Wikipedia: Harvey was drafted in the third round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, yet opted not to sign. He instead attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he pitched for 3 years as a Tar Heel. During his collegiate career, Harvey went 22-7 with 3.73 ERA in 238.2 innings. Additionally, he ranks ninth all-time in UNC history in strikeouts (263) and 10th in wins (22).
Omar Minaya and the Mets drafted Matt Harvey 7th overall in the 2010 draft. The 6’4” Righty has a strong solid frame and came with a few control related questions that many prospects seem to. The Connecticut native is currently pitching for the Met’s AAA affiliate in Buffalo.
Matt Harvey exploded through the Mets minor league system in 2011. He annihilated Port St. Lucie… he struggled and found himself in Binghamton… then in the 2012 Spring Trainging, he nearly earned a premature chance to make the big league club. Then… reality stepped in and Matt Harvey came back down to earth in AAA.
His April ERA was 4.85 and in both May and June he had a K/9 under 9. It seemed that the Mets might have to change their rotation plans for 2013… Matt Harvey might not be ready. June was, thankfully kinder to Matt. He’s pushed his K/9 back over 9 and lowered his overall ERA to 3.69 for the year. His walks are still a bit high for him, 39 (a walk every other inning) but that seems to be the Matt Harvey of early months.
In his last 3 starts, Matt Harvey has been a different pitcher all together. He has notched 23 K’s and only 6 BB’s. He has tallied 18 innings and an ERA of 3.00. He hasn’t been the unhittable machine that Met fans hoped for, but he’s been good enough to still be considered a top prospect. This, just in time for Zack Wheeler’s eventual call-up to AAA. This should keep Harvey slightly ahead of Zack in the rankings… especially if Zack stumbles in AAA.
Around The Minors
AAA:
Vinny Rottino and Jordany Valdespin Back to AAA – Both Vinny and Jorday are back in the minors. For Vinny, I assume he’ll be back up with the next injury. His positional flexibility makes him a good spot starter for almost anyone. Jordany should spend the rest of the year in AAA where he should hone his skills in the outfield and infield for a longer look in 2013.
AA:
Wilmer Flores Off to Running Start – In his first 4 games of AA, Wilmer Flores is hitting .471 with 3 doubles and 6 RBI. Stay excited.
Zack Wheeler Biding His Time – One more AA start? Two…? He’s been more human the last two starts… but in no way was he bad or overmatched.
A+:
Travis Taijeron Has Pop – Travis is up in A+ ball now and 2 of his 3 hits have been for extra bases. He has a double, a homer and 5 RBI in 3 games.
A:
Michael Fulmer Turning Corner in Savannah – Fulmer has begun to look like a prospect in his last few starts in the SAL. His last start was a loss but he only gave up 2 hits, 1 earned run, and 3 walks. He struck out 8.
R, Brooklyn:
Philip Evans Off to Strong Start – The potential steal of the 2011 Met draft has a HR and a 7:3 BB:K ratio in his first 7 games. I hope he sticks to shortstop.
Brandon Nimmo Shows Off His Eye – 10 walks in 7 games. The other stats won’t excite you, but that is a good eye for a young hitter.
Luis Mateo and Gabriel Ynoa Shine – They’ve combined for 17 K’s and 2 BB’s in this young season and have a combined WHIP under 0.600.
R, Kingsport:
Eris Peguero Consistent Starter – This prototypical leadoff style player is looking sharp. 5 of his first 6 games have been multi-hit games and he’s not gone hitless yet.
R, DSL:
Oswald Caraballo Masters the Double – He’s hit 8 doubles and driven in 15 runs this season. He’s also scored 14 runs and showed pretty solid OBP skills.
June 21st is Adrian Abreu Day – He hit two doubles and a HR on the way to a single game OPS of 3.667.
Vincente Lupo Does it All – Seems to have speed, power, contact and discipline. Perhaps he’s our next Lastings Milledge?
Marcos Molina Doesn’t Like Men On Base – This WHIP master has allowed only 7 hits and 3 walks in 13.1 innings.
Jesus Lugo Might Be a Prospect – He’s yet to start a game but he has 19 innings pitched in 5 games and 16 K’s in that span. He’s only walked 4 and given up 14 hits.