Seventh Round (212th) — Jeff Walters | RHP | University of Georgia | 11/6/87 | R/R | 6’3 190 lbs.
This marks the fifth time Walters has been drafted in his career. He has been taken in the 24th, 47th, 30th, 17th, and now seventh rounds. This time, he is all but surely going to sign. Walters has really smooth mechanics, but with a little bit of max effort, that looks to play better out of the pen. His stats also lead me to believe that is where his future is. The video has his fastball 88-92, but Baseball America wrote that he has a “plus” fastball that touched the mid-90′s and has flashed a plus slider.
| Year | W-L | ERA | G/GS | IP | SO | BB | H | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2-0 | 4.64 | 27/2 | 42.2 | 46 | 25 | 40 | 2 |
| 2010 | 2-6 | 7.90 | 18/13 | 68.1 | 55 | 41 | 98 | 8 |
Eighth Round (242nd) — Ken McDowall | RHP | College of Southern Nevada | 8/14/90 | R/R | 6’3 185 lbs.
McDowall can thank Bryce Harper for the exposure he got this year. His main pitch is a 90-92 mph sinker that had “the best movement on the staff”. He also throws a slider and change up, although both pitches lack in quality. McDowall is a sophomore and has committed to the University of Hawaii, so he is definitely no guarantee to sign with the Mets. He has some decent upside as a No. 5 starter if he can refine his command and secondary offerings or middle relief.
| Year | W-L | ERA | G/GS | IP | SO | BB | H | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 3-3 | 3.06 | 15/- | 32.1 | 32 | 9 | 26 | – |
| 2010 | 5-1 | 4.71 | 13/- | 42.0 | 50 | 20 | 52 | – |
Ninth Round (272nd) — Jacob deGrom | RHP | Stetson U | 6/19/88 | L/R | 6’4 185 lbs.
This was deGrom’s first season with a role on the mound. He started the year playing shortstop and closing out games, but as the year moved on, he became a starter and the best pitcher on the team. Last year, his fastball was 88-92 mph, but he has improved, hitting 92-94 mph just last week. Reminds me of Bobby Parnell lite (minus a few mph on his fastball), as both are converted shortstops with a nice fastball/slider combo. Has great control for someone so new to pitching.
| Year | W-L | ERA | G/GS | IP | SO | BB | H | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 4-5 | 4.48 | 17/12 | 82.3 | 56 | 16 | 103 | 5 |
10th Round (302nd) — Akeel Morris | RHP | Charlotte Amalie HS | 11/14/92 | R/R | 6’1 170 lbs.
The first prep player selected by the Mets and probably the first player they will have to go over slot for after Harvey, Morris is widely considered the best Virgin Islands prospect. He can get his fastball up to 93 mph, but he still has room to grow both physically and with his mechanics to possibly add a tick or two on it. Needs better command of off speed pitches that have good natural movement. Threw a perfect game this season. Right now he is committed to Connors State College. Has the makings of a tough sign with the Mets’ shallow pockets.
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