Under Omar Minaya the Mets have done an outstanding job of finding and signing talent in Latin and South America. Wilmer Flores and Jefry Marte might be the two latest big finds for the Mets organization.
Wilmer Flores - SS (for now)
Wilmer created quite a buzz as the youngest player in rookie ball at Kingsport. Then a 16-year-old, he let loose something people are not used to seeing from a kid in professional baseball—power.
Flores has quite the stroke. It's smooth fluid and explosive. His short season numbers were quite impressive with all things considered. This season he moves to full season baseball which is another big challenge.
He is a short stop for now, however he isn't a guy with any real chance of sticking there. From what little I have read and seen it seems like he is more of a left fielder or first baseman.
He has a very large frame with broad shoulders and isn't even close to being done growing yet.
Flores will spend the year in the South Atlantic League, at Savannah.
MLB Comparison: Miguel Cabrera
Jefry Marte - 3B
Marte is a very similar prospect to Flores in that he displays massive offensive potential.
Although because of his smaller frame, scouts do not think he will be the masher that Flores is projected to be. But Marte has the same easy power stroke that Flores has, and has no problem putting the ball over the outfield wall.
He is a much better infielder than Flores, and has a real chance at sticking at third. He is a very instinctive player who makes good decisions, has good range, and makes hard accurate throws.
Offensively plate discipline is a problem for Marte, who often chases pitches he knows he shouldn't. He has also been known to pull a Pedro Cerano on a breaking ball or two.
MLB Comparison: Carlos Guillen
One thing is for sure, with that left side of the infield I plan to attend as many Sand Gnat games as I possibly can this year.
Read some of Chris's other writings at: The Statline Report
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