Heels On The Field: A Baseball Blog

Mets Prospect L.J. Mazzilli Faces Consequences For 2nd Positive Drug Test

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — The Mets’ L.J. Mazzilli, a son of former major league All-Star and manager Lee Mazzilli, was suspended for 50 games Tuesday under baseball’s minor league drug program following a second positive drug test.

L.J. Mazzilli, on the roster of the Mets’ Class A team at St. Lucie of the Florida State League, will serve the penalty at the start of next season, the commissioner’s office said Tuesday. The substance was described as a drug of abuse but not specified.

“Unfortunately in life, you cannot go back on a bad decision that was made, and in my case, one that I very much regret,” L.J. Mazzilli said in a statement released by the Mets. “After everything my loved ones, supporters and the N.Y. Mets have given me, especially an opportunity to chase my childhood dream, I couldn’t be more ashamed and sorry. I am fully ready to own up to my mistake and accept the repercussions from Major League Baseball.”

via newyork.cbslocal.com

The headline goes "L.J. Mazzilli son of Lee suspended for 50 games", and the photo with the story is not of the young player, but of his father. That should give some idea of what it's like being the son of a former MLB player, particularly one that played for the same team and was so well known. His father isn't a footnote, but the lead, even now. To an extent, that's understandable. It's also a unique form of pressure, adding to an already high-pressure situation.

However, when the younger Mazzilli made his professional debut in the New York Penn League, after the Mets drafted him in the 9th round of the MLB Draft out of the University of Connecticut, followed by fanfare of a press conference at the big club's stadium post-draft, he buckled down. He also never shied away from the incessant questions about his father. He was honored to talk about him and patient with the constant curiosity.

He spent 2014 splitting time between three levels, finishing the season hitting .301/.361/.440 through 131 games.

Mazzilli Jr.'s work ethic and professionalism are well-known to anyone that covered him or knows him personally. And in his post-suspension statement he talked about being "ashamed" and "responsible."

He spoke for a story on this blog earlier this year about needing to rediscover his focus, eliminating things that distressed or distracted him, sounding like a young guy just trying to find his way. This seems like more of the same.

According to reports, he was expected to open the 2015 season with Double-A Binghamton. Instead, he'll begin with a 50-game suspension. When he finally gets back on the field, he'll need to play himself back to where he'd progressed to last season. At 24, this could be a mere blip in a promising career.

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On Twitter: "@FLProBaseball: The @FlorenceFreedom have signed IF @TheOnly_Fraga and C @MattHitt8.”

via twitter.com

In Independent League Baseball news,the Florence Freedom of the American League have signed Daniel Fraga and Matt Hitt.

Both have their own interesting history. Hitt, whose baseball name provides a perfect Twitter handle, previously played in the Blue Jays organization. In 2013 he played for the Vancouver Canadians of the Northwest League, getting in just 14 games. The catcher then signed with Independent League team Sioux Falls Canaries for 2014. He hit .250/..312./.368 in 21 games.

Daniel Fraga's journey through baseball looked uncertain as the 2014 MLB Draft neared. The UNC Pembroke Senior INF went undrafted but the Freedom are giving him a shot. In 51 games in the 2013-2014 season, Fraga had 85 hits, with 36 RBI and 23 walks.

Both players are in their early twenties, with the possibility of getting in with a professional team via the indy route. A route many former pro or undrafted players have taken with success.

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A Fresh Take On the MiLB Lawsuit: Bud Selig's Pension?

A Fresh Take On the MiLB Lawsuit: Bud Selig's Pension?

via twitter.com

Since Stan Brand's Winter Meetings speech made the rounds on Twitter, there's been outrage mostly toward the way Minor League ballplayers are treated and what they're paid. Some of it was on the side of Brand's petition to keep MiLBers from making enough money to genuinely take care of themselves and their families (the essence of the lawsuit), but only some. This is the newest idea to get creative with solutions.

