Nymet31
02-28-2004, 04:24 PM
BY DAVID LENNON
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
February 28, 2004
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - There are few Double-A pitchers who attract the attention of Mets owner Fred Wilpon, but Scott Kazmir, the club's top pick in the 2002 draft, is at the top of that list.
When it was time for Kazmir to face hitters Friday, Wilpon cut short his scouting session of another top pitching prospect, Tyler Yates, and moved to an adjacent field to watch the 20-year-old lefthander.
Kazmir led all minor- league starters in 2003 by averaging 11.94 strikeouts per nine innings, but Friday's session was more about coping with the protective screen used in batting practice than opposing hitters.
Kazmir's velocity was impressive, even with a stiff wind blowing into his face, but he had trouble with location, a problem exacerbated by the screen. Though veteran pitchers are accustomed to working behind a net early in spring training, this is Kazmir's first invitation to major-league camp and he still is learning the ropes.
"I'm just not really used to throwing with a net in front of me," Kazmir said. "I did it once or twice in [Class A] Brooklyn. I don't follow through as much."
Kazmir is expected to begin this season at Double-A Binghamton - if he makes it through spring training in the Mets' organization. With the Mets' continued interest in Alfonso Soriano, and Jose Reyes labeled untouchable by Wilpon, the next name to come into play is Kazmir's.
The Rangers have temporarily put the Soriano talks on hold, and a person familiar with the Rangers' thinking said no swap will be made without Reyes. That hard-line stance could soften in the coming weeks, however, and knowing the Mets' affection for Soriano, a deal could hinge on the inclusion of Kazmir.
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
February 28, 2004
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - There are few Double-A pitchers who attract the attention of Mets owner Fred Wilpon, but Scott Kazmir, the club's top pick in the 2002 draft, is at the top of that list.
When it was time for Kazmir to face hitters Friday, Wilpon cut short his scouting session of another top pitching prospect, Tyler Yates, and moved to an adjacent field to watch the 20-year-old lefthander.
Kazmir led all minor- league starters in 2003 by averaging 11.94 strikeouts per nine innings, but Friday's session was more about coping with the protective screen used in batting practice than opposing hitters.
Kazmir's velocity was impressive, even with a stiff wind blowing into his face, but he had trouble with location, a problem exacerbated by the screen. Though veteran pitchers are accustomed to working behind a net early in spring training, this is Kazmir's first invitation to major-league camp and he still is learning the ropes.
"I'm just not really used to throwing with a net in front of me," Kazmir said. "I did it once or twice in [Class A] Brooklyn. I don't follow through as much."
Kazmir is expected to begin this season at Double-A Binghamton - if he makes it through spring training in the Mets' organization. With the Mets' continued interest in Alfonso Soriano, and Jose Reyes labeled untouchable by Wilpon, the next name to come into play is Kazmir's.
The Rangers have temporarily put the Soriano talks on hold, and a person familiar with the Rangers' thinking said no swap will be made without Reyes. That hard-line stance could soften in the coming weeks, however, and knowing the Mets' affection for Soriano, a deal could hinge on the inclusion of Kazmir.