7/26/10

STOCK UP: - Mike Antonini, James Fuller, and Brian Harrison

Mike Antonini:



7-26-10: - Antonini got back on track Sunday, allowing only one run in 6.0-IP (7-K, 2-BB, 4-H)

… his yearly stats are now: 21-G, 6-9, 4.07, 1.17 , 98-K, 23-BB, 121.2-IP, .299-BABIP, 3.86-FIP.



Old Antonini stuff:



Antonino’s senior year stats at GC&SU were 7-6, 3.97 in 15 starts, 91.0 IP, 89 H, 19 BB, and 89 Ks.


The Mets selected Antonini in the 18th round (573rd overall) of the 2007 amateur draft out of Georgia College & State University. He has been assigned to Kingsport to kick off his pro career. Antonini is a native of Aston, PA


In 2007, Antonini started the season with Kingsport (1-1, 3.71, 1.06 in 5 appearances, 3 starts), but finished it with Brooklyn (0-0, 0.46, 0.92 in 7 appearances, 2 starts).


In late January 2007, Baseball America ranked Mike as the 26th overall Mets prospect, adding: "Paul loduca caught antonini at brooklyn and proclaimed his changeup big league ready"


Antonini had a meteoric rise in 2008, pitching for Savannah (4-4, 2.71), St. Lucie (4-0, 1.84), and Binghamton (1-3, 3.74), all of which combined for 9-7, 2.77.


In October 2008, Toby Hyde on Mike Antonini: Antonini had a great year, earning his promotions first to St. Lucie and then to Binghamton. The night I saw him in Binghamton, Antonini worked off a fastball that was 87-91, but mostly 88/89. He commanded it to both sides of the plate. He faced a lineup with eight batters who hit from the right side and featured his changeup as his second pitch. It was inconsistent, without great movement and often elevated. He allowed a homerun on an elevated changeup at 83 mph. He was cautious about throwing his slider to the RHH, and with good reason, since it was a little sweeping. Note that once Antonini reached AA, his homerun and walk rates spiked, while his strikeout rate was 6.3 K/9, the lowest of any of his three stops in 2008. Likely 09 Start: AA


From Toby Hyde: Antonini graduated from both full-season A-ball leagues in his first full professional season, and that success from a left-hander counts for something. His fastball is fringe-average from the left side, sitting at 88-89 when I saw him in July. He touched 91, but did not pitch at that velocity. The fastball plays up thanks to good command as he can spot it to both sides of the plate. His changeup is his second pitch, but when he didn’t finish the pitch, it stayed up, and got hit hard in AA. 2008: SAL? Check. FSL? Check. AA? Working on it. Winter ball? No problem. That’s a great year. Projected 2009 Start: AA Binghamton rotation


February 2009: MYOB on: Mike Antonini LHP - drafted in the 18th round, he had a solid year playing at three different levels. He finished with an overall 2.71 ERA. He doesn’t throw hard and he lacks the stuff to be a top of the rotation starter, but he could be an effective back man. Currently pitching in Puerto Rico where his ERA is 3.60 in eight starts. One concern is that he gave up 10 homeruns in 45 innings pitching at AA Binghamton.


1-1-10: Antonini seemed to get his game back on track at the end of the 2009 season, and it will be interesting to see if he is: A) sent to AAA to start, B) sent back to AA to start, or C) sent to the pen.


6-11-10: - Mike Antonini put up another gem, tossing a 7-inning CG (1-ER, 7-K, 0-BB, 4.02). That’s three gems in a row, resulting in 19-1-IP, 3-ER, 20-K, 2-BB. This alone warrants a bump up to AAA-Buffalo and, hopefully, the Mets will make some room for him post haste. They really need to start moving some these guys in the right direction.


6-21-10: - Antonini had another strong outing on Sunday, which just strengthens my theory that he will be moving to Buffalo sometime tomorrow. This outing: 7.0-IP, 2-ER, 6-K, 1-BB… He’s got a 3.37 ERA in his last 10 outings and, frankly, the Mets need to see him at a new level. Mike turns 25 in August and now is his time to prove his 2011 value. Remember, he started pitching in Binghamton during the 2008 season. He had two starts last year in Buffalo (12.27) and was returned to Binghamton to mature some more. Fine. He’s now mature.


