Diamond in the Rough

5/6/08

Jonathon Niese, 21 (LHP), Binghamton Mets (New York Mets, AA)

Niese was selected in the seventh round of the 2005 First-Year player draft. At first glance his 2007 stats where mostly mediocre. In 27 games started, he pitched 134 and 1/3 innings, gave up 151 hits and had a 4.29 ERA. What intrigues me is he had just 31 walks, two complete games and 1 shutout. While none of these stats blow me away, he was just 20 years old in Advance-A ball. The Mets decided to advance him this year to Double-A, which looks to be a very wise decision. In 5 starts Niese looks like he has figured things out...how does 25 1/3 IP with 22 strikeouts and only 2 earned runs against for a .71 ERA sound? These are some numbers that make people take notice. The Mets farm system has taken a hit of late with trades and promotions...especially when it comes to quality arms. Keep tabs on him this year and see what kind of success this 21 year old has in Double-A.

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