Bats/Throws: R/R
Height/Weight: 6’3”/185
Acquired: 24th rd 2010 (UCLA)
Born: 12/20/88 (Hillsborough, CA)
2010 Rank: NR
Why Ranked Here: The Mets drafted Eric Goeddel in the 24th round out of UCLA, but paid him $350,000 to sign, their third-highest draft bonus in the 2010 class. Most teams thought Goeddel, who was draft eligible as a sophomore, simply wouldn’t sign because his academically oriented family would want him to finish school. However, the Mets took a chance, and just as importantly, spent the money to get it done.
Why did the Mets spend second or third round money on Goeddel? After redshirting in 2008 and appearing in just nine games in 2009 thanks to Tommy John surgery, Goeddel showed top flight stuff in 2010. His fastball was 94-97 by the time UCLA was making a run to the finals of the College World Series. He showed a nasty slider as well. Two plus pitches is a pretty good basis on which to build a major league career.
2010: Goeddel made one appearance as a professional in 2010, pitching one inning in the GCL on August 14th. However, he was shut down after that with shoulder and elbow soreness that also curtailed his activity in the team’s fall instructional league.
Dr. Pangloss Says: Goeddel has the potential for stuff that would make him a really good #2.
Debbie Downer Says: The Dr. left out the big phrase, “if he can stay healthy.” If he can’t handle a starter’s workload, he could be a nasty fastball/slider guy out of the bullpen.
Projected 2011 Start: Goeddel has an injury history and worked exclusively out of the Bruins bullpen, totally just 58 innings in the last two years. Given his relative inexperience and light work load, putting him in the Savannah rotation seems like a good bet to start the year.
MLB Arrival: Late 2013
Fun: Here’s some video Mike took of Goeddel throwing BP early in Spring Training this year:
