The Kids Are Alright

This post was originally slated to be based solely on the Irish Hammer himself on St. Patrick's Day. However his Binghamton counterpart from last season can't be ignored right now. Nick Evans is tearing up the Grapefruit League in his quest to win a spot on the bench for the 2009 season.

You all know the phrase by now (kudos Cerrone) - the kid means business. So much so that I've personally taken to calling him "The Business Man" of late. Daniel Murphy's legend keeps growing these days. Just yesterday John Heyman placed him ahead of expected ROY candidates Cameron Maybin and Matt Wieters in his prospect buzz article. His spring training numbers are deserving of such praise. In 48ABs, Murphy is hitting .375 with 24 total bases and a .458 OBP. The only thing that has been lacking from him so far would be the power numbers as he is yet to hit a home run this Spring (though he plays as far more of a doubles hitter anyway).

You know what the most exciting part about Murphy is though (besides watching him at the plate of course)? He is playing as he's projected to. Bill James projects a nice 2009 season for Murphy - in 139 games and 456 ABs, he should hit .294 with 33 doubles and 14 home runs. CHONE projections are similar though not as high (441AB, .270, 26 2B, 10 HR). Regardless based on what we've seen from him so far in his short career, we should no longer be worried about over hype. The Business Man has arrived.

Now you Mr. Evans. What a spring you've put up. He has more Grapefruit ABs than anyone else on the team with 52. In that time he's hitting .307 with an OBP of .423. He's hit 5 doubles, 3 home runs, and driven in 12. More so than anyone else, Evans is proving to be the right handed power threat off the bench the Mets need. Hell if he could hit a breaking ball off of right handers and flash some better leather in the field he would be a lock for the team. The glove work is where Evans makes Heyman's article: Nick Evans will likely be sent out for seasoning, but one scout said, 'He's swung the bat better than I expected.' Evans has raw power but needs work as a defender.

It is in the opinion of some (present party included) that Evan's will make the team out of Spring and follow them until they need a 5th starter added to the roster. This is appearing more and more to be the case with each swing of his bat. After that, some more consistent playing time in Buffalo will allow him to work on the defense and patience against right handers. But we should all be on the lookout for him come September call up time. Evans has the potential to be a beast.