Jae Weong Seo

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Mets #23 prospect in 2003
  Seo's stock has dropped as much as any player's in the Mets system over the past year. Once considered at least a middle-of-the-rotation starter in the major leagues, Seo has yet to regain the velocity he had prior to having Tommy John surgery in 1999. His fastball used to sit at 93-95 mph but he rarely touched 92 last year in Triple-A. As a result, his plus changeup has lost effectiveness because it doesn't contrast his fastball as much as it once did. His best pitch at this point is a hard splitter. Seo rarely gives up walks but is too hittable and would be better served by trying to get hitters to chase more pitches. Besides his elbow surgery, there also are concerns about his conditioning. He reported to spring training considerably out of shape in 2001. Last year he was losing strength after a couple of innings until the Mets discovered he was not eating prior to starts. If Seo can put the pieces back together, he has a chance to be a fourth or fifth starter in the majors. He'll get a look in big league camp but is likely to open 2003 back in Triple-A.
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  Ranked New York Mets #4 prospect in 2002
  After missing nearly two full years following Tommy John surgery in May 1999, Seo emerged as a strong prospect again. He worked his way from Class A to Triple-A and posted a 2.77 ERA, the best of any Mets minor leaguer with more than 100 innings. Seo works off a fastball that reached 90 mph in 2001. His heater was 3-5 mph quicker prior to his surgery, and his velocity should continue to come back. Seo also had success with his splitter and changeup, giving every indication that he will be a solid three-pitch pitcher in the years to come. He has amazing control. The Mets weren't pleased with Seo's conditioning last spring. He gained weight after visiting his native Korea and needed six weeks to get into shape. He went to the Arizona Fall League to work on his conditioning and arm strength, though he pitched just three innings. Manager Bobby Valentine was the driving force behind the signing of Seo in 1997. He impressed Valentine again in 2001 and is on the verge of earning consideration for the Mets rotation.
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  Ranked New York Mets #27 prospect in 2001
  Seo ranked as the Mets' No. 4 prospect entering 1999. He had bounced back from an elbow injury to pitch St. Lucie to Florida State League championship, winning both of his playoff starts without allowing a run. Then he went to the Asian Games, where he helped Korea win the title and earned an exemption from compulsory military service. Little has gone right for Seo since then, however. He made just three starts in 1999 before succumbing to Tommy John surgery and didn't pitch at all in 2000. When healthy, Seo has a 90-92 mph fastball, a plus changeup, a promising curveball and solid command. Mets officials have been extra-cautious with his throwing program, especially after he experienced unrelated tightness in his forearm area. Added to the 40-man roster this offseason, he should be ready for spring training. He'll probably start 2001 at St. Lucie, then move to Double-A Binghamton when the weather warms up.
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  Ranked New York Mets #4 prospect in 1999
  Background: After missing much of the '98 season with an elbow injury, Seo pitched in the Florida State League playoffs, instructional league and the Asian Games, where he earned an exemption to his compulsory military service by helping South Korea win the championship. Strengths: Seo is the pitching antithesis of Chan Ho Park, though they share the same muscular, athletic build. His fastball is solid average in the 90-92 mph range and he throws a good slider. Seo's best pitch is his changeup, which he will sink or run depending on the situation. His command of all his pitches is excellent. Weaknesses: Like most pitchers from Asia, Seo has thrown a ton of innings for his age and the Mets were extremely conservative in his rehabilitation schedule. Reports from the Asian Games had him only throwing in the 86-88 mph range. The Future: Seo has pitching savvy and experience beyond his years. The Mets plan on starting him at Double-A in 1999, but he could move up quickly.