On to the (Minor League) Post Season

The Mets' Double A affiliate, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, have enjoyed one of the biggest turnaround stories of the minor league season.  Taking advantage of  the Eastern League tradition of separate first and second half records, the "mini Mets" took full advantage of deadline trades that brought in a wave of fresh, impressive talent.  

Front and center is centerfielder Drew Gilbert.  Since coming to the Mets from Houston for Justin Verlander, the St. Paul, Minnesota native has dazzled.  40 hits in 35 games, a .325/.423/.981 slash line and an aggressive approach that Binghamton coach Mariano Duncan told me reminded of his 1993 Phillies teammate Lenny Dykstra.  High praise, indeed!

Middle infielder Luisangel Acuna -- Ronald's kid brother -- got off to a slow start but kicked into gear as the Rumble Ponies moved in on clinching a playoff spot. Just 21, he was the Mets return for Max Scherzer -- a deal increasingly favoring New York as Scherzer again fell injured.  Combining his time in the Mets and Rangers systems, the speedster has stolen 57 bases and scored 93 runs. 
But wait!  There's more!!
Jeremiah Jackson, who came from the Angels for pitcher Dominic Leone, hit seven home runs in 37 games...
(Below) Outfielder Rhylan Thomas, a 2022 draft pick from UCLA has exploded this year, batting .303 at Binghamton after posting a .341 mark at Single A Brooklyn.


The latest to join the party... shortstop Jett Williams.  Taken 14th overall in the 2022 draft, the young Texan played just six games for Binghamton -- where he already made a big impression.  Still just 19 (he'll turn 20 on November 3rd), he looks to be another player with Flushing in his future.

I'll be on hand tonight, as Binghamton hosts their Yankees organization rival (Somerset) in the first game of the Double A playoffs. 

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