Minor League Report: Jonathon Niese

Mets.com profiles Jon Niese. "Niese last year pitched for the St. Lucie Mets of the Florida State League, the most competitive Class A affiliate the Mets have and, according to Waits, he's "reached the turning point." Niese may pitch at Double-A Binghamton this year after "getting to the point all pitchers get to," Waits said. Waits said Niese improved his command and his changeup, and he learned how to use the improvement in both areas to his benefit. He won 11 of 18 decisions, producing a 4.27 ERA in 27 starts and 134 1/3 innings in 2007. His hits allowed were a bit high -- 151. But he reduced his walks from 67 in 133 2/3 in 2006 -- all but 10 of the innings at a lower level of Class A -- to 31 in 134 1/3 innings last season. His final 10 starts produced a 4-3 record, but a 3.38 ERA as well."