Disclaimer (because someone will ask why a player I didn't see isn't on this list): This is a ranking of the best Mets prospects I saw in person this year. This is not a comprehensive Mets prospect list. I did not see Las Vegas, St. Lucie or the GCL team this year. If a player is not on the list, it is most likely because I did not see him. Otherwise, all rankings are consistent with how I would order the players within the Mets system. Oh yeah, and I am not a scout.
9. Danny Muno, 2B-SS
5'11", 175 lbs
Bats/Throws: S/R
Age: (as of Opening Day 2014) 25.2
Acquired: 8th round, 2011
2013: 561 PA, .249/.384/.379, 97 K, 92 BB for Binghamton (AA)
Date(s) seen: 4/11/13-4/14/13 vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats (TOR)
5/20/13-5/22/13 and 7/18/13-7/21/13 @ New Britain Rock Cats (MIN)
The short of it: Switch-hitting senior sign from 2011 could be ready to help the 2014 Mets, but he may have to wait in line behind all the other utility infielders they keep on retainer.
The long of it: Advanced approach and I like the swing from the left side. Has some explosion, quick to the ball, even if it's only gap power. From the right side the swing tends to get long. Speed has diminished since I saw him in Brooklyn in 2011. Below-average runner that needs to stop stealing bases, and it has begun to affect his range in the field as well. Played mostly second base in my looks, though they would try to get him the occasional start at short. Unfortunately it was "pasta diving Muno" territory on the left side of the infield. Throwing has gotten better, though the arm is still fringy. Gets the most out of his limited tools and will probably play in the major leagues.
The projection: Utility infielder
Risk Factor: Low-medium. Approach and defensive flexibility should get him a shot at a major league role, though it's not a sexy ceiling. Some questions about the hit tool will play at the highest levels. Stretched defensively up-the-middle.
What’s next: Muno showed enough this year to earn a spot in Vegas next year. Despite the team's depth in utility infield types, I could see Muno getting a cup of coffee at some point in 2014. I'm also making him the early favorite for "Guy who puts up a wacky line in Vegas, causing Sandy to talk about him with Francesca much to my consternation." This year's pick of Eric Campbell worked out well.
What I'll be looking for: Can he keep the K-rate under control against the fringy major league pitchers in the PCL. Muno has more secondary skills than the current crop of potential backup infielders, but the most questions around his hit tool.