Mets Draft Picks: Rounds 3-5
Round 3: Norman Forsythe, C, University of Tennessee
At Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, Tennessee, he earned both All-Region and All-American honors from the American Baseball Coaches Association after his senior season. He was an All-State pick both his junior and senior seasons.
Forsythe did not get much playing time his freshman season at Tennessee. He hit only .173 with 4 RBIs in 52 at-bats his freshman year.
Forsythe improved significantly his sophomore year. He managed to hit .347 with 15 home runs and 46 RBIs in 196 at-bats.
During his junior season, Forsythe once again hit 15 home runs. This year he drove in 57 runs and batted .286.
Forsythe is a power hitting catcher. He could fill the void that the Mets have had since Mike Piazza left in 2006. Forsythe could move ahead of Josh Thole as the top Mets catching prospect by the end of next year.
Round 4: Cory Vaughn, CF, San Diego State
Cory is the son of former pro baseball player Greg Vaughn who spent time with the Padres, Brewers, Reds, Devil Rays, and Rockies during his 15 year career.
In high school, Vaughn was a two time varsity letter winner at Jesuit High School in Carmichael, California. He had been selected in the 43rd round (1288th overall) of the 2007 draft by the Phillies.
During his freshman year, Vaughn saw regular playing time and hit .243 with 6 home runs and 28 RBIs in 169 at bats.
Vaughn improved during his sophomore year, Vaughn improved offensively. He hit .328 with 10 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases in 235 at-bats.
Vaughn continued to hit well his junior year. He batted .378 with 9 home runs, 55 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases in 188 at-bats.
One thing that Vaughn will need to cut down on is strikeouts. During his freshman year he struck out 63 times. He struck out 62 times his sophomore year. And Vaughn struck out 55 times his junior year.
Cory Vaughn has the potential to be a 20/20 corner outfielder. Vaughn will have to cut down on his strike outs and continue to develop his power.
Round 5: Matthew Den Dekker, CF, University of Florida
Den Dekker was a first-team Louisville Slugger All-American his senior year. He was also a second-team all-state pick and a first team all-county pick.
During his freshman year, Den Dekker hit .243 with 7 home runs, 25 RBIs and 5 stolen bases in 158 at-bats.
As a sophomore, Den Dekker hit .333 with 8 home runs, 48 RBIs and 20 stolen bases in 213 at-bats.
Den Dekker struggled a bit his junior year hitting .296 with 5 home runs, 37 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. He was selected in the 16th round (#475 overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Den Dekker was also a second-team preseason All-American pick by both Baseball America and the NCBWA.
During his senior year, Den Dekker hit .361 with 13 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases in 233 at-bats.
Like Vaughn, Den Dekker has the potential to develop into a 20/20 corner outfielder.
