Written by David Groveman.
With 2016’s surprise star pitcher, Thomas Szapucki, sidelined with an injury, the Mets have thoroughly enjoyed the early successes of (20 year old) Jordan Humphreys. At 6-0 with a 1.63 ERA, a 0.70 WHIP, only 6 walks and a phenomenal 49 strikeouts he’s defied even the most optimistic of predictions for his success. Did 2015 or 2016 show us a glimpse of Humphrey’s potential?
In 2015 the 18th round pick pitched only 11.2 innings in the GCL. These relief innings weren’t bad but they were very typical of a mediocre 18th round pick. In fact, Amazing Avenue said, “…could become a bullpen cog down the road.” Which isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement, but that comes with a pitcher who was only likely to develop low 90s heat and had difficulty with his secondary pitches.
In 2016 there was a marked improvement as he pitched for Kingsport and Brooklyn. His K/9 went above 9.0 and his walks didn’t increase. Nothing in 2016 suggested that Humphreys was suddenly “a star” but it was certainly an encouraging sign that the Mets had got value out of an 18th round pick.
What has changed?
It is possible that Humphreys has developed more velocity than scouts predicted in 2015 but more likely his success has to do with secondary pitching. If Humphreys has figured out how to throw off speed pitches for strikes and fool hitters he can still have these crazy power numbers and only throw in the 90-92 MPH range.
As always, you can’t buy fully into the hype of Humphreys unless he repeats this success both beyond 2017 and in Port St. Lucie or Binghamton.
AAA: Las Vegas 51s
Amed Rosario had a down week – In his last 10 games he’s only hitting .267. It’s nothing to get overly concerned by.
Dominic Smith showing power – He’s up to 15 XBH in this young season.
Gavin Cecchini lacks consistency – He’s hitting a lot some days and not at all on others.
Travis Taijeron looking more like himself – Falling batting average and rising strikeouts.
Desmond Jennings is ready – If the mets need or want another outfield bat, perhaps in place of Curtis Granderson, Jennings is hitting very well.
Brandon Nimmo is just floundering – Something seems to still be wrong with him.
Tyler Pill is next in line – As far as pitching depth goes, Pill is the next starter the Mets have in reserve.
AA: Binghamton Rumble Ponies
P.J. Conlon still looking good – The Mets will likely see him in the majors in 2017, at this rate.
Corey Oswalt has recovered – His early struggles are behind him and he looks much improved.
Tim Peterson awaiting promotion – Peterson has little left to prove in Binghamton.
Kevin Kaczmarski heating up – It doesn’t help that most of Binghamton isn’t hitting but Kaczmarski has started to come alive as a hitter.
A+: Port St. Lucie Mets
Justin Dunn… Ugh – It’s bad… just bad.
Wuilmer Becerra signs of life – He’s not hitting consistently but he does have a few multi-hit games in the last 10 games played.
Peter Alonso out – He has not played since 4/11.
Patrick Mazeicka doesn’t miss a beat – My minor league posts aren’t cursed as Mazeicka follows up his feature by hitting .421 for the last 10 games.
Jhoan Urena doing most things right – It’s great to see him hitting. It would be even better to see him hitting with power.
Anthony Dimino out – He has not played since 5/7.
Nabil Crismatt missing his power – We are no longer seeing much of a K/9 from Crismatt which is a telling statistic.
A: Columbia Fireflies
Desmond Lindsay just getting worse – He’s now the looking like the worst hitter on the team.
Merandy Gonzalez keeping pace – Sure Humphreys is still standing out for greatness but Gonzalez has been steady and very successful.
I’m confused (easy for me). What does it mean when Matt Netter writes a piece that is creditted to Dave Groveman? The written voice sounds like DG, unless Matt’s word processing skills include ventriloquism.
I wrote it. Matt posted it up.
I love that guys like Conlon and Pill, who aren’t “strike out pitchers” are seeing success. I believe that people place too much emphasis on the strikeout, which could account for a rise in pitch count awareness.