- L/R - 6′3″ 210 lbs - 3^rd Rd ‘08 - b. 8/7/87

There was a reason immediately after the June draft that Mets Director of Scouting pointed to Nieuwenhuis as a player he was particularly happy to add to the Mets system out of Azusa Pacific.  Nieuwenhius looks the part of rangy outfielder, but even better, plays the part.  Nieuwenhuis is a capable defender who runs well enough for center and throws well enough for right.  Scouts appreciated Nieuwenhuis’s skills and clean swing.  Nieuwenhuis does not have the power to offer a classic right-field profile, but offers something just as valuable: the ability to go get it in center.

Likely ‘09 start: A+

- L/L - 6′3″ 185 - 4^th Rd ‘08 - b. 2/24/87

Ratliff left Stanford with a reputation for good power, patience and lots of strikeouts.  As a professional he delivered: tying for the team lead in homers and striking out in 30% of his plate appearances in 2008 in the New York Penn League.  He has a long swing and an unusual load so fought timing issues as a Cyclone.  Ratliff played a month in center to complement his time in right.  He fits better in right, but simply must make more contact to continue moving up the system.

Likely ‘09 start: A