3. Jefry Marte, 3B
DOB: 6/21/91
Height/Weight: 6-1/187
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: Dominican Republic, 2007
2008 Stats: .325/.398/.532 at Rookie-level (44 G)
Last Year's Ranking: Not Ranked
Year in Review: Yet another high-profile signee from the 2007 international class, Marte nearly matched Flores in terms of impressive stateside debuts; finishing sixth in the Gulf Coast League in batting and second in slugging.
The Good: Marte ranks just below Flores in terms of offensive potential. His projections to hit for average and power are both above-average due to a smooth, steady swing that features plenty of leverage. While he doesn't match Flores in either category, he is a better all-around athlete, with a better chance at sticking at the hot corner thanks to good reactions and a plus arm.
The Bad: Marte is still a raw product. He struggled against left-handers during his debut, and good breaking balls can still give him fits. He needs to improve his fundamentals on defense, particularly with his footwork, a weakness which led to mishandled balls and inaccurate throws.
Fun Fact: He's from La Romona on the far eastern side of the Dominican, one of the country's most successful cities due to tourism and the nation's largest sugar and cigar factories.
Perfect World Projection: Marte has definite star potential.
Glass Half Empty: Like Flores, Marte is eons away from being big-league ready.
Path to the Big Leagues: David Wright is the face of the franchise, but it's not anywhere near a concern at this point.
Timetable: With a good enough showing in spring training, Marte could join Flores at Low-A in what would be one of the most talented left sides in the minors.
4. Brad Holt, RHP
DOB: 10/13/86
Height/Weight: 6-4/194
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 1st round, 2008, University of North Carolina
2008 Stats: 1.87 ERA at Short-Season (72.1-43-33-96)
Last Year's Ranking: N/A
Year in Review: A quick-rising college who arm earned a seven-figure bonus as a supplemental first-round pick and then proved to be worth it, Holt led the New York-Penn League in ERA and strikeouts.
The Good: Holt has a dominating fastball that sits in the low to mid-90s and touches 98 mph, with a hard boring action that comes in on left-handed hitters. His mechanics are simple, sound, and repeatable, and he showed an ability to maintain his stuff deep into games throughout the season.
The Bad: His heater allowed him to own the New York-Penn League, but his secondary stuff continues to lag behind. His inconsistent slider flashes as solid at times, and the Mets were happy with the progress he made with the pitch as the season wore on. His changeup also improved when he was forced to throw it, but he has little confidence in the offering, and for good reason.
Fun Fact: Lefties facing Holt went 12-for-104 (.115) with 46 strikeouts.
Perfect World Projection: With some improvement in the secondary stuff, there is no reason that Holt can't become an above-average starter.
Glass Half Empty: A pure reliever, but a damned good one.
Path to the Big Leagues: He'd get there quicker as a relief pitcher, but that's not where the value lies.
Timetable: Holt will remain in the rotation for now, and the Mets have enough confidence in what he's done so far that they'll have him begin the year at High-A St. Lucie.
DOB: 6/21/91
Height/Weight: 6-1/187
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: Dominican Republic, 2007
2008 Stats: .325/.398/.532 at Rookie-level (44 G)
Last Year's Ranking: Not Ranked
Year in Review: Yet another high-profile signee from the 2007 international class, Marte nearly matched Flores in terms of impressive stateside debuts; finishing sixth in the Gulf Coast League in batting and second in slugging.
The Good: Marte ranks just below Flores in terms of offensive potential. His projections to hit for average and power are both above-average due to a smooth, steady swing that features plenty of leverage. While he doesn't match Flores in either category, he is a better all-around athlete, with a better chance at sticking at the hot corner thanks to good reactions and a plus arm.
The Bad: Marte is still a raw product. He struggled against left-handers during his debut, and good breaking balls can still give him fits. He needs to improve his fundamentals on defense, particularly with his footwork, a weakness which led to mishandled balls and inaccurate throws.
Fun Fact: He's from La Romona on the far eastern side of the Dominican, one of the country's most successful cities due to tourism and the nation's largest sugar and cigar factories.
Perfect World Projection: Marte has definite star potential.
Glass Half Empty: Like Flores, Marte is eons away from being big-league ready.
Path to the Big Leagues: David Wright is the face of the franchise, but it's not anywhere near a concern at this point.
Timetable: With a good enough showing in spring training, Marte could join Flores at Low-A in what would be one of the most talented left sides in the minors.
4. Brad Holt, RHP
DOB: 10/13/86
Height/Weight: 6-4/194
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 1st round, 2008, University of North Carolina
2008 Stats: 1.87 ERA at Short-Season (72.1-43-33-96)
Last Year's Ranking: N/A
Year in Review: A quick-rising college who arm earned a seven-figure bonus as a supplemental first-round pick and then proved to be worth it, Holt led the New York-Penn League in ERA and strikeouts.
The Good: Holt has a dominating fastball that sits in the low to mid-90s and touches 98 mph, with a hard boring action that comes in on left-handed hitters. His mechanics are simple, sound, and repeatable, and he showed an ability to maintain his stuff deep into games throughout the season.
The Bad: His heater allowed him to own the New York-Penn League, but his secondary stuff continues to lag behind. His inconsistent slider flashes as solid at times, and the Mets were happy with the progress he made with the pitch as the season wore on. His changeup also improved when he was forced to throw it, but he has little confidence in the offering, and for good reason.
Fun Fact: Lefties facing Holt went 12-for-104 (.115) with 46 strikeouts.
Perfect World Projection: With some improvement in the secondary stuff, there is no reason that Holt can't become an above-average starter.
Glass Half Empty: A pure reliever, but a damned good one.
Path to the Big Leagues: He'd get there quicker as a relief pitcher, but that's not where the value lies.
Timetable: Holt will remain in the rotation for now, and the Mets have enough confidence in what he's done so far that they'll have him begin the year at High-A St. Lucie.
