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	TODAY: Monday, May 15
	Mets minor-league report By John Sickels Special to ESPN.com
	System overview After working hard to rebuild the farm system in the mid-1990s, the Mets have traded a large amount of young talent the last two years, acquiring "proven" veterans. They've continued to do that this winter, leaving the farm system quite dry at the upper levels. The Mets don't have a clear-cut Grade A prospect in the system. Alex Escobar is a terrific talent, but it remains to be seen if he can stay healthy long enough to develop his tools into skills. The only young, high-ceiling pitcher close to the majors is Grant Roberts, who has an erratic track record. The lower levels have more to offer, but of course it will take awhile before those players are ready. Money isn't a problem for the Mets; it is intelligent allocation of resources that separates the dumb rich teams from the smart rich teams. Which camp the Mets belong in remains to be seen. 1999 Minor League W-L Percentage: .516 (ranked 10th) 1999 amateur draft The signing of Robin Ventura cost the Mets their first-round pick. With their early selections, the Mets went hard after pitching. The first player they signed was second-rounder Neal Musser, a high school lefty from Indiana. His stuff is good, he has sharp control, and unusual polish for a high school product. Supplemental second-rounder Jake Joseph, a right-hander from Cosumnes River Junior College in California, throws hard but will have to improve his control as he moves up the ladder. Third-rounder Jeremy Griffiths, from the University of Toledo, can hit 94 mph. The fourth- and sixth-round picks didn't sign, hurting the middle levels of this draft class. On the other hand, scouts have been impressed by the play of 3B Rodney Nye (University of Arkansas, 7th round), OF Prentice Redman (Bevill State CC in Alabama, 10th round), RHP Paul Viole (Seton Hall, 12th round), RHP Orlando Roman (Indian Hills CC in Iowa, 31st round) and C Mike Jacobs (Grossmont JC in California, 38th round). If a couple of those guys develop, the sting of missing some early picks will lessen. Top prospects 1) Alex Escobar, OF: When healthy, Escobar shows Five Tool talent, though his strike zone judgment is a little shaky. He missed almost the entire 1999 season with severe back and shoulder injuries. I wouldn't expect him to reach the majors without a full season of health in the high minors under his belt. 2) Pat Strange, RHP: Went 12-5, 2.63 in the South Atlantic League. Strange throws hard and has good control, but needs to refine his secondary pitches and prove he can stay healthy. 3) Jorge Toca, 1B-OF: Cuban defector proved he could hit with wood, hitting .308 in Double-A then .335 in Triple-A. Should hit .280+ in the majors with good power, but hindered by weak strike zone judgment. Probably 28 years old. 4) Grant Roberts, RHP: 4.87 ERA in Double-A is not impressive for a top prospect. Roberts has great stuff and throws strikes, but I think he'll need at least a half year of Triple-A. 5) Lesli Brea, RHP: 284 strikeouts in 224 career innings, on the basis of his 96-mph fastball. Command is a problem, and he doesn't change speeds well enough to start at higher levels. Others of note Brian Cole, OF: Hit .316 with 18 homers and 50 steals in the Sally League. Doesn't draw many walks and stands just 5-9, but you have to respect what he has done so far. Enrique Cruz, SS: Hit .306 in rookie ball. Dominican shortstop with good defensive skills and a promising bat. Jason Tyner, OF: Stole 49 bases and drew 62 walks in Double-A, but hasn't hit a home run since high school. Dicky Gonzalez, RHP: 143/30 K/BB ratio deserves respect. Throws 88-90 mph with a great changeup. Ty Wigginton, 2B: Scouts aren't wild about him, but he hit .292 with 21 homers and decent strike zone judgment in the Florida State League. Will have to do it again in Double-A. Other names to know: Mo Bruce, 2B; Eric Cammack, RHP; Andy Cook, RHP; Pat Deschenes, 1B; Brian Jenkins, OF; Jason Saenz, LHP; Scott Stewart, LHP; Robert Stratton, OF; Rene Vega, LHP; Tyler Walker, RHP. John Sickels is the author of the 2000 STATS Minor League Scouting Notebook. You can email your questions to him at JASickels@AOL.com.		ALSO SEE Hot Stove Heaters: Mets ESPN.com's Hot Stove Heaters