The MiLB lawsuit, Brand's speech and Twitter reaction have all been covered here. You can check suggested links below for those stories.

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Eye On...Two Mets Prospects That Made the BA Top Ten for 2015

A lot has been written here, and everywhere, about Mets 2011 first round pick Brandon Nimmo. That's to be expected for a first round high school player, but his story caught the interest of baseball-minded people, and media, early on.

Baseball America's recently released Top Mets Prospect List ranks Nimmo 3rd in the systemm up from #8 in 2014. Nimmo was always an important prospect for the Mets, but now there can be no doubt just how high his value is at the moment.

The trajectory of Nimmo's minor league career has been fairly smooth, but that doesn't mean it was effortless. While he reached Double-A in 2014, that was preceded by a decision to stay in Florida year-round. In doing that, the outfielder worked at the Mets training facility on every area of his game.

http://www.highheelsonthefield.net/my_weblog/2014/02/brandon-nimmo-arrives-at-mets-camp-early-reflects-on-first-full-season.html

He's also staying in Florida again, as mentioned here:

http://www.highheelsonthefield.net/my_weblog/2014/12/quick-takes-brandon-nimmo-darryl-george-.html

There's also the fact that, as has also been covered a lot, Nimmo came from Wyoming, one of three states without high school baseball programs. That not only speaks to Nimmo's level of natural talent, but also to the amount of work he's put into developing that talent against the odds.

There's no need to rush him through the ranks, as he's just 21. The Mets can take their time. Nimmo's proven so far that he's moving at an excellent pace and his skill level has only improved. He never really appeared to be a total diamond in the rough, not even in his first professional season. But he's done a great job in polishing the rough edges he did, and still does have. Another year in Double-A, with a possible mid-season promotion to Triple-A, makes the most sense. But with this guy, expectations could certainly be defied.

Also see this regular-season interview with Nimmo from May.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/5/23/5742132/heels-on-the-farm-brandon-nimmo-credits-off-season-for-outstanding

SS GAVIN CECCHINI CHECKS IN AT #10

Also a 1st rounder, in 2012, Gavin Cecchini only dropped a slot, down from 9th in 2014, after playing 125 games between South Atlantic and Florida State Leagues. He hit .247/.328/.378 for the season.

Here is a report on his 2013 season with the Brooklyn Cyclones.

http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/gavin-cecchinis-aggressive-approach/">

That smartly "aggressive" nature, mixed with athleticism, quick hands at the plate, ability to adjust with each at bat, plus solid, fluid defense all make Cecchini a highly valuable player in the Mets plans. He hit well at both Class-A and Advanced, but with just one Double-A game under his belt, he'll need to show that he has the skills to play consistently at the next level.

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On Twitter: @michael_schlact Rejoins the Blogosphere

via twitter.com

A few weeks ago, Michael Schlact spoke to HOTF about his retirement from playing, and his decision to join the Fargo-Moorehead RedHawks coaching staff. He's started a new blog, which will focus on his new career and life, which include expecting his first child with his personal trainer wife, Jillian.

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Vince Belnome , Mike Birling On Longtime Durham Bulls Manager Charlie Montoyo Being Named Rays Third Base Coach

via twitter.com

Vince Belnome, who spent most of 2014 with the Durham Bulls, summarized what so many felt for Bulls manager Charlie Montoyo, who's been named the Rays new third base coach.

Montoyo managed the Rays Triple-a club for eight years, leading them to seven division titles and two Governor's Cup Championships.

Montoyo was one of the final candidates for the Rays managerial job, which eventually went to Kevin Cash. He was considered a favorite, though it's possible the Rays had this plan in mind when they took Montoyo off the list.

In the Bulls official announcement, GM Mike Birling said of Montyo, "He is the definition of a class act. While it's bittersweet to see him go, we're happy to see him take the next step in his career. No one is more deserving of this promotion."

