Prospect Questions For Kevin Goldstein

Martinez/Niese/Thole

Which CF prospects in any organization do you see as future MLB defensive stars at that position? Would Brett Jackson (Cubs AA) be on that list? Thank you

how long should we allow for prospects like F-mart and Thole to develop, do you see them on the starting rotation in 2011 or is that to early of an expectation?

1) Why did you put Wilmer Flores above Ike Davis?

2) What do you think of Eric Beaulac?

Do you see Zach Lutz ever being able to develop enough power to be a regular major league third baseman?

Here are a few guys I think might be under the radar types, like Captain Kirk Nieuwenhuis was last year.

Aderlin Rodriguez 3B, Ron Harris OF, ZeErika Hall OF, Zach Lutz 3B, Cesar Puello RF, Rafael Fernandez OF, Jordany Valdespin 2B, Richard Lucas 3B, Matt Bouchard INF, Cam Maron C, John Freeman C, and I expect a breakout year for Reese Havens.

As for pitchers, I am looking for big years from: Armando Rodriguez, Juan Urbina, Carlos Vasquez, Scott Moviel, Dylan Gee, and hopefully Brant Rustich.

He started out on fire, .290 with a homer and ten RBI’s in his first 62 AB’s at GCL, but then he got hit by a pitch and broke his wrist, but he’s supposed to be fine for spring training, I hope he starts at Savannah.

but it is a difficult question about a “Mets prospect” for 2010 nonetheless and I would greatly appreciate hearing Kevin Goldstein’s professional opinion on the matter.

Mr. Kevin Goldstein, what do you make of Jeff Francoeur and his chances of maintaining and even building upon his hitting success with the Mets in the second half of last season? There is no doubt that he’s a physically gifted athlete with a cannon arm and a sweet power stroke. His defense is questionable, but it’s clearly Jeff’s approach at the plate that is limiting his value. The consensus here is that his second half last year was BABIP fueled and that he’ll certainly regress in 2010.

I’m asking this question because I haven’t seen many professional scouts and writers touch upon what they think about Francoeur going forward, other than a few people saying “maybe all he needed was a change of scenery.” There is an outspoken segment of AA ready to write off Francoeur because they don’t think he’s willing to change and can’t possibly be worth his 2010 contract. But he made noticeable improvements from 06 (first full season) to 07 and he’s been quoted as saying he tried anything the coaches and his fellow players suggested during the slump in 08. It’s also pretty clear that “beefing up” before the 08 season affected his playing style.

You’ve been able to observe him for quite some time. Can he become a 40-60 BB per year/ .330 OBP player? Does he need to in order to be successful? Can he adopt a style of success similar to other notable free swingers, such as Pablo Sandoval, Vlad G and Eric Byrnes? Can the Mets possibly transform an archenemies “golden home boy” into their worst nightmare?

On a side note, what are your personal opinions about UZR and the other advanced defensive metrics? Should we be taking these metrics with a huge grain of salt or just a small one? In either case, it seems aggressive positioning is a trend the Mets should be employing in 2010.