Final 2002 Scouting Report: C, Jason Phillips

Jason Phillips was Mets' 24th round selection in the June 1997 free agent draft. Phillips played college baseball for San Diego State University. Phillips is a good defensive catcher.

For his career, Phillips has demonstrated outstanding plate discipline K:BB ratio throughout his minor league career. A 2:1 ratio is considered good. Entering 2002, Phillips' career ratio of 169:142, a roughly 1.2 K per BB is outstanding. The plate discipline continues with a 24 BB and 29 K. He also drives the ball to all fields and projects to be a solid catcher prospect. Phillips' outstanding SLG is based upon 33 extra-base hits. Phillips' slugging percentage of .477 the highest of his career reflects his 36 extra-base hits in 323 at bats. He hit 22 doubles.

Year	Team	AVG.	AB	Hits	HR	RBI	R	SB	BB	K	OBP	SLG
2002	NY Mets	.368	19	7	1	3	4	0	1	1	.343	.526
2002	Norfolk	.282	323	91	13	65	35	1	24	29	.327	.477
2001	Norfolk	.303	66	20	2	14	8	0	7	8	.365	.424
2001	Binghamton	.293	317	93	11	55	42	0	31	25	.362	.464
2000	Binghamton	.276	297	82	6	41	53	1	23	19	.343	.407
2000	St. Lucie	.388	98	38	0	13	16	0	7	9	.435	.429
1999	Binghamton	.227	141	32	7	23	13	0	13	20	.304	.411
1999	St. Lucie	.258	283	73	9	48	36	0	23	28	.327	.403
1998	St. Lucie	.271	251	68	5	37	36	1	23	35	.343	.398
1998	Cap City	.464	28	13	0	2	4	0	2	1	.500	.536
1997	Pittsfield	.206	155	32	2	17	15	0	13	24	.282	.303

*Stats as of 10/01/02.

Batting and Power. Phillips has good plate discipline. He has solid power for a catcher and projects hit home runs in the 14-18 range. Phillips demonstrates good ability to drive the ball to all fields.

Base Running and Speed. It might not be all that interesting to find out who would win a foot race between Phillips and Mike Piazza. Phillips has stolen just 3 bases in over 2000 at bats.

Defense. Jason Phillips is an outstanding defensive catcher who throws the ball real well.

Projection. Phillips should begin his major league career as a back up catcher. He should eventually become a starter.

ETA. Phillips is ready now.

Catchers	Team
Jason Phillips	AAA - Norfolk Tides
John Wilson	A - St. Lucie Mets
Michael Jacobs	A - St. Lucie Mets
Justin Huber	A - Capital City Bombers
Brett Kay	A - Capital City Bombers
Jim Anderson	A - Brooklyn Cyclones
Brandon Wilson	R - Kingsport Mets

COMMENTS

Although only Phillips and Huber had good seasons, the Mets have several fine catching prospects. J. Wilson, Jacobs, and Kay remain prospects despite their troubles in 2002. Brandon Wilson has been reasonably healthy for the first time.

1. The surprising promotion of Huber to St. Lucie means that he will have handled most of the Mets pitching prospects between Spring Training and stints at Kingsport, Columbia and now St. Lucie. The most important task a catcher has is to handle a pitching staff. Thus, the Mets will be content to promote Huber through the system, providing that he improves his handling of a pitching staff.

2. Jason Phillips is ready and projects to become a solid starter. Mike Piazza and Vance Wilson block Phillips' road to Shea Stadium. Phillips or Wilson should eventually be dealt.

3. Michael Jacobs, a left-handed hitter, performed well in the Arizona Fall League, and his ratios suggested he would not have been overpowered by AA pitching. Thus, it was surprising that John Wilson, Brett Kay were assigned to St. Lucie with Jacobs. A situation making it difficult for any of the 3 catchers to get enough at bats. As both Jacobs and Wilson are Rule 5 draft eligible, the Mets might be trying to hide both. As Jacobs is a rare commodity - a good left-handed hitting catcher, he's the catcher the Mets are most likely trying to hide.

4. Brett Kay is another potentially solid all-around catcher with superior small ball skills to Phillips.

5. Jacobs and Wilson both have good bats, and could be productive reserve catchers.

6. Brandon Wilson has the most power of any catcher in the system.

7. Yunir Garcia has been a pleasant surprise, since he didn't show much offense when playing for the Universidad de Carabobo - the Mets VSL team.

Do you have an opinion on the Mets? Be sure to let us know on the message board. NYfansonly.com is always looking for die-hard Mets fans who would like to be writers for the site. Click here to learn more on how to become a Mets beat writer for NYfansonly.com.