10/10/09

The Keepers - #60 - IF - Jonathan Malo




60. Jonathan Malo –


The Mets drafted Malo in the 40th round in 2002 and re-drafted him again in the 48th round in 2003. The draft-and-follow product first attended Miami-Dade Community College and then played for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. He was named the 2004 Region II Player of the Year. Malo is a native of Quebec, Canada and did not play for the Mets in 2004 because of work permit issues.


Malo has played five seasons in the Mets system, rising as high as AAA in 2009.


His best season was in 2008, for Binghamton, where he hit .261/.333/.362/.695 in 276 at bats.


Versatility is Malo’s strong spot, he has played the following games at the following positions in his professional career: 2B-139, 3B-111, SS-40, 1B-8, OF-4.


5-21-09 from http://www.metsfever.com/: - With Reyes day-to-day due to tendinitis (source NY Post) in his knee, if Martinez continues to look this bad in the field, ( that's over looking his 0-12 at the plate) the Mets may need to try someone else at the position. Many have speculated that Argenis Reyes could be called upon, the 26 year old, infielder, played in 27 games last season at second base, when Castillo was on the disabled list. After getting off to a hot start, he ended up hitting only .218 and was replaced by Martinez on the depth chart. Aside from his struggles at the plate, he showed only average range at the easier position of second base... A. Reyes hasn't taken over at short stop in Buffalo, instead; Manuel favorite Jonathan Malo has played ever game at short, since the Martinez's promotion. Malo gained Manuel's praise with his glove during spring training and if the Mets decide to go in another direction for Jose Reyes' fill-in, they may decide to go with all glove Malo ( he's hitting .219 in Buffalo)...

From: http://www.metsbaseball.com/: - In today game against the Marlins, only one Met got more than one hit: Jonathan Malo. However, if you click his name in a boxscore on the Mets website, you get this message: "There are no statistical data available for this Player." That's because the 25-year-old second baseman has never played an inning in the Major Leagues.


Malo has been in the Mets system since 2005; last season, he played for Binghamton. In 99 games he hit .261, his best average in four seasons of Minor League ball. He also had an OPS of .695, a fielding average at second base of .991, and can play third base.


According to his scouting report on Scout.com, Malo has good quickness, a good enough arm to make all the throws, "is a very reliable person on the basepaths," and though he lacks power, he has a good eye at the plate.


The bottom line: Malo's an intelligent utility player with an excellent attitude who deserves a chance to play for the Mets.


Forecast: Every organization needs a couple of Malo’s playing at the AAA level. He knows the game, he’s one of the best defensive players in the minor leagues, and he won’t embarrass you if he’s needed for a week or two. Watch for Malo to be lurking in Buffalo come next spring.

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