7-1-10: - Antonini had another good outing for Binghamton last night… 7.0-IP, 3-ER, 7-K, 1-BB… ERA is now sitting at 4.05. I still think he should be pitching at Buffalo at this point in his career, butwhat the heck do I know?


7-11-10 from Binghamton Mets web site: - For the second straight start, Mike Antonini recorded a career-high nine strikeouts and again he offered up a quality start and failed to pick up a win. Six of Antonini’s last eight starts have gone six innings or better with three earned runs or less (a quality start). He has struck out 25 men in his last 19 innings and ranks fourth in the Eastern League in punchouts (82) and fifth in innings pitched (105.1).


7-13 from: - http://www.amazinavenue.com/2010/7/13/1565273/mid-term-farm-system-review-part  - Antonini got off to a terrible start but has been improving as the season has gone along, a great sign from a young pitcher. His control is outstanding, and while his strikeout rate isn't tremendous, it's solid and not a major issue for Antonini. The real problem is the lack of stuff—Antonini really only tops out around 91—and that flyball rate. Homers have been a small issue this season, but there's the potential here for them to become much more than a small issue. Still, he's a lefty, and those guys have a tendency to buck the odds. The only problems here are problems we saw coming last year, and he's exceeded expectations in some ways.


7-16-10: - Antonini continues to dominate AA hitters in the months of June and July. Last night, he went 6.2-IP, 0-ER, 4-K, 1-BB, and lowered his ERA to 3.70. What's especially impressive is his 2.93 ERA over his last ten starts, beginning on May 29th. As I have stated before, he's ready for the move to AAA which I expect to happen soon. There seems to be a slot open in Buffalo, what with Tobi Stoner used as a reliever for the first time during one of Olver Perez's outings. I expect Mike to slot in that position as soon as Perez is done with his rehabbing.



James Fuller:



7-26-10: - A lot of good starting pitchers have come out of Savannah over the past few years, some of which were promoted to St. lucie at the all-star break this year. One left behind, Jimmy Fuller, is making a good case ofbeing left behind for the wrong reason. Sunday night, Fuller went 6.0-IP, 4-H, 0-R, 6-K, 0-BB for the Gnats and improved his season record to 18-G, 8-3, 1.93, 1.11, .298-BABIP. 2.67-FIP.


Old Fuller stuff:



Fuller was a 21st round pick by the Mets in 2008. - On draft day: Fuller, who was previously named as both the ABCA/Rawlings Northeast Region and Northeast-10 Pitcher of the Year, led the nation in strikeouts (145), ranked second in strikeouts per nine innings (13.45) and was also among the top-10 nationally in hits allowed per nine innings and earned-run average. During the regular season, he led the Northeast-10 in ERA (0.99), opponent batting average (.163) and strikeouts (125). In addition, the southpaw finished tied for first in the conference in wins (nine) and fourth in innings pitched (82.0). Between Feb. 17 and Apr. 19, Fuller went 59 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run.


From http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/x1533840566 : - Article suggests that because of his 2 remaining years, he might not be a difficult sign and is willing to go back to school to improve draft status. "Fuller's dominance begins with his fastball. It was clocked at 93 miles per hour during SCSU's trip to Florida at the start of the season and is consistently around 91. But beyond simple heat, Fuller has three other pitches he can command - curve, slider and changeup." "The changeup, actually, is something new. Fuller says he throws it at about 75 miles per hour, meaning there's a 15-16 mph difference between the fastball and changeup, pitches that look exactly the same leaving his hand. It means there are a lot of hitters looking foolish as they swing at a ball that's still about five feet from home plate. "I try to work my fastball to get ahead, and then mix them all up," said Fuller. "This year I started to work in the changeup and it's been pretty effective. It's a pretty nice pitch when I get it to work."


In September 2008, Patrick Hickey wrote on: Jim Fuller- Someone who looked very solid, had great numbers, but didn’t pitch enough to really establish himself. Because of that, he may find himself in Brooklyn next season, but considering his college numbers and how well he fared at Keyspan Park in limited duty, he’s a guy that can easily be penned into the starting rotation in Savannah next season. - Final Grade- B+


1-1-10 Forecast: Fuller has pitched his first two seasons for Brooklyn. Neither was for a full season and his combined stats for the two years are: 5-6, 2.44, 1.15, 20-games, 12-starts, 89-K, 1.0-IP. He will play 2010 as a 23 year old so it’s time to move, but there’s no room for him in the St. Lucie rotation. I still place him there in a relief role, but he may wind up in Savannah’s rotation instead.


