Comments on: Holt Shows Flashes; B-Mets Go Up in Smoke

By: Not4Nuttin

Not4Nuttin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:44:13 +0000

Another option, of course, is to move Wright to 1st as I’ve heard Bowman is very natural at 3B (heard comparisons to Rolen defensively). This only makes sense if Bowman really turns it up a notch or two, and he is truly as good defensively as I’ve heard. I like him, but he has to start dominating for there to be any real discussion of that.

By: Not4Nuttin

Not4Nuttin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:40:56 +0000

Toby,

First, did the ankle injury seem to be lingering at all? Did he look at all tentative on the mound, particularly when pushing off or landing (forget which ankle it was)?

Second, can you amplify on why you feel that Holt is still a long way from the major leagues? I agree with you that there is a purpose and need for minor league ball, and do not think that Holt should be pushed. On the other hand, looking at his progress throughout this year (“tremendous progress” you said) and how he was able to develop his curve ball into a “real weapon”, it seems like he could realistically be ready some time next year. Of course, this all depends upon whether he continues to improve. From reading your scouting on him from last night (which it must be noted was only his second start since missing several stars with an ankle injury, and could account for some of the results – I think the next few games he pitches will be a real litmus test for where he currently stands), it sounds like he has to work on four things:

1. mixing up his pitches better – i.e., becoming more of a pitcher than just a thrower;
2. continue working on his curve so it becomes a pitch he can throw comfortably more often (preferably at any time in the count);
3. location on his fastball, which I think is pretty good, but it sounds like he left some balls up last night; and
4. working on developing a change up.

Is it really unrealistic to believe that he can show sufficient improvement in nos. 1-3 to be able to pitch effectively in the bigs by next year? I have not heard much about his change up, so that one may take more time to develop. But considering his progress so far this year, it strikes me that he could be ready sooner rather than later.

By: NickM

NickM — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:25:41 +0000

Its nice to hear good things about Holt.. its even better to hear his curveball is really developing; we all know his fastball is there. Im also not worried about his mistakes with when to throw certain pitches (ie: the patterns), he’ll learn with experience.

Bowman is hitting .293/.344/.456 with 7 HR, 34 RBI .. hes crushing LHP (1.095 ops in 76 at bats) .. is there any inkling of bumping him to AAA? And is there any other position he could play besides 3rd that would make him useful to the Mets eventually? He doesn’t seem like he has enough power for 1B (assuming he could even play there).. sounds like a solid trade chip since theres no future at 3B with Wright there.