Bats/Throws: L/L

Height/Weight: 6’1”/185

Acquired: 4^th rd 2009 (Columbia Basin CC)

Born: 6/22/90 (Tracy, CA)

2010 Rank: 25

Why Ranked Here: One of the faster Mets farmhands, Ceciliani profiles as a classic leadoff hitter who can go get it in centerfield. In center field, the Mets were pleased with Ceciliani’s development contending that he could go get flyballs with anyone in the minor league system. That defensive ability and value helps leap him over former Cyclones teammate Cory Vaughn.

Also, Ceciliani can really hit.  His .351/.410/.531 triple-slash line at Brooklyn is outstanding.  He has batspeed, and gap power right now.

There is still some rawness in Ceciliani’s offense game, which, given his age, is totally expected.  He was caught 14 times in 35 stolen base attempts.  Given his speed, he should be stealing at better than a 60% rate in the New York Penn League.

His walk rate of 7.9% in Brooklyn was pretty good for a 20-year old, but he’ll have to continue improving his plate discipline to profile at the tope of the order. He cannot afford to see his 18.5% strikeout rate rise very much as he moves through the levels.  Of course, his .351 average in Brooklyn was supported by a .435 BABIP.  While speedsters can maintain higher than average BABIPs, there’s no way that is repeatable at the higher levels against better fielders and pitchers.

2010: Ceciliani led the New York Penn League in batting average (.351) and hits (95) while finishing third in on-base percentage.  He wasn’t just slapping the ball around though: his 144 total bases and 33 extra-base hits were both third on the pitcher-friendly circuit.  It’s not an exaggeration to say that the 20-year old Ceciliani, who was the youngest player on the Cyclones had one of the best seasons in franchise history.  He set new single-season records with his .351 batting average, 12 triples, 56 runs and 95 hits.

Dr. Pangloss Says: Strong defensive centerfielder with gap power.

Debbie Downer Says: .435 BABIP in the NYP.

Projected 2011 Start: Savannah, CF

MLB Arrival: 2014