Continuing the review of Sandy Alderson’s drafts we reach 2012 and a draft that was much maligned at one point in time. The overall tune of scouts and pundits has begun to swing around as Alderson seems to have snuck some value into his picks, even if that value was not immediately apparent.
Gavin Cecchini, SS – The Mets’ top pick was a shortstop who projected as an MLB starter with solid defensive metrics and average offensive production (for the position). Cecchini was never a sexy pick. The Mets passed on Lucas Giolito, Corey Seager, Michael Wacha and others to take a player that scouts regarded as “safe”. Cecchini went on to disappoint fans in every level of the minors until 2015 where he hit AA and began hitting like a top prospect. Cecchini might have earned himself a shot at becoming the shortstop of the future for the Mets but he’ll need to keep rolling in Spring Training to make us believe.
Kevin Plawecki, C – When drafted in the compensation round, a lot of fans were confused. Plawecki did not get rave reviews for his glove and his bat was above average but only for the catching position. Nobody expected the show that Plawecki would put on in 2013 and 2014. Plawecki is currently serving as a backup catcher to Travis d’Arnaud but he is talented enough to start on some teams. His future may not be with the Mets but his value is clear.
Matt Reynolds, 3B/SS – Reynolds was drafted as a third baseman but his hitting and fielding were projected to move Reynolds to shortstop. Reynolds hit well through most of the minors but lacks the power and speed to make much of an impact in the MLB. He’s currently serving as infield depth on the World Series roster and it’s hard to see him providing enough offense to be a starter but he could have a future off the bench.
Matt Koch, RHP – Koch was mostly a bit of organizational filler. He has some talent but projects as a AAAA player and little more. Koch was traded in 2015 for Addison Reed.
Branden Kaupe, SS – Kaupe had a little bit of hype when he was drafted but he has yet to do anything of note in the minors. Kaupe looks like a “never-was” prospect.
Brandon Welch, RHP – Another “prospect” who we can safely write off.
Jayce Boyd, 1B – Boyd was not highly touted but when Plawecki caught fire, Boyd was right behind him. Boyd has a solid line-drive swing and makes good contact but doesn’t have the power of a typical first baseman. He’s currently working on his defensive versatility. If he can become capable of playing four or more positions he becomes a very good bench player.
Corey Oswalt, RHP – With the Mets trading Michael Fulmer and countless other pitchers away, Oswalt’s stock has risen within the Met system. Oswalt is a big pitcher who is ready for testing in Port St. Lucie. His value will establish itself in 2016.
Tomas Nido, C – Nido was regarded as a strong hitting catching prospect and a player taken later in the draft than expected but he’s never really taken strides in the minors. Nido is nothing more than organizational filler.
Richie Rodriguez, 2B – Not a player worth paying any attention to.
Notable Others: Robert Whalen (Traded for Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson), Matt Bowman (Currently starting for AAA) and Chris Flexen (One of the best remaining pitchers in the Mets system).
Thanks for the article. T’was a nice update.
If I could get a decent return for Plawecki on the open market, I’d move him.
I think Plav is going to hit, but sure, for the right piece he should be available. I doubt he would fetch a potential starting shortstop, however.
It’s early to start getting excited about him, but I do want to see what Ali Sanchez can do in full season play.
Gavin Cecchini had a very good year with an .819 OPS at AA. He will need to improve on it at hitter friendly AAA Las Vegas if he wants to be considered for the job when Tejada becomes a free agent in 2018. The Mets may improve on Flojada way before then and Gavin may be up against tougher competition for the starting spot.
Matt Reynolds needs to put in a better showing in 2016.. A first half injury by Flojada will get him onto the roster, just like he got on the post season roster. He needs to produce better than Cecchini to keep his position on the depth chart or by the second half of 2016 his starting baseball opportunity may pass by him.
Kevin Plawecki is a good hitter but he hasn’t shown it at the major league level. He should start 2016 in AAA and hit his way back onto the major league roster. TDA looks like an all star catcher and Plawecki does not have that ceiling. Eventually the right deal will come along and he will be moved but there is no hurry on that.
Travis d’Arnaud = All-Star Catcher
Kevin Plawecki = Starting Catcher
Both have value but d’Arnaud is in another league of talent.
Reynolds<Tejada<Cecchini<Desmond
I think that considering Desmond's price tag we should just keep Cecchini
What started as a pretty poorly received draft has turned out pretty well… assuming Cecchini can keep things up.
+1. 🙂
Big TDA fan but until he shows he can catch 140 games I would not trade Plawecki.