Bowman to represent Canada

When Shawn Bowman was 20 years old he was considered one of the New York Mets top prospects. Bowman just had a career year for the A Capital City Bombers putting up 19 home runs, 69 rbis, and 66 runs while batting .258 in 110 games as he carried his team to an 89-47 record. The following year Bowman couldn’t maintain his success batting .221 but he was still had pop in his bat as he bombed 17 homeruns with 53 rbis in 87 games for St. Luicie. But by the end of the2005 season Bowman had chronic back pain which ended up taking the next two and half years to rid of.

As the 2008 season arrived Bowman was not the highly noted hitting prospect he was 4 years prior. He had not been healthy in two and a half years and had a lot to prove. With all the doubt about his health and if he still had any potential Bowman hit .340 in 26 games for St. Lucie but had lost most of his power only knocking 2 home runs and 11 rbis. He then was promoted to AA where he struggled, batting .248 with 2 home runs and 10 rbis in 29 games.

This fall Bowman was invited to play in the prestige’s Arizona Fall League. He didn’t see a lot of playing time but Bowman made the most out of it. In 37 at bats Shawn hit .297 with 2 homes runs and 0 strikeouts. As the 2009 season roles around Bowman should start the season in AA Binghamton and hopefully end up in AAA buffalo by seasons end.

A 6 foot 2 third baseman, Shawn Bowman has some pop to go along with a decent bat. Bowman has a tendency to strikeout (110 strikeouts in87 games in 2005, 35 strikeouts in 29 games in 2008) while drawing few walks showing poor plate discipline. He is not the same hitter he was 4 years ago which makes his future less promising. He could end up being a pretty good bench player but if he wants to make it he needs to fix his discipline problem and stay healthy. Bowman will also play for team Canada in the World Baseball Classic and this could be a good opportunity to show his stuff.

Ranked 17

Recently the Mets Farm System was ranked by ESPN.com while placing 17th.
"It took a few major trades, but their system finally has thinned. Their international scouting department has saved the system, with three of their top six prospects (Fernando Martinez, Wilmer Flores and Jefry Marte) all coming via that route. Keep an eye on Brad Holt, a potentially fast mover from the 2008 draft whose curveball is improving."

Everyone knows about Fernando Martinez as he has been regarded as the Mets top prospect for awhile now but Flores and Marte both have tremendous potential. Both are very young and had very strong season's last year so this upcoming year will be especially important.