Marte in last year's Future's Game.
On Friday, the Mets Media Relations department was kind enough to hold a conference call between Mets bloggers and B-Mets Jefry Marte and Collin McHugh. Both players are off to prodigious starts for Binghamton. Marte was named Mets minor league hitter of the month. He’s hitting .326/.389/.442. McHugh, the Mets minor league pitcher of the month, has a 4-2 record with a 2.05 ERA, and a K/BB ratio of 2.80.
During the conference call, they graciously answered one question apiece from each blogger. Here were my questions:
MetsToday: Obviously you’ve made a smooth transition to AA, but what are the greatest differences you’ve found between A ball and AA, as far as the level of competition?
Marte: It’s the same game. I try to stay focused, get good pitches to hit, and be confident in my approach at the plate. Also, the umpire’s strikezones are better in AA, allowing me to get more consistent pitches to hit.
MetsToday: I’m not only a fan of yours as a pitcher, but also as a blogger. What do your teammates think of your blog?
McHugh: I don’t think they know about my blog. But I enjoy writing, especially on the road. It’s a good outlet for my thoughts and perspectives. Writing is something I’d like to do after my career is over, however many years down the line that is.
McHugh delivers.
Among other questions to Marte, he was asked what it was like to play third base in the Mets organization, knowing that David Wright may have the postition secured for many years into the future (about those contract talks…). Marte said he will keep focusing on his game in the minors, and would be willing to change positions, or do whatever the Mets want him to, if and when he reaches the big club.
Throughout the call, Marte emphasized his approach at the plate and having confidence. Marte spoke through a translator, but sounds like he’s focused on his game.
McHugh was asked if he felt the need to work harder to gain name recognition, like other players in the organization, such as Zack Wheeler, Matt Harvey, and Jeurys Familia. He said he has respect for those pitchers, and doesn’t feel slighted. He likes playing with the current starting rotation in Binghamton, because they challenge each other, and they win ballgames. He feels that winning is part of their development.
McHugh is very articulate which would make him a good fit for a big media market like New York. He’s also a good writer, but hopefully, his primary career will take place on the mound for many years to come.