Can New York Mets Rule 5 Draftee Pedro Beato Crack The Roster?

The Mets selected Pedro Beato with their second pick in the Rule 5 Draft. He projects as a middle reliever and might be able to have an immediate impact on the roster.

Beato was actually drafted by the Mets in the 17th round in 2005 but did not sign. The following year, the Orioles selected him with the 32nd overall pick and were able to sign him.

The Mets brought in D.J. Carrasco for some bullpen help at the Winter Meetings, and they also signed Boof Bonser, but he will provide insurance at AAA. Pat Misch and Manny Acosta are still in house and will be competing for spots.

While some scouts say Beato is not quite ready for the bigs, his 2010 numbers for the AA Bowie Baysox were great. As a late-inning reliever, he was 4-0 with a 2.11 ERA and 16 saves. He also had 50 strikeouts in 59.2 innings of work.

He established himself as a two-pitch reliever, primarily using a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s.

He's a local kid, too. He attended Xaverian High School and played for Brooklyn's Youth Service League.

How do I know this? I actually played against him during the summer of 2005. Not to brag, but I was 2-for-3 with a double off him. He did have great stuff, though.

He has certainly matured since then and could play a role in the 2011 Mets bullpen. There are many unclaimed spots so he would have to prove himself in spring training.

As the parameters of the Rule 5 Draft indicate, he would have to be kept on the major league roster all season, or he would be offered back to Orioles, assuming he clears waivers.

The Mets wouldn't have wasted this pick if they did not see tremendous upside with Beato. 

Hopefully he can show the Mets that he's the real deal.