2011 New York Mets Draft Candidates: Matt Barnes, RHP (UConn)

Full Name : Matthew Barnes
College : University of Connecticut (UConn Huskies)
D.O.B. : 6/17/90 (21 years old*)
Height : 6’4 ft.
Weight : 203 lbs.
Throws : Right
Position : SP

Stats:

Year	ERA	W-L	APP/GS	CG	SV	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO
2009	5.43	5-3	13/7	0	1	53.0	54	38	32	23	55
2010	3.92	8-3	15/13	1	0	82.2	79	39	36	25	75
2011	1.11	11-3	14/14	3	1	105	58	19	13	26	97

Accolades:

• All-Colonial Division, All-Conference, All-State (Class L), Connecticut High School Coaches Association All-Star, 2008 Rawling Pre-Season All-Region Team member, All-Conference Academic Team 3x. (High school)
• 2010 ABCA Northeast Region First Team
• 2010 All-New England First Team
• 2010 All-Big East First Team
• Member of USA Collegiate Team

Previously Drafted : Never drafted
Mock Draft : Top 15 Pick

Mechanics:

Only angle in GIF I have right now. Took me the longest time to even get this one working. He has such a free and easy delivery that I have very few concerns of injuries affecting his career. Some of the quickest arm speed in the draft.

Repertoire

Fastball - Already a true plus pitch sitting 93-96 mph and touching 97 with exploding late life and appears even faster to hitters because of the ease of his delivery. At times this pitch can be nearly unhittable. Has a chance to become a plus-plus pitch in the future.

Curveball - A solid pitch with good break at 74-77 mph.

Slider - Harder two-plane breaking ball in the 79-81 mph range.

Changeup - Quality pitch at 83-85 mph. Has the ideal 8-10 mph difference from his fastball and doesn't slow down his arm speed.

Video:

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Summary:

Barnes is the rare college pitcher with projection left on his fastball coming out of college, which is a little scary considering that it is already a plus pitch in college. Don't expect huge gains, but I wouldn't be shocked to see him sitting 95-96 mph instead of 93-94 mph. Scouts are still unsure which breaking ball will be the better of the two for him to use at the next level, but each has flashed enough potential to get outs.

Because of the talent level this year Barnes is getting a little bit overlooked. In most years he would be getting top 5 looks and in some really bad years be in consideration for the No. 1 overall pick.

His combination of stuff and delivery remind of a Justin Verlander-lite. He has top of the rotation potential and is a good combination of upside and floor.

I predicted the Mets to select Barnes in my first mock draft.

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