As originally noted this morning at MetsBlog.com, John Wesley, who was slotted in as both a pitcher and a pitching coach for the St. Paul Saints this season before signing with the New York Mets organization a little more than a week ago, struggled last night in Single-A Port St. Lucie’s 11-8 win over Dayton (Florida St. League). After starting off his 2008 campaign throwing an inning against Dayton on April 25th, surrendering 2 runs on 1 hit, while walking 1 and striking out 2, Wesley seemingly settled down, throwing a scoreless frame against the Palm Beach Cardinals. However, last night Wesley came undone, giving up 4 runs on 1 hit and 3 walks without retiring a batter. The big (6′6”, 263) righty, 27, is a native of Westbury, NY, near Shea Stadium, where the New York Mets currently play their home games. Wesley played in the Chicago White Sox organization last season, splitting time between Single-A ball at Kannapolis and Winston-Salem and Double-A ball at Birmingham. Overall last season, Wesley threw 52.0 innings of relief, going 3-4 with a 2.77 ERA, saving 12 games, striking out 67 and walking only 24, while hitters hit .230 against him.
…hopefully john can turn it around. he would’ve been a great fit for the saints this year, but playing for an affiliate of the team that john grew up around was an opportunity he simply couldn’t pass up. john was actually originally drafted by the mets out of high school in the 25th round of the 1998 amateur draft, but he decided to go to college, playing ball at south carolina before signing with the blue jays in 2002. i, admittedly, have extra interest in john as a mets fan, originally from new york as well (my mom grew up in queens and my parents ensured that i was rooting for the mets from day 1, through thick and thin). but john, if it’s not workin’ out in st. lucie, i’m sure you’ll always have a spot with the saints. i’ve never heard of a 6′6” pitcher with a 2.77 ERA in affiliated ball getting denied a job, so i’m sure john will be just fine…
Tags: John Wesley
