2002 Draft
The
Mets drafted two major leagues in 2002, one who we later flipped for a few
players that ended up benefiting the other team slightly more than it helped
us. The other player we drafted in 2002 became an icon for entire front office
organization.
Scott Kazmir: This lefty was drafted as the fifteenth overall draft
pick and was supposed to change face of the Mets rotation. He had major league
talent and was ready to shine in New York. Then, in one of the most infamous
moves in the history of the Mets and one of the most infamous moves in the
majors (for this decade) Kazmir was traded to the Rays for Victor Zambrano.
Kazmir has since been an All-Star twice,
has played with the historic Rays and now is an Angel. Kazmir defines
this draft for sure as he is an All-Star (the second straight year the Mets
drafted a later All-Star) and his move to the Rays defined the pre-Minaya
front-office.
Matt Lindstrom: Lindstrom
was drafted in the tenth round and was later traded with Owens for Vargas and
Bostick. Lindstrom broke into the majors in 2007 and had two very successful
years with the Marlins in 2007 and 2008. He had a so-so year last year. His
mild success makes two major leaguers from this draft for the Mets.
Bonus: The Mets also drafted the
recently praised Shawn Bowman in this draft.