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@kevinmcgowanjr to @TheJudge44: "Organizational all star... Is that good? @TheJudge44 congrats homie!"

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The Yankees 2014 Organizational All-Stars was released yesterday and Kevin McGowan Jr. joked with Aaron Judge about his selection. Judge was joined by Adonis Garcia for top outfielders of the year. You can read the rest here: http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20141217&content_id=104161270&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb

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Daniels likes young talent Rangers have in system | texasrangers.com

"We've been involved in a lot of guys that have been moved or rumored to be moved," Daniels said. "For where we are and what we would have had to give up, we didn't feel like the prices made sense for us at this point in time. We've been in the thick of things, we've been amongst the teams in that flurry before. There's an adrenaline rush to it, I'd be lying to you if [I said] there weren't days when I wanted to kind of take off the restraints and go a little bit, because it's fun, it's one of the fun parts of our jobs, making deals."

But Daniels said he doesn't want to deal the organization's top young talent, which includes second baseman Rougned Odor, outfielder Ryan Rua, third baseman Joey Gallo, catcher Jorge Alfaro, pitcher Luke Jackson and several other players who might not be far from the Majors.

"I think sometimes the right thing to do, the prudent thing to do, is look back and you're like, 'Hey, our own players are good,'" Daniels said. "These guys are good. That's not to say we won't trade some of them; we will, we've traded prospects plenty of times in the past. But I think the time and the deal has to be right. … Our young players that are getting asked about are going to be on our team here in the next six to 18 months, and they're going to play for us this year, in a lot of cases. To trade some of those guys that we think are ready to step in for us, or close to ready, for guys that are short-term fits -- at least to this point, that hasn't been something we wanted to do."

via m.rangers.mlb.com

This mindset either drives fans insane or gives them hope...or both. Either way, the Rangers are taking the developmental approach. The system is in good shape, so that kind of faith could be validated, particularly if Joey Gallo continues his pace.

Twitter Reacts To MiLB VP's Stance To 'Man The Battle Stations' In Response To Lawsuit

In the 'clarion call' heard around the baseball world, MiLB VP Stan Brand was quoted in a story by Baseball America writer Josh Leventhal last week from the Winter Meetings. At the meetings, Brand made a fiery speech on the civil lawsuit being filed by several former minor league players against Major League Baseball which accuses MLB of "suppressing" income. While players seek to receive fairer wages, Brand announced he will petition congress to add minor league baseball to seasonal positions that aren't eligible for minimum wage or overtime pay. Members of the media (including Ben Badler and Emma Span) reacted with the same disbelief and frustration as many current, and former players, and fans.

Brand sounded like a super hero trying to slay the bad guys (Right):

One of the biggest misconceptions about drafted players is that they are all handed million dollar bonuses. They are not. Starling is an elite prospect who got first round money (he was selected in the first round, 5th overall, by the Kansas City Royals). The first reader to respond to Span's link & one-word reaction brings up an excellent point. And it's one that would be explored over the next few days.

Minor leaguers claims that they're treated unfairly is, not surprisingly, met with hostility and confusion. The perception of the reader that tells them to move over for the guy in line to take his place is the kind of vitriolic reaction that's always surprising. In any job, which is what minor league baseball is, you want to be payed fairly. But it's often difficult for fans to separate the big leagues from the minors. The latter aren't spoiled brats asking for millions of dollars. They're literally asking for minimum wage.

No one in the debate had a perfect answer. But the prevailing attitude was that MLB should be trying to find a better one. And Brand made clear that's not their intention. Players eventually got into the debate. And who better to speak on the life, the job, and the lawsuit? C.J. Wilson and Cody Decker expressed that side of the argument very directly. It's as simple as they're doing a job and yet they're being told they're threatening the system they work within. Meanwhile, most can't afford to live on their own. And many can't go back to finish their education because they can't afford it. They're left with the skill of playing baseball. Again, they're seeking fairer pay. Not a windfall.

