Bats/Throws: L/L

Height/Weight: 6’4”/225

Acquired: 7^th rd 2007 (USC)

Born: 2/3/86 (Fontana, CA)

2010 Rank: NR

Why Ranked Here: My biggest miss off the 2010 list, Duda would be my choice to break camp as the Opening Day RF if Carlos Beltran needs to start the season on the disabled list.

Actually, let me rephrase: if Beltan’s not ready, Duda must be on the team to hit righties. Scott Hairston is a career .245/.303/.435 hitter in almost 1,700 AB, but doesn’t hit righties at all (.227/.288/.402 career).  He hits lefties at a .278/.331/.498 rate.  Willie Harris is a career .239/.327/.352 hitter and .246/.334/.360 vs. RHP.  Lucas Duda hit .317/.408/.599 against righties in 429 plate appearances in AA, AAA and the big leagues last year!

Sure, Duda might not be graceful in the outfield, but when has “grace” as measured by the Russian judge a pre-requisite for playing Major League Baseball?  Also, 2010 was the first of Duda’s professional career spent primarily in the outfield, so he’s still improving out there.  Duda split his time between first base and left field in 2007, moved to first full time in 2008, split his time in 2009.

How did I miss on Duda?  A big-time power prospect back in High School in Riverside, CA, Duda was underwhelming in college at USC, and in his first two and a half seasons, before breaking out in a big way in 2010.  A seventh-round pick in 2007, Duda showed plenty of patience and strike zone control in his first two and a half years of professional baseball, without the power that would make him a viable option at first base or left field.  All of that changed in 2010 when he ripped 47 doubles and 27 home runs and won the Mets Sterling Organizational Player of the Year award.  Prior to 2010, he had hit 24 home runs in his first 310 professional games.

At a hulking 6’5” and 240 pounds, Duda comes by his power honestly through natural size and strength.  For a big guy, his swing is relatively compact. 

2010: Duda hit.  And hit.  And hit his way out of AA.  And hit his way out of AAA.  And then he went 1-for-33 to open his MLB career.  And then after that he hit.  Really.  From September 16 through the end of the regular season, Duda hit .314/.345/.647 in 51 AB with five doubles and four home runs.

Dr. Pangloss Says: I think Duda’s going to hit in the big leagues.

Debbie Downer Says: He struggles against lefties, and doesn’t play great defense, so he better hit A LOT.

Projected 2011 Start: It says here Duda’s on the MLB Opening Day roster.

MLB Arrival: 2010.  Back in 2011.

Duda’s 2010:

Duda’s Big League Time: