RTTS - Happel Drafted, Signed - Hapshoops32's Dynasty

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RTTS - Happel Drafted, Signed

Posted on March 9, 2011 at 12:38 AM.

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METS DRAFT A NUMBER OF YOUNG PLAYERS, UNKNOWN HAPPEL HOPING TO GET NOTICED

New York, NY - The Mets signed a number of young draft picks they are hoping will turn into major contributors in the upcoming years. Among the high draft picks are two solid starting pitchers, a hot corner prospect and a potentially decent outfielder. "We've got an interesting bunch coming in," said New York manager Terry Collins, "We don't expect anyone to make an immediate impact, but the hope is we get a couple of really good ones out of this group."

Left fielder Albert Barrera may be the biggest prospect the Mets signed. He's already a great contact hitter, putting the ball into play often. He's also a very smart baserunner and has decent speed. Jerrod Tucker appears to have the most potential among pitchers the team brought on. Tucker has good late movement on his four-seam fastball. He also has great break on his curve ball and could get a lot of swing and misses on that one, if he can learn to control it. One unknown that got drafted in the late rounds but managed to turn heads enough during spring training to make the AA club is right fielder Brian Happel.

Binghamton Mets newly drafted right fielder Brian Happel is hoping to turn some heads at the AA level

Happel is an average contact hitter, but has good power given that he is coming right out of high school. "Happel is someone who's going to need a lot of work," admitted Binghamton Mets manager John Griffey, "But his hard work really impressed us in camp. If he keeps that work ethic, he might just make a name for himself some day. But, I wouldn't expect to see him blow through the minors too quickly. He needs a lot of seasoning." For now, Happel is expected to sit on the bench and get the occassional start. His fielding skills aren't great, but he does have a very good arm that could turn into a cannon in the coming years.