New York Mets: Minor Transactions That Can Help the Future

In the past few days, the Mets have made some promotions from their A class affiliates. While they may be unknown now, these are players who can contribute at the major league level in a few years.

Critics have complained that it took too long for these players to earn their way to the next level. However, both the St. Lucie Mets and the Savannah Sand Gnats were in the midst of a half-season playoff race (which they both won their divisions). The organization felt it would be better not to remove the best players from their teams out of respect for the affiliates.

In addition, fans should not complain about a conservative approach to their top prospects. In the last regime, players were rushed up the system to the majors without enough time to develop their skills. In some cases, like Ike Davis and Jose Reyes, it worked. In others, like Fernando Martinez and Lastings Milledge, it did not. A conservative approach allows players to refine their game without the pressure of the majors. This is something that no one should complain about.

The most prominent of the players that were promoted is Matt Harvey, the seventh overall pick in the 2010 first-year player draft. He has some great stuff with a mid-90’s fastball, a hard breaking ball and a very good change-up. At this point he seems very likely to eventually crack the rotation and succeed at the major league level. Unfortunately, Mets fans shouldn't hold their breath. The entire organization confirmed that they want their pitchers throwing at least 100 innings above A-ball before getting the big call to the majors. This would take him at least through next season.

Three more pitchers that have shown some potential this season are Darin Gorski, Greg Peavey, and Josh Edgin. Edgin is a reliever who has already been promoted to St. Lucie and starter Greg Peavey is expected to follow. Darin Gorski has been dominating the Florida State League with a 1.57 ERA for St. Lucie and will most likely follow Harvey to Binghamton.

Peavey might have the best control in the minor leagues. Since the beginning of May, he has K/BB ration of 45/4 in 54 innings. This should help him move faster through the organization.

The organization has plenty of hitters moving up as well. The three position players that have been promoted are SS Robbie Shields and outfielders Cory Vaughn and Matt den Dekker. Each of these players has the advantage of being relatively older than their counterparts. Shields is 23 and can play either middle infield position, but might not make too much of an impact at higher levels. Vaughn, 22, is the son of former major leaguer Greg Vaughn and has shown he has power that could translate in upper levels. Den Dekker, 24, has been hitting well since the beginning of the year, but it is his defensive prowess that could get him to the show.

None of the players mentioned will reach the majors this season. More likely than not, they will not reach the majors next year either. But if the organization can keep their patience, they will be rewarded with some excellent ballplayers. Fans only need to look to their rival Phillies to see the reward of letting players develop. Ryan Howard became Rookie of the Year at age 25 and Chase Utley did not become a regular until after his 25^th birthday either.

Minor league scouting is an inexact science, and it becomes even harder in the lower levels. Luckily the Mets have an unemotional general in Sandy Alderson who will make the right decisions for the organization.