A terrific piece giving updates from just-deposed Jared Banner on guys who appeared in Instructional League before it was shut down for Covid positive tests.
Neither Pete Crow-Armstrong nor Isaiah Greene, the Mets’ respective first-round and second-compensation round picks from this year’s Draft, have disappointed in their introduction to pro ball, as both prep outfielders were among the most impressive prospects in camp.
Crow-Armstrong (No. 19 overall pick) initially got off to a slow start, but took off as camp unfolded, showcasing elite defense in center field coupled with sneaky left-handed power potential at the plate.
“PCA is driving the ball to both gaps and hitting with some power … he hit a home run out at 107 mph a couple of days ago,” said Banner. “And obviously he’s playing premium, premium defense. You could put him in center field in a big league game today and he’d be one of the best.”
As for Greene, whom the Mets took with the compensation pick (No. 69 overall) they received when free agent Zack Wheeler signed with the Phillies, he was one of the best hitters in camp, “hitting over .400 with a .500 on-base [percentage],” according to Banner.
“This guy’s fresh out of high school competing against guys who’ve been in pro ball for a few years. He’s controlling the strike zone, controlling at-bats. He’s been really impressive.”
Source: Mike Rosenbaum, mlb.com
The article gives a position by position breakdown of the prospects at Instructional League. Everything was glowing, so it’s hard to take 100% at face value but it was still nice to hear an update on these guys who missed out on a minor league season.