Drafted in the 10th round (316th overall) by the New York Mets in 1999.
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One of the best athletes in the system, Redman is hanging on the precipice between being an extra outfielder or a regular center fielder. Interestingly, his older brother Tike faces the same dilemma in the Pirates organization. Redman has wowed the Mets with his raw power since signing, but he has yet to translate it into production because he struggles to make contact. Named Binghamton's MVP in 2002, he regressed in 2003 as he once again struggled with pitch recognition. Redman's speed makes him a stolen-base threat, and he has the range and arm to play anywhere in the outfield. But he's running out of time to prove he can be an everyday player. He faces a crucial season in 2004 in Triple-A.
Redman continues to rise to the level of his competition and is the Mets' best homegrown hope to fill their void in center field. The brother of Pirates outfield prospect Tike Redman, Prentice was named Binghamton's MVP after his best all-around full season as a pro. Redman is a late bloomer who's becoming more comfortable as his body matures and gets stronger. An excellent baserunner who didn't hit into a double play last season, he has outstanding athleticism that allows him to steal bases. He succeeded in 43 of 52 attempts last year. Redman has the range and arm to handle all three outfield positions. His improved performance at the plate can be attributed to hitting the ball to all fields instead of trying to pull every pitch. The more he hit, the more confidence he gained. Redman, who continues to have difficulty against lefthanders (.228 last year), has exceeded many expectations and projects as a possible No. 2 hitter in the majors. Provided his development persists in Triple-A, he could make his major league debut by the end of this year.
Last year, Redman started to show some aggressiveness that the Mets had been longing to see since drafting him in 1999. Pushed to the Florida State League to open the season, Redman overcame a slow start to earn a trip to the FSL all-star game, where he was named MVP. Redman gained confidence from the recognition and developed into one of the organization's most pleasant surprises. His quickness and baserunning ability are his biggest assets. Redman must continue to try to make things happen in all phases of the game. He needs to make better contact and add some strength so he can drive balls better. He also can improve his defense by upgrading his below-average arm strength and his routes on fly balls and hits in the gaps. Redman will have the opportunity to hone those aspects of his game in Double-A this year.
Redman is a tools player who struggled in his first full minor league season in 2000. He wore down and lost a lot of weight during the year. From July 1 to the end of the season, Redman managed just six extra-base hits and a .243 average in 218 at-bats. That should prove to be a good learning experience for him as he moves to the Florida State League in 2001. One Mets official called Redman a poor man's Preston Wilson, a Mets first-round pick in 1992. Redman already is a stolen-base threat, though his power potential has yet to manifest itself. He has played all three outfield positions, but may not quite have the range for center field and his below-average arm might limit him to left.
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