4-10-10: - From: http://savannahnow.com/sports/2010-04-10/gnats-fuller-brushes-away-power  - Jimmy Fuller grew up in Massachusetts and went to college at Southern Connecticut State. No, he doesn't get any grief for being in a New York professional baseball organization."If it was the Yankees, maybe," he said. New York, New England and Savannah baseball fans were happy with Fuller on Friday. The 22-year-old left-hander kept hitters off-balance for six scoreless innings and led the Sand Gnats to a 5-0 victory over the West Virginia Power before 1,940 fans in Grayson Stadium.


4-15-10: - SP - A-Savannah: I don't know if going from James to Jimmy had anything to do with it, but if he keeps pitching like this, you can call him A.J. or anything else you want to call him... first two outings:14.0-IP, 0.64, .0.57. More important, 15-K and only 2-BB.


7-16-10 from: - http://www.amazinavenue.com/2010/7/16/1572497/mets-farm-system-mid-term-review  - When the Mets promoted two pitchers drafted in 2008 from Savannah, it was kind of telling to see which two they chose: Cohoon and Moore. At the time, Fuller had a sub-2.00 ERA and was possibly just as dominant as the other two. But Cohoon went to Double-A and Moore to St. Lucie, while Fuller was left to hold the line in Savannah. And it's really for that reason why I have Fuller's stock staying steady. While Church has seen his role expanded this season, Fuller is still perceived by the organization as a Sally League starter, despite that ERA. And Fuller's pitching legitimately well: the strikeout rate is strong, walk rate's just fine; his FIP is a very good 2.93, his BABIP a very reasonable .302. No obvious warning signs. Well, except one, and it's the single most common one you'll see in finesse pitchers in the minors: he's allowed just one homer in 93.1 IP. That's well under 1% of his outfield flies for those wondering. And that just won't hold up as he advances, and it's probably the most significant reason for attrition in otherwise solid pitching prospects. There's a large number of pitching prospects in the minors who repeatedly put the ball in the air but don't have the home run rates to match. It's just not a repeatable skill for the vast majority of pitchers, and it'll probably hurt Fuller as he advances. Still, he's a lefty with a decent slider, so there's still a chance of him becoming a reliever, which is exactly what I would have told you last year.



Brian Harrison:



7-26-10: - I always get excited when one of my “local boys” gets drafted by the Mets. Harrison comes out of Hilton Head, South Carolina and had one hell of a night Sunday, hitting two home runs, went 3-5 overall, and knocked in four runs. His seasonal totals are equally impressive. He hit .296 in 27-AB for the GCL Mets, and, so far this season, for the Clones, he has 14-RBIs in 55-AB, and hitting .309/.361/.636/.997.



Old Harrison stuff:



6-9-10 from: - http://www.islandpacket.com/2010/06/09/1266994/former-hhh-star-harrison -picked.html - Brian Harrison had to overcome his share of obstacles to continue his baseball career. Two years ago, his college debut at Furman University was delayed by a wrist injury he suffered in the preseason. His freshman year was later cut short when he re-injured the same wrist. Two weeks into this year at Furman -- his junior season -- he partially tore the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his right knee, a fairly rare injury that sidelined him for two months. And now he may be facing his toughest challenge yet -- trading in his dream of Yankee pinstripes for a rival New York Mets cap. The Mets drafted Harrison in the 13th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft on Tuesday afternoon, making the former Hilton Head High player the 392nd overall pick. "I don't care what color you make me wear. I'm just thrilled right now," said Harrison, a lifelong Yankees fan. "I've got all kinds of different emotions going -- excitement, nerves. But overall, I'm just really excited." Harrison said he hasn't yet decided if he will sign a contract or return for his senior season at Furman, but added that he plans to make that decision in the next few days. Three years ago, Harrison was drafted out of high school in the 29th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates after an impressive career with the Seahawks that included an MVP selection in the prestigious South Carolina vs. North Carolina Select Game. But he chose to attend Furman and attempt to increase his draft stock rather than pursue his MLB dream as an 18-year-old


5-25 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/2010/05/25/2010-mlb-draft-top-30-college-third-base-prospects-30-21  - Top 30 College Third Base Prospects - 21. Furman JR 3B Brian Harrison - Harrison is a good, good player. Case in point, Harrison has a good arm, is a good defender, and has a good hit tool, with good power potential. He’s a really good athlete, perhaps too good to be “wasted” at third if there’s really a team out there willing to try him in centerfield as rumored. I wish he would have gotten more at bats on the Cape this past summer, but, as too often the case with Harrison, injuries limited his playing time. Get him healthy, get him a regular defensive home, and get a good, good player with starter upside past round ten. Good bargain. The relatively low ranking is more about the players ahead of him than the above-average (or, in other words, “good”) overall talent package that Harrison brings to the table.


