Jake Joseph

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Mets #22 prospect in 2003
  Joseph bounced back from a disastrous 2001 season to pitch effectively in Double-A, where he beat his childhood idol Roger Clemens, who was making a rehab start, 1-0 in August. Joseph doesn't miss a lot of bats, but he learned the hard way that he can't nibble and fall behind in the count. He still relies too much on his low-90s sinker and his slider, but he went after hitters much more aggressively last year. He must develop an offspeed pitch to have a chance to start in the majors, and he worked toward that goal in the Arizona Fall League. His 7.36 ERA in the AFL didn't detract from the fact that he has re-established himself with the Mets. He's a candidate for the Triple-A rotation this year and projects as more of a middle reliever in the majors.
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  Ranked New York Mets #28 prospect in 2002
  The Mets were a little disappointed by Joseph's performance during 2001. He had a down year in the Florida State League, winning just four of 16 decisions with a 5.34 ERA in a pitcher's league. His biggest problem was that the movement on his pitches wasn't as impressive as it had been previously, making him more hittable. New York was pleased with Joseph's efforts during instructional league and believes his pitches improved considerably. Joseph uses his low-90s fastball and slider almost exclusively, and he needs to develop an offspeed pitch if he hopes to remain a starter. He also must improve his control. Joseph will have to show in spring training that he's ready to make the jump to Double-A.
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  Ranked New York Mets #17 prospect in 2001
  Joseph's career has been marked by success mixed with disappointment. In his first year, he was the starter in the first no-hitter in Pittsfield's franchise history (a combined effort)--but was saddled with a 2-0 loss. Last year, he would have ranked fifth in the South Atlantic League in ERA if he had enough innings to qualify. He battled ribcage problems after lifting more weight than the Mets would have liked. Once he made it back, Joseph was weakened again by an infection in his lower leg. When he was able to pitch, he was quite impressive. Reliant on his fastball and slider, Joseph could project as a Turk Wendell type out of the bullpen. The front office, though, hopes he can continue to be successful as a starter. His control was better than it was in his pro debut but still needs improvement.