” go back do it now, in the name of Sisqó. The 19-year-old Canadian (Tong, that is – Sisqó is a 43-year-old Baltimorean) was committed to North Dakota State. His strongest pitch is his fastball which averages 92-95 mph and has touched 96 mph. He also has a strong curveball and changeup, the latter of which has a 78% strike rate.
All Gas, No Terbrakes
Round 8, 239: Dylan Terbrake, RHP, Creighton
Terbake had been planning to transfer to LSU next season, but he can skip Baton Rouge now. In his 2021 season the 6’3” Terbrake kept a 1.52 ERA with a 5-0 record in six starts against conference opponents.
The Chase Is On
Round 9, 269: Chase Estep, 3B, Kentucky
You often hear stories of improvised baseball equipment in international locales where baseball gear isn’t available. Estep grew up in the hills of eastern Kentucky, where his hitting coach said people improved their hand eye coordination by hitting rocks and a bag of soup beans. In 2022, Estep had 13 home runs and 16 stolen bases. He finished the season with a batting average of .302. Scouting reports speculate that Estep may be better fit for 2B because of his arm strength.
Seeing Red
Round 10, pick 299: Zebulon Vermillion, P, Arkansas
A great pick even if you know nothing about his talent. Keith Law once wrote about Vermillion in a scouting report and said, “I saw just a few pitches from Arkansas reliever Zebulon Vermillion, but he was 94-96 mph, and also, his name is Zebulon Vermillion.” The 6’5”, 240-pound. Vermillion throws righty and bats with lefty, although he’s not the next Shohei Ohtani – he’s strictly a pitcher, but a versatile one. Vermillion has pitched as a starter and a reliever and has said he feels comfortable doing either role.
The Mets now have six pitchers and six infielders to grow in the system. It will take some time to see how the decision to forego signing Rocker will play out, but the Mets’ dynamic selections of the 2022 MLB draft, including a deal with Parada, should soften that FOMO on Rocker.
Behind Enemy (Base)Lines: San Diego Padres
By Colleen Sullivan
Welcome back from the All-Star Break, compadres! While Pete Alonso didn’t get a three-Pete the Home Run Derby and the National League didn’t win (again), we all got a restful few days before the second half of the season kicks into high gear. The Mets are looking to repeat the magic of Game 1 of their visit to San Diego (an 11-5 win), as opposed to Games 2 and 3 (Padres scored a total of 20 runs, Mets scored 2). It wouldn’t hurt to have Eduardo Escobar hit for the cycle again because that’s always a fun thing to see.
Post-ASB is also that time of year there are a ton of trade talks, with that pesky August 2 trade deadline fast approaching. A quick search of the Mets has them attached to the every extra bat from Juan Soto to Daniel Vogelbach. At the same time, rumors abound of them dealing Dominic Smith (who we all love but can also agree is having a rough 2022 with a slash of .194/.276/.284), J.D. Davis (who has always had terrible defense but stuck around a little longer in the DH vs. left-handed starters despite lefty/righty being made up by nerds), and Travis Jankowski (fun defense, no bat with a hot 0-29 streak). There was also a draft, for people who care about such things (see above!).
So how are things going for our enemy, the Dads of San Diego?
Well, they’re 10 games over .500 without Fernando Tatis Jr. and with a shaky bullpen. New manager Bob Melvin has been working out well for them. They’re probably also going to go after Soto, too. They also have some funky City Connect jerseys that look inspired by Rainbow Cone (come to Chicago, it’s delicious). Considering their team colors are brown and yellow, the bright jerseys were a major step up. Plus, they were seen as a nod to Baja California. And looked like they would be worn by a certain delightful side character on Stranger Things.
So back to that 10 games over .500. The Padres play in the same division as the Dodgers, putting them in second place, but still leading the Giants (turns out 2021 was a fluke). At this point in the year, it’s probably safe to talk about the Wild Card (+2 for a spot). They’ve done all this while having Nomar Mazara trolling their outfield, too. Mazara is trolling everyone by hitting .304/.355/.511 in 36 games with San Diego.
