As the Mets sink deeper in the NL East, general manager Omar Minaya grows increasingly desperate. Local media continues to badger him with questions concerning manager Jerry Manuel’s future, and the time to make a trade is waning. With coveted pieces, namely Cliff Lee and Dan Haren, out of the picture, Minaya looks to supplement a lackluster roster with youth from the farm system, which already produced starting first baseman Ike Davis, to hopefully catch the streaking Braves.

Historically, the Mets organization has been synonymous with catchers. Names, such as Joe Torre, Gary Carter, and Mike Piazza, all have been ingrained with the success of the franchise. The Mets hope Josh Thole (left) can add his name to the list. A 13th round draft pick in 2005, he entered professional baseball unknown to many. He lacked the innate baseball talent of fellow former top prospect, Joe Mauer, and Thole had not dominated the amateur ranks. Four years later, however, he has developed into one of the minor league’s best hitters. Although Thole is not in the Ted Williams mold, in terms of prowess at the plate, he possesses a knack for getting on base. Of course, walks are a speciality of the Breese, IL native.

Thole debuted in late 2009, and he seized the opportunity almost immediately, singling in his first big league plate appearance. Oddly enough, he was beaten out by the tandem of Rod Barajas and Henry Blanco in spring training, but he rebounded well in the minor leagues.

Come June, he found himself on the Mets major league roster. Thole again produced right away, hitting an astounding .480, and in the wake of Rod Bajaras’ injury, Thole looks to start on a daily basis at catcher for Jerry Manuel’s club.

Down the road, expect Thole to become a fixture in the Mets lineup. He lacks even average power, but that shouldn’t be much of a worry, considering he plays in the spacious City Field. He projects as a .300 hitter, and in a lineup highlighted by Ike Davis and David Wright, Thole should be scoring hoards of runs.

As a pitching staff, the Mets have been inconsistent, to say the least. Mike Pelfrey anchored the rotation in the first half of 2010, and journeymen R.A. Dickey and Hisanori Takahashi each contributed, as well. The clear cut ace Johan Santana struggled, on the other hand.

Following the All-Star Break, Santana returned to his Minnesota Twins form of the past, but the trio of Pelfrey, Dickey and Takahashi have been ineffective. As a result, the Mets look to 20 year old Jenrry Mejia to support Santana.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Meija (left) began his track to the big leagues at the ripe age of 18. In his first year of professional baseball, he recorded a 2-3 record, pitching to a 2.47 ERA in just seven starts. In 2008, Meija pitched well enough to earn a promotion to Single-A Port St. Lucie for the following season. He continued to excel in 2009, and the Mets organization took notice. Soon, Meija was pitching in Double-A, yet injuries hindered the growth of the young fireballer, specifically a strained middle finger. Nevertheless, such success catapulted Meija to the national spotlight. He entered spring training this season as the 56th best prospect in the entire minor leagues, according to Baseball America. Surprisingly, Mejia beat out veteran right-hander Nelson Figeroua to make the Mets Opening Day roster, and in just 30 appearances as a reliever, he posted a solid 3.25 ERA. In response to Oliver Perez’s demise coupled with John Maine’s constant injuries, Meija was optioned to Double-A to be groomed for the starting rotation.

In the future, expect Meija to complement Santana and fellow rookie John Niese on New York’s staff. Meija possesses a potentially dominant three pitch repertoire, including a blazing fastball, a devastatingly hard slider, and a devious yet rather raw change-up. He likely won’t start this season, unless the Mets fall out of contention, in which the organization would utilize meaningless games to give Meija added experience. Look for Meija to really contribute in 2011, but if he struggles initially, he could become the Mets’ 8th inning specialist, acting as a bridge to Francisco Rodriguez.

Ultimately, the youth movement will continue to make its way toward Citi Field. Of course, Thole and Meija should be fixtures in the organization for years to come, and New York scouts cannot for Jose Reyes’ potential replacement, Wilmer Flores. The 18 year old is dynamic at the shortstop position.

-Justin Silberman