Pedro Beato: Mets Rule 5 Pick Is A Keeper

Pedro Beato has been impressive thus far this spring. He has a fastball in the high 90's, and has a multitude of pitches in his repertoire.

Beato, the 24 year old Rule 5 draft pick the Mets obtained from the Orioles, stands at 6'6" and pitches the potato from the right side.

Speaking with Joe and Evan this morning, we learned the following about the Mets young stud, who they unsuccessfully tried to draft in 2005:

He was raised in Ridgewood, Woodside, and now lives in Ozone Park. Although he "lived" in Queens, he really only slept there. He went to school in Brooklyn and played baseball there. He was only in Queens to sleep.

He grew up a Mets fan, and idolized Pedro Martinez for his moxie and competitiveness.

Beato believes he has a good shot at making the Mets this year, because he has pitched well in the four spring training games he's thrown.

Mets manager Terry Collins after seeing Beato pitch:

“I’ve seen an outstanding arm.”

Joe & Evan on WFAN this morning interviewed Beato, and asked him about the switch from starter to reliever, and Beato said; It's going well. After being a starter, he likes the consistency of being a reliever. He said he performs better with consistency.

When Evan asked what he thought of new Mets manager Terry Collins, Beato said he's, "running a great camp. Energetic. Gets involved with fundamentals."

"In my mind I'm a reliever." But Beato can see himself as a starter.

Beato, who was a Mets fan growing up, would be disappointed if returned to the Orioles, because "I'm gonna be home. Nothing better than being home."

Beato like Hernandez as a ballplayer, and there is a funny story from this spring. Beat walked by Hernandez and said "Hi." Hernandez responded: "Who are you?"

Beato also made sure to let the audience know that KRod and Izzy have been very helpful in his development. Izzy has been helpful in throwing the cutter.

For more on the the interview, listen here (below):

Sources: Joe & Evan, NJ.com