[davethesportsguy]

Potential prospects for the Mets are outfielder Lastings Milledge, a 20-year old outfielder who the Mets are hoping is the stud they think he his. Milledge, batted .302 in St. Lucie (A) and .337 in Binghamton (AA), in 2005. Milledge, who should start the season at Norfolk (AAA), should become a hitter not only for average, but for power as well, once he adds some muscle to him.

After Milledge, the Mets minor-league system is very bad, in fact some say its the worst in baseball. The main reason, is because they traded highly regarded prospects (for example-Mike Jacobs and Yusmeiro Petit), for veterans who might or migth not lead the Mets to a championship.

So, some prospects to watch include: outfielders--Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez, infielders--Jose Coronado, Shawn Bowman, Anderson Hernandez, Jeff Keppinger and Brett Harper, catcher-Jesus Flores and pitchers--Philip Humber, Brian Bannister, Alay Soler, Deolis Guerra, Bobby Parnell and Jon Niese.

[EmpireWF]

The problem with the Mets system is that they don't have a lot of depth in the prospect department. They have a few high prospects such as pitchers Mike Pelfrey, Brian Bannister and Phil Humber. Alay Soler has been liked by those who've seen him recently, although I wouldn't necessarily consider him a prospect.

Bannister is viewed as as minor league ready as any of the pitchers. If any of the big league starters goes down, expect him to get the call.

As far as position prospects go, Lastings Milledge and Anderson Hernandez would be the top guys. Milledge has hit well but the power needs to come. It's been said that Minaya considers him a true untouchable and he may be in Flushing as soon as next season (once Floyd's contract ends). Hernandez had a great Caribean World Series and has as good a chance to earn the starting 2nd base job as anyone else. Keppinger is viewed as a utility guy by the organization.

Jose Flores had a slow year last year thanks to an injury so this year will be very telling for him. After Flores, I wouldn't consider any other guys as real "top" guys for us.

Undoubtedly, the Mets have gone to work signing young international prospects. Still, they'll be waiting atleast a year for the next batch to show up.