Despite the injury-riddled season the big club has had this year, there is a silver lining for 2009. It's hard to imagine the farm system having a better season than it did this year. Many prospects took a huge step forward. Despite what media members might write, the mets farm is looking up at the end of 2009.

The bad news for Fernando Martinez was it turned out to be another injury-riddled season for him. The good news for the outfielder is that before this happened he dismantled AAA pitching in 2009. A 20 year old with an OPS of .877 in AAA is almost unheard of (even if it was in a little below 200 at bats). His brief stay at the majors was largely unsuccessful but not surprising. He does have more work to do, and staying healthy is priority number one going into 2010.

Ike Davis took as big a leap forward as one could take in a single season. After a sluggish start to his pro career in 2008, Ike was one of the best hitters in both leagues he played at in 2009. As of now, his only 2 real weaknesses are strikeouts (112 in 429 at bats in his 2 stops) and left handed pitching (though he hit lefties at a much better clip in AA to end his season). The first baseman showed good power, good patience and a good glove all year and firmly put his name in the discussion of Mets first baseman of the future (perhaps as soon as 2010).

Kirk Nieuwenhuis, the Mets 3rd round pick in 2008, showed impressive extra base hit power at St. Lucie in his first full professional season. He led the Florida State League in OPS (.824), doubles (35) and Slugging % (.467) and for good measure was 3rd in homers. All of this in a league notorious for being tough on hitters. The newly turned 22 year old centerfielder is interesting due to his above average power and speed potential, not to mention his very impressive (but albeit very small sample) showing in Binghamton after his late season promotion.

One of the Mets three first round picks in 2008 (thank you Atlanta), Reese Havens, has quickly become one of the better hitting prospects in the system. The shortstop (though a lot of indications have him moving to 2nd base sooner rather than later), finished among the league leaders in the Florida State League in OPS, homers, Slugging Percentage and walks. According to most scouts, his defense has a long way to go to reach major league calibur. If it doesn't get there, the Mets do have a nice trading chip on their hands. But if he can get it to be at least league average then the organization might have an answer to their 2nd base future. It's not like the team needs to replace gold glove defense, as Luis Castillo has been one of the worst defenders at his position in the sport (no offense to his hitting, which has been fantastic all year).

One of the Mets international free agent signings, Jeurys Familia, enjoyed a fantastic breakout season into the prospect landscape. The 19 year old right-hander finished in the top four in the South Atlantic League in ERA and WHIP, and it should be noted that the pitchers ahead of him were all at least two years older than Jeurys.

Another of the Mets highly touted international free agents, Jenrry Mejia, moved all the way up to double A Binghamton at the tender age of 19. He earned it by simply dominating St. Lucie in his short 50 inning stint, with an ERA under two and a 44:16 strikeout to walk ratio. All while also being one of the youngest pitchers in the Florida State League as well. Mejia is a ground ball pitcher with a heavy mid-90's fastball. In 2009 he threw 2 and half grounders to every fly ball (a ratio which grew to nearly 3:1 during his stint at Binghamton to end the year).

Other prospects worth mentioning:

Brad Holt-dominated St. Lucie, struggled in his promotion to Binghamton, but has as much upside as any pitcher in the system.

Kyle Allen-only 19, enjoyed a very strong season at Savannah as one of its youngest pitchers and boasts one of the best arsenals in the entire system, including a plus change up.

Eric Beaulac-the right-hander had one of the best strikeout ratios in the South Atlantic League, stuff might be better suited for bullpen as time goes on.

Zach Lutz-all he's done since being drafted in 2007 is hit whenever he's played, which wasn't often until this year due to injuries. Finished among league leaders at St. Lucie in OPS, Slugging, homers, OBP and walks.

Wilmer Flores-As one of the youngest players in all of the minors, Flores struggled in his first full season, with an OPS of .637. Talent is certainly there and he usually puts the bat on the ball, a good sign for the future. He will not end up at shortstop defensively. All indications are it will most likely be a corner on the field.

Lets hope 2010 brings us as many good performances as this past season did. The farm certainly needed it after a couple of very down years.