Also included here is from the Baseball America report that seeks to explain the complexities of the lawsuit.

MLB and MiLB will likely be unmoved in their stance. But what this has done is shine light on the issue. We're able to see the attitude of the powers that be toward minor league players. And it could not more terrible. The PR angle was pointed out, and that's exactly right. Bad move. Perhaps this will also help to educate baseball fans unimpressed by the lawsuit. Maybe some will come to see that minor league players are the working class. Not spoiled children rolling in a pile of money. When Brand's petition reaches congress, the next phase of this will unfold. And perhaps then we'll have a new ballgame.

MiLB VP Uses Shaming Tone to Address Minor League Player’s Lawsuit

In one room of the baseball Winter Meetings, major league players astronomical contracts were being negotiated and superstar trades were being executed; and in another, the powers that be were telling minor league players to sit down and shut up.

Those weren’t the exact words of MiLB VP Stan Brand, but that was the gist of the message, when he addressed baseball executives and team owners regarding the class-action lawsuit filed by a group of minor league players earlier this year. The lawsuit accuses MLB of violating federal and labor laws by suppressing salary.

While this is a complex issue that would take time to iron out, what’s disheartening is Brand’s accusatory tone, which reduces players to undeserving ingrates that serve a purpose; and that by asking for a more fair system, they’re taking something away from local families.

Brand announced that in 2015, he will petition congress to add minor league baseball players to the list of occupations that aren’t required to receive minimum wage or overtime pay. The argument to this point against the lawsuit has been that minor league players are seasonal employees, who aren’t protected under those labor laws.*

“In the coming year, we will be seeking legislation to clarify that professional baseball players are not covered by these federal wage and hour laws,” Brand said. “Just as we did in the 1990’s to save the antitrust exemption, we will need your help to explain to our legislators the importance of this issue to the future of minor league baseball and their communities investments in stadia and infrastructure. I do not want to overstate the threat this suit presents, but I think my honest assessment is this it is equally perilous for our future as the antitrust repeal was in the 1990’s.”

That’s strong language directed at men who are simply seeking a larger piece of the gigantic, bloated, insanely wealthy pie that is Major League Baseball. Brand paints a ridiculous picture of minor league players as power hungry, self-serving jerks. He expressed the needs of the working class and the importance of minor league baseball in small communities, ignoring the reality: minor league players are the working class. They can barely afford to live during the regular season, rooming with several roommates, receiving weekly meal money, staying in cut-rate motels, and taking winter jobs to support themselves in the off-season. But Brand, in passionately standing for the business of MiLB, presents players as machines of destruction.

The reality is that when players decide to sign with a major league team that’s drafted them, they know that they’re in for a haul. Maybe people will be less judgmental when players take their time or refuse to sign in order to get more money when they’re again draft-eligible. But the bonuses can be small, and if they aren’t, they don’t last long. They’re depending on a small income, but some of the top draftees are are anticipating a bigger payday in the majors. And, yes, that’s some, a very few, who’ll reach that. Most minor leaguers are going to play their careers out in the minors, with trips to the majors to fill in for injured players. Many more who do actually stick will never make the millions the elite of the game make. They understand what’s at stake and how hard it is.

Understand that the structure of the minor and major leagues works a certain way, and that a change to that would change everything. That’s a tough one, yes. But is the answer to tell minor leaguers that their desire to receive fairer pay is an act of peril?

Here’s another question:

How can you tell these guys who make baseball their career, that as employees they are only valuable to the economic growth of the community in which the stadium they play is located? It can’t be a surprise that, finally, there’s an uprising and the system is being challenged. You can argue with them, but you can’t blame them.

There are no big shock waves so far in response to Brand’s statement. Perhaps he’s just confirmed everything we already knew. The beneficiaries of anything in minor league baseball are very rarely the actual players on the field.

*Details of that meeting and all quotes are from a Baseball America report by Josh Leventhal

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