As the 2012 New York Mets play out the schedule of another lost season, fans of the team can only hope better days are ahead. They may get a glimpse of the future in September. With rosters expanding this month, the team has called up some of its best minor leaguers. Where do they rank? With the farm season in the books, the official site of Major League Baseball has revised its prospects rankings. Here's a look at the Mets' top five prospects, according to MLB.com.
Brandon Nimmo (OF) -- Nimmo, the Mets' first-round pick in 2011, is playing for the playoff-bound, Class-A Brooklyn Cyclones. He belted six home runs with a team-leading 40 RBIs in the regular season. The 19-year-old Nimmo is years away from Citi Field, but he has the tools to one day become a star.
Wilmer Flores (3B) -- Flores' stock has fluctuated the last few years, but it's rising at the moment. A converted shortstop, he batted .300 with 18 homers and 75 RBI in 2012. It was by far the best season of his professional career. If the Mets extend David Wright's contract, I wonder if they would consider moving him back to shortstop and Reuben Tejada to second base. It's just a thought.
Jeurys Familia (RP) -- Familia joined the Mets when rosters expanded on Saturday (Sept. 1). That alone was a victory of sorts for the fire-balling prospect, who missed most of 2011 recovering from Tommy John surgery. Familia went 9-9 with a 4.73 earned run this season at Triple-A Buffalo. I'd love to see Familia pitch out of the bullpen next season. The Mets need some relief out there!
Matt Harvey (SP) -- Harvey, the Mets' first-round pick in 2010, has been impressive through the first eight starts of his big league career. His 11-strikeout performance in his MLB debut on July 26 was amazing. Before being called up, Harvey was 7-5 with a 3.68 ERA at Triple-A Buffalo. Harvey, the organization's Triple-A Sterling Award winner, could challenge for a spot in the rotation next year.
Zack Wheeler (SP) -- Wheeler remains the potential ace of the future. Obtained last season in the trade for Carlo Beltran, he split time between Class-AA Binghamton and Buffalo this year with an overall record of 12-8 and 3.26 ERA. Wheeler was named the organization's AA Player of the Year, but he's probably another year away from making it to the big leagues. Let's hope it's worth the wait.
Adam Martini is a freelance sportswriter who grew up in Queens, N.Y. with a view of Shea Stadium from his bedroom window. He spent many nights in the upper deck at Shea rooting for the Mets. Adam follows back Mets fans on Twitter @PegCitySports.
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