We talk about Woods Richardson, Szapucki, Kay and Peterson often enough. These are the starting pitchers who are supposed to make impacts at the major league level and who, based on their draft or previous successes, are supposed to be the best pitchers. Which means that few people will ever talk about Harol Gonzalez.
At 24 years of age, Harol Gonzalez is playing at AA in his fifth minor league campaign within the Mets organization. Gonzalez has served, primarily, as a starter and has struck out 4 times the number of batters he’s walked in his 482.2 innings pitched. The four pitch pitcher has a ho-hum low 90s fastball, a good 11-5 curveball, a slider and changeup in his repertoire but somehow strikes out around 8 batters per 9 innings.
His ascension to AA has followed a very steady and calm pace. In 2014 he pitched in the DSL, 2015 Kingsport, 2016 Brooklyn, 2017 both Columbia and St. Lucie and 2018 he pitched in St. Lucie, Binghamton and 6 solid innings for Las Vegas.
In all that time, he’s been solid (good) but nothing about him stood out. Now, in 2019 he is starting to stand out. He’s got 13.1 innings under his belt with 2 early wins to his credit. In those innings he’s struck out 19, walked only 2 and given up only 7 base hits (2 of those home runs). All of this has led to a career best 0.68 WHIP which makes him look like much more of a frontline starter on paper.
With Chris Flexen, Drew Gagnon and Corey Oswalt all serving time in the majors to cover for injuries and Jason Vargas one wonders if Gonzalez might see time in the majors in 2019. He seems like he might be in contention for the upper reaches of the Top 20 prospects thanks to his stalwart steady pitching at each level he’s reached.
AAA:
Syracuse Mets
How man Travis Taijeron home runs will make me care? – I’m not sure I’ll ever call him a “prospect” but here is hoping he’ll make me think again.
Danny Espinosa has been pretty great – He can play a few positions and should probably get the next call to backup Amed Rosario instead of Luis Guillorme.
AA:
Binghamton Rumble Ponies
Anthony Kay tosses a gem – His Monday outing was 6.0 of the best innings you’ll see. He gave up only 1 hit and 3 walks while striking out 10 in a scoreless affair.
Andres Gimenez is trying to win his way to AAA – I disagree, fully, with anyone who thinks Gimenez needed to repeat AA after 2018.
A+:
St. Lucie Mets
Could Luis Carpio regain prospect stock? – His 3 for 4 night with a home run and a walk on Monday will help that opinion.
Brodey Quinn plays everywhere – When Desmond Lindsay sits the Mets feel that their right fielder is perfectly capable of handling center.
Tony Dibrell is pretty darned good – He’s not quite “Ace” caliber but he’s looking like he could be mid-rotation quality.
Jed Lowrie sighted – The rehab begins but the Mets already have too many infielders. Who wouldn’t prefer that Lowrie’s money have been spent on Dallas Keuchel right about now?
A:
Columbia Fireflies
Shervyen Newton sighted – His debut wasn’t great as he was held hitless and struck out three times. There are officially too many shortstops in Columbia. Seems Mauricio is still getting the bulk of the playing time.
Ronny Mauricio hitting 3rd – With Newton back in the lineup Mauricio has been moved out of the leadoff spot and is now hitting in the heart of the lineup with Mark Vientos.
After seeing Peterson’s stinker yesterday, I’m even more leery of his stature as a first round pick. I think Gimenez may not be a very strong top organizational prospect, but still a good prospect. Peterson seems like a better Conlon, at best.
I had Carpio ranked #22 on my list coming into the year so I’m glad to see the strong start he’s off to here in 2019. He has an .845 OPS compared to a team-wide .674 OPS.
Perhaps the most impressive thing is that he has just 7 Ks in 54 PA and just one in his last 25 trips to the plate. Not bad for a 21 year old.
He’s also playing shortstop.