Catcher Josh Thole, reliever Eddie Kunz and first baseman/outfielder Nick Evans are expected to highlight the call-ups when rosters expand in September, the Daily News has learned.
Thole, 22, upped his average to .332 with a three-hit game for Double-A Binghamton on Friday, although he had only one homer through 361 at-bats and is generally content choking up on his bat and hitting singles. A 13th-round pick in 2005 from Breese, Ill., who learned to hit in a barn, Thole (right) caught in high school, but only started regularly playing the position as a professional last season. A scout who recently watched the lefty-hitting Thole (pronounced toll-E) compared him to former major-league catchers Darrin Fletcher and Scott Bradley.
“My throwing is still coming along,” Thole said. “There’s no question about it. But it feels a lot better.”
Kunz, the organization’s top pick in 2007 (42nd overall) out of Oregon State, made four relief appearances for the Mets last August, allowing four runs in 2 2/3 innings. The righthander was 4-3 with a 4.91 ERA and one save through 34 relief appearances with Triple-A Buffalo this season.
Evans, who opened the season hitting .093 (7-for-75) for Buffalo in April and early May, has righted himself during his most recent Triple-A stint. Through 85 at-bats this month with the Bisons, Evans was hitting .282 with four homers and 14 RBI.
Binghamton first baseman Ike Davis and shortstop Ruben Tejada should highlight the Mets’ Arizona Fall League contingent. Brad Holt will not be sent to the AFL because team officials don't want to add to his innings count this year. The Mets only get one AFL slot for a player who has not yet reached Double-A, so it's unresolved whether 2008 first-round pick Reese Havens would go to Arizona.
Glad to hear that Thole will be getting called up. The kid can hit, albeit with not much pop right now, but he has talent. Have to remember that he is just 22. He will continue to fill out and get stronger. Gives us something to look forward to as Schneider is definitely gone in the off-season. Bring these guys up so we can see what they can do.