One positive about the season kicking back up again is that Max Scherzer will take the mound for the first game back, and he is always a treasure to watch. Yu Darvish is starting for the Padres and went 4-1 with a 2.63 ERA in his last seven starts of the first half.
The Wayback Machine: Bartolo Colón broke James Shields
I’m one of those people who didn’t mind pitchers hitting. It was when you tried to have them do crazy shit like get in a rundown that was unnecessary. It’s like watching Albert Pujols try and steal: no one’s there to see it. Let him sit down.
Back in the old days of 2016, before the universal DH rolled down to MLB, you had pitchers batting. Usually with funny results, like big relievers trying to leg out a double when it’s the most cardio they’ve done that month. Sometimes something magical happens, like Bartolo Colón cranking his first home run ever.
There was something pure about the man nicknamed “Big Sexy” getting his first home run in the 226th at-bat of his career off of James Shields, who at the time was a good pitcher. I like to think Colón’s home run was the beginning of his downfall because Big Game James was just never the same again. No one cares who won that game (Mets, 6-3) because of that one magical moment when a 42-year-old, who spent his prime years in the American League, homered and carried his bat down the first base line. He became the oldest player in MLB history to hit their first career home run.
Colón is one of those players that people hear his name and go “Oh yeah, he played for us once. Didn’t the White Sox lose him for a day?” He’s a Cy Young winner, but known for his memeability. And he always played along, known as a great teammate, to boot.
And one day in May 2016, Bartolo “Big Sexy” Colon became unforgettable.
How can you not be romantic about baseball?
The Authoritative 2022 MLB Draft Grades
By Jesse Spector
The Mets have every reason to be excited about their draft class, but figuring out who performed best at picking amateur prospects to become pros is nigh impossible. There are just too many variables along the player development path, and ultimately a successful draft is about how well organizations bring their prospects along as much as it’s about picking the right players.
Nigh impossible, but not completely impossible. Here at Willets Pen, we have a proprietary system that allows us to assign accurate grades to each team’s entire draft class. We take each team’s top selection, spoonerize it, and project the future of the entire organization based on how much we enjoy saying it out loud. Please come back in 10 years and see how completely correct this was. Each team’s top pick number is in parentheses.
Texas (3): Rumar Kocker — A+
Philadelphia (17): Crustin Jawford — A+
Minnesota (8): Looks Bree — A
Detroit (12): Juce Jang — A
L.A. Angels (13): Nach Zeto — A
San Diego (15): Lylan Desko — A
N.Y. Yankees (25): Jencer Spones — A
Houston (28): Grew Dilbert — A
Baltimore (1): Hackson Jolliday — A-
Kansas City (9): Cavin Gross — A-
N.Y. Mets (11): Pevin Karada — A-
St. Louis (22): Hooper Kjerpe — A-
L.A. Dodgers (40): Ralton Dushing — A-
Cleveland (16): Dase CheLauter — B+
Chicago White Sox (26): Schoah Nultz — B
Miami (6): Bacob Jerry — B-
Oakland (19): Saniel Dusac — B-
Seattle (21): Yole Coung — B-
Cincinnati (18): Com Callier — C+
Atlanta (20): Mowen Urphy — C+
Chicago Cubs (7): Hade Corton — C
Pittsburgh (4): Jermarr Tohnson — C-
Colorado (10): Habriel Gughes — C-
Boston (24): Rikey Momero — C-
San Francisco (30): Creggie Rawford — D+
Arizona (2): Jruw Dones — D
Washington (5): Glijah Ereen — D-
Toronto (23): Bandon Brarreira — F
Milwaukee (27): Beric Rown Jr. — F
Tampa Bay (29): Ivier Xasaac — F