Tobi Stoner, Come On Down

Tobi Stoner, a young pitching prospect for the Mets has been progressing rather well and quickly for the Mets. So well in fact, that he has been invited to Port St. Lucie for Spring Training with the big club this February. Last year alone, only his second in professional ball, Stoner had stops at the following locations:

St. Lucie, Florida.
Binghamton, New York.
Peoria, Arizona.
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

Stoner, who throws right-handed, was a 16th round pick for the Mets in 2006. He is 6' 2” and weighs 190.

While at St. Lucie last year, Stoner posted a 2.60 ERA while going a 'misleading' 1-5. In 52 IP, he walked only 9, while striking out 48.

After such a solid start, Stoner was promoted to the Binghamton Mets (AA). At Binghamton Stoner finished 4-6 with a 4.33 ERA, after getting off to a rough start.

In the AFL (Arizona Fall League) he pitched for Peoria where he was assigned to the bull pen. While in relief, he compiled a 2-0 record with a 3.66 ERA in 19.2 IP. You might recall we discussed Stoner's achievements in the AFL: Tobi Stoner - 11-8-08

Stoner's 2008 season ended while pitching for Mayaguez of the PRWL (Puerto Rico Winter League). In Puerto Rico he continued to excel, going 2-1 while posting a 1.50 ERA while being in the starting rotation. He pitched 24 innings, walked six while striking out 16.

While speaking of the difficulties of jumping from A to AAA, Stoner offered, “At the lower level, I could throw the ball by a lot of guys. You could miss in the middle of the plate and seldom get hurt. At the higher level, you have to utilize your pitches and make efficient pitches. They were a lot better hitters. It made me work harder and pitch smarter.”

Stoner sports an average to below average fastball, ranging from 88 – 92 MPH. He uses a slider, curve and change-up to complement his fastball.

According to Mike Mathews - Cumberland Times - “Scout.com gives Stoner impressive marks in all categories, adding 'his consistency and durability make him a legitimate candidate for the big-league rotation. Since his first year on the farm, the projection has been that he would make his big-league debut in 2009. That looks to become a reality as he will likely be one of the first starters called upon when needed'.”

Although being invited to work out with the Mets during Spring Training, it is expected that Stoner will start 2009 at with AA Binghamton or possibly AAA Buffalo.

Not a bad year for a kid who just turned 24 in December.

Other Sources: NY Future Stars - Tobi Stoner