Meet the B-Mets, Greet the B-Mets

I am not dead. I am lazy, but alive.

The B-Mets are in town this week, and I have notes!

I may actually even have a proper piece up at some point this week, but somehow that seems less likely.

Sidebar- I got really nice seats, first row, field level. Unfortunately, I was seated amongst the Simsbury Braves little league team. Great, a bunch of rich, hyper screaming ten year olds in Braves hats, running back in forth in front of me every five seconds and begging for someone to throw them a baseball. Meanwhile, their parents sat ten rows back drinking beer and completely ignoring the hellions. I did resist the urge to throw them over the banister and onto the field. And speaking of banisters...

SP Brian Bannister

"Could end up a nice number 3 starter."

I have to admit; I thought Bannister's numbers were a little soft, and live, his stuff doesn't look that impressive. His fastball topped out 85-87 on the probably questionable scoreboard radar, but he could throw his breaking pitches for strikes when he needed to, located well, and changed speeds effectively. The Rock Cats looked consistently overmatched. They were out in front of his off speed stuff, and swinging over his fastball. He threw 7 innings, four hits, no earned runs 6K/2BB. He works really quickly, and has an excellent pick-off move. Picked one guy off and came close a couple other times. He does walk guys, but he is around the plate most of the time. Change-up in the dirt a lot, but when it wasn't he was fooling batters with it. Didn't make any major mistakes, and none of the hits were hit particularly hard, bunch of squibbers. Only got in trouble due to middling corner defense. Probably should be promoted to AAA at some point, just to see how he does.

SS Anderson Hernandez

"Good bat, good glove, good speed, already takes more walks than Reyes."

Hernandez did a lot of little things well. He took walks, swung the bat well, laid down a nice bunt, and made a very nice play going to his right. His arm isn't as good as Reyes', and he's not as fast (though he is fast), but he has some power (.459 SLG). If I knew about this guy, I might have warmed to the Soriano for Reyes rumors that were around last year. If they can convert him to a second baseman, could be a prettty good major leaguer for the Mets. More likely will be traded.

1b Mike Jacobs

"Might be a good hitter, but no threat to Alphabet defensively."

Looked awkward at first base, making an error, missing a throw on a 5-3 double play that was high, but catchable, then lolly gagging after the ball, letting the lone Rock Cats run score from second. Practically caught a chopper in his cup, and was backing up on balls. His batting stats look good (.308, 12HR/48RBI .901 OPS), but not a future gold glover.

RP Luz Portobanco

"Portuguese for Manny Aybar?"

Really, watching the B-Mets is a lot like watching the actual Mets, once the bullpen comes in, all bets are off. Walked two, K'd two, almost killed the batter on his first pitch. Added a wild pitch to the mix. Has a 1.6 WHIP on the year and a K/BB ratio of 1. When reached for comment, Willie called him "effectively wild."

RP Anderson Garcia

"Has some pop."

I don't have much else to add, as I think he threw about 15 fastballs and nothing else. Speed around 93-95.

2b Aarom Baldiris

"Smooth swing, smooth fielder."

I like his stroke a lot, and he looks better than Matsui or Cairo in the field.

LF Jeff Duncan

"Man, isn't he like 30? MONEYBALL!"

Drew a walk, hence the moneyball comment. I have a soft spot for career minor leaguers. Didn't throw the ball to the annoying little leaguers sitting around me.

Sadly, I did not glimpse Yusemeiro Petit, nor did I get him to sign my hat. Further stalking needed.