From: - http://www.furmanpaladins.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/harrison_brian00.html  - Furman: Talented, versatile performer who will be counted on heavily for run production this spring...possesses the squad's best power and solid speed...projected to bat third...could again anchor the infield from third base, but a preseason injury to Rob Fondu may position him for duty in centerfield...also sports starting experience at first base. 2009 -- Fashioned a solid sophomore campaign, starting in 52 games, including 42 at third base and 10 at first base...batted .303 with a team leading 12 home runs and 43 RBI...also recorded team highs in doubles (10) and triples (5), and slugged a team high .582 and recorded a squad best .399 on base percentage...triples tally ranked third in the SoCon...belted a two-out, two-run ninth inning home run off Clemson's Ryan Hinson to tie the game at 2-2 in an eventual 4-2, 14 inning Furman victory over the 19th-ranked Tigers...went 4-for-5 with a home run, triple and three RBI in 14-7 win over Ball State...banged out a three-run, eighth-inning home run in a 10-9 triumph over College of Charleston...homered twice against both Wofford (7-6 loss) and Georgia Southern (12-7),the later of which came in a 3-for-5 outing against the Eagles that proved critical in the Paladins' drive to nail down a SoCon Tournament berth...cracked a game tying solo home run in the bottom of the 14th inning in an eventual 11-10 victory over Western Carolina...delivered a 2-for-3 performance, swiped a pair of bases, and scored the game winning run in a 3-2, 11-inning decision over UNC Greensboro to clinch the SoCon Tournament bid...fashioned dramatic defensive improvement, fielding at a .963 clip and committing only eight errors...named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll...played in six games with the Cotuit Kettleers in the Cape Code League before undergoing season ending shoulder surgery. 2008 -- Missed virtually the entire preseason with a wrist injury...served primarily as a late game defensive substitute in the early going before earning his first collegiate start in a 9-1 loss at Gardner-Webb in early March...re-injured his wrist diving for a ground ball in the G-W contest and missed the next month...returned to action and into the starting lineup on Apr. 9 vs. Charlotte (16-6 loss)...ended up seeing action in 33 games and registering 29 starts, all at third base...batted .270 with two home runs and 16 RBI...went 3-for-4 and scored a pair of runs in a 9-5 victory over College of Charleston that completed a three-game series sweep of the Cougars...delivered a 2-for-4, two-RBI, two-run outing in a 17-1 win over Wofford and went 2-for-5 with a triple and three RBI in 9-5 series finale sweep at Western Carolina...collected three hits (3x4) vs. Clemson (11-5 loss) at Fluor Field...went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in 6-5 series, clinching victory over Georgia Southern...belted a towering solo home run to center field in the bottom of the eighth inning to stake Furman to a 7-6 lead over College of Charleston in SoCon Tournament action, but Paladins failed to hold the advantage in an eventual 12-11 season ending loss... played a key role in Furman posting a school record 33 wins (33-24) and third place (17-10) SoCon regular season finish...named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll...starred with the Alexandria Beetles in the Northwoods Summer League in 2008...batted .254 with four home runs and 30 RBI...gained the most attention on the mound, where he went 2-2 with a 1.44 ERA and three saves...allowed only 15 hits in 31 1/3 innings of work.


High School: 2007 graduate of Hilton Head (3A) High School...coach was Chris Wells...hit .450 with 6 HR and 45 RBI...set school hits record (46)...team went 27-9 and recorded 2007 state runner-up finish...posted a 6-1 record with a 2.81 ERA...named Beaufort Gazette/Island Packet Player-of-the-Year, all-region, and all-state...tabbed state MVP in 2007 S.C./N.C. All-Star Game...Wendy's H.S. Heisman state finalist...picked by Pittsburgh Pirates in 29th Round of the 2007 MLB Draft...played summer ball with the Charleston Diamond Devils...Salutatorian.

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