Wilmer Flores...the Next Big Thing?

One of the most coveted international signings of 2007, the Mets may really have something here. Done let the braces fool you, this kid can flat out hit. At just 16 years of age he is taking the Appalachian league by storm, posting a solid .321 average, while slugging 7 HRs and knocking in 32 RBIs. In June, Flores got off to such a torrid start, the shortstop was named Appalachian league player of the week, and named to Baseball America's prospect hot sheet.

Flores is an absolute monster, already checking in at 6'-3'' 175 lbs. As he fills out, we could be looking at a player with 30-40 HR potential. Of course, before we label Flores a mega-prospect, it must be noted that hes only played 40 games as a professional, but there is no doubt that he has caught the eyes of scouts everywhere. Before the season, Chris Kline of Baseball America had this to say

“The tools are for real. Sounded like some scouts questioned the bat a little bit, but profiles to be a plus defender that will hit for some power down the road… Flores is a guy who could move quickly–I wouldn’t drop the ‘project’ tag on him, though he is obviously raw in terms of learning the game in the States and facing advanced pitching."

The Mets tend to overrate their prospects, but there are so many signs that this kid is the real deal. I can only hope that he isn't rushed through the minors as so many players are nowadays.