[hvs1717]

With only 2 days to get to know the entire organization, I will be relying on my Bench Coach heavily early on. I am going to take a look at the organization by each group of postions - starting pitching, relief pitching, infielders, catchers and outfielders.

Starting Pitching - Invited 12 Players

Locks - Pete Falcone, Craig Swan, Pat Zachry
Competing for last two spots - Juan Berenguer, Mark Bomback, Ray Burris, Kevin Kobel, John Pacella, Mike Scott
Outside chance at best - Greg A Harris, Scot Holman, Ed Lynch

Juan Berenguer (25) 36/47 - Berenguer was a September call up in 1979. He made 5 starts going 1-1 with a 2.93 ERA. He threw 30 2/3 innings and struck out 25. If he pitches even close to that in Spring Training it is going to be tough to keep him out of the rotation.
Mark Bomback (26) 44/42 - Bomback spent the entire season with Milwaukee's AAA affilate. He was a workhorse and had an outstanding season. He made 33 starts and threw 246 innings and striking 151. He won 22 games with only 7 losses and had a 2.56 ERA in the PCL.
Ray Burris (29) 47/47 - Ray joined the Mets late in the season after underwhelming stints with both the Cubs and Yankees. Pitching out of the bullpen with both the Cubs and Yankees his ERA was over 6.00. With the Mets he was only a starter and pitched decent. 4 starts 21 2/3 innings pitched with a 3.32 ERA.
Pete Falcone (26) 49/50 - Falcone was brilliant for the month of August (6 starts, 40 1/3 ip 3-3 27 ks 2.23 ERA) last year but otherwise he is just very inconsistent. He finished 6-14 with a 4.16 ERA. He started 31 games, pitched 184 innings and struck out 113 batters. If he develops some consistency, he could be an ace.
Greg A Harris (24) 30/49 - Probably isn't ready for the majors yet. Pitched very well in AA in 1979. 25 gs 163 ip 9-11 89 ks 2.26 era. He has always been a starter but is very highly rated as a reliever. We may convert him but after a year like that in AA we need to give him a chance as a starter at AAA.
Scot Holman (21) 29/23 - Dominated AA. 23 gs 149 ip 13-7 62 ks 1.99 era. He is still pretty young so a year in AAA will probably be best.
Kevin Kobel (26) 49/48 - Pitched solidly the last two years for the Mets. Last year he started 27 games and threw 161 2/3 innings. His stuff is below average though and I don't think he is a long term answer.
Ed Lynch (24) 38/49 - Pitching for Tuscon in the PCL, he put up decent numbers for the PCL. 156 innings pitched striking out 65 with a 4.85 era. Another year in AAA is probably best
John Pacella (23) 44/20 - Didn't impress as a September call up. 3 starts 16 1/3 ip 0-2 12 ks 4.41 era. Was ok at Tidewater. 24 starts 142 ip 95 ks 3.68 era.
Mike Scott (24) 42/59 - Mike is our 3rd highest rated prospect overall and the highest rated starting pitching prospect that we have. He made the Mets roster out of spring training last year but wasn't very good. He pitched well at AAA 15 gs 99 ip 8-4 40 ks 3.18 era. He was called up in September and dominated in his first start then gave up 7 runs in 1/3 of an inning in his second. He did pitch well out of the bullpen. Might need more time in AAA but we hope he wins a starting spot.
Craig Swan (29) 49/49 - Swanny has been the ace of the staff since the Seaver trade. He was solid again last year. He started 35 games while throwing 251 1/3 innings with 10 complete games. He also won 14 games while the team won 63 as a whole. His 3.29 era was very solid. As long as he is healthy he is a lock to make the rotation.
Pat Zachry (27) 50/50 - Missed most of 1979 with an injury but was solid while healthy. 7 gs 42 2/3 ip 5-1 17 ks 3.59 era. He should be a lock if he is healthy