Final 2002 Scouting Report: 2B, Marco Scutaro

The Mets acquired Marco Scutaro off waivers from the Milwalkee Brewers. Originally, the Cleveland Indians signed Scutaro as an undrafted free agent from Venezuela in 1995.

In 3 full seasons at AAA, Scutaro exhibited good plate discipline by drawing 154 walks and striking out only 199 times 1285 at bats. He's demonstrated gap power with 111 extra base hits. He successfully stole 28 bases in 53 attempts during this 3-year span. Scutaro's success rate was just under 55%. Scutaro had a less than successful debut with the Mets drawing no walks and striking out 11 times in only 36 at bats. Thus, concerns must be raised regarding whether Scutaro will be able to hit MLB pitching.

Year	Team	AVG.	AB	Hits	HR	RBI	R	SB	BB	K	OBP	SLG
2002	NY Mets	.222	36	8	1	6	2	0	0	11	.222	.361
2002	Norfolk	.319	354	113	7	28	48	7	30	61	.475	.375
2001	Indianapolis	.295	495	146	11	50	87	11	62	83	.382	.432
2000	Indianapolis	.538	13	7	1	3	5	1	1	2	.571	1.000
2000	Buffalo	.275	425	117	5	54	67	9	61	53	.373	.381

*Stats as of 10/01/02.

Batting and Power. Scutaro has good plate discipline and solid gap power, but concerns have to be raised about how well he might hit MLB pitchers at his age.

Base Running and Speed. Scutaro possesses good speed, but is not a good base stealer as evidenced by his 55% success rate at AAA.

Defense. Scutaro has excellent range at 2B, but he lacks the arm strength to play SS or 3B save under very limited circumstances.

Projection. Reserve.

ETA. 2004.

Second Basemen	Team
Marco Scutaro	AAA - Norfolk Tides
Brian Shipp	AA - Binghamton Mets
David Bacani	A - Capital City Bombers
Blake Whealy	A- Brooklyn Cyclones
Joseph Jiannetti	A - Brooklyn Cyclones

COMMENTS

While second base is not a strength of the organization, the team has developed some depth. The conversion of Jiannetti provides the Mets with a high ceiling prospect. Additionally, shortstops like Rob McIntyre and Chris Basak might eventually be shifted to 2B.

1. Brian Shipp plays excellent defense and may be the top defender. He has some power but needs to make more consistent contact.

2. Joseph Jiannetti, a hard-nosed player projects to 18-22 HR from a middle infield position. He should develop into a solid 2B.

3. Blake Whealy performed well in his debut at Brooklyn.

4. Danny Garcia is the Mets top 2B prospect.

5. Marco Scutaro will likely serve a reserve role for the Mets in 2004.

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