Tobi Stoner

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Mets #29 prospect in 2010
  Stoner became the 29th German-born player to reach the majors, and the first since Mickey Scott in 1972, when the Mets called him up in September. He was born in Landstuhl, near the Air Force base where his father Neil served as an intelligence officer. The Mets discovered him by accident, as he struck out 15 in a college game that area scout Matt Wondolowski attended to check out his opponent. Stoner spent his entire minor league career as a starter but pitched for the Mets as a reliever, and he fits better in that role. His fastball sits at 88-90 mph when he works out of the rotation, and plays up to 91-92 when he comes out of the bullpen. His average changeup is his best secondary pitch, while his curveball and slider are both fringy. New York will give Stoner a look in spring training, but he likely will get some more Triple-A seasoning at the start of the season.
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  Ranked New York Mets #19 prospect in 2009
  Born in Landstuhl, Germany, where his father Neil served as an Air Force intelligence officer, Stoner's family settled into their Oakland, Md., home by the time he turned 6. After two years of junior college, Stoner played NCAA Division II baseball for two seasons at Davis & Elkins (W.Va.). He became the college program's first draft pick since Tim McLoughlin in the same round by the Padres 23 years earlier. The Mets stumbled onto Stoner seemingly by accident. Scout Matt Wondolowski attended the Davis & Elkins game in order to watch opponent West Virginia State. Stoner got on the Mets' radar with a 15-strikeout performance, though the game was bittersweet. Stoner surrendered a game-deciding homer at the very game he was handed a Mets questionnaire by Wondolowski. Stoner's four-seam fastball generally sits at 91-92 mph, though he's touched 93. Stoner has a solid slider, which functions as his second pitch, and needs to improve the consistency of his curve and changeup. He has a chance to be a swing guy or set-up man, but needs to improve his changeup to emerge as a starter. Stoner was also part of the Mets' Hawaii contingent and built more stamina and gained experience. He's expected to begin 2009 in Binghamton's rotation with Antonini, Gee and Owen.
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  Ranked New York Mets #22 prospect in 2007
  Scouting director Rudy Terraras asks each of his area scouts for their "gut-feel guy" leading up to the draft and scout Matt Wondolowski tabbed Stoner as his before the Mets took him in the 16th round. A two-way player at his Division II college, Stoner finished fourth in the New York-Penn League in ERA after signing for $1,000. He features an 89-92 mph fastball to go with a cutter, curveball and change. Stoner is receptive to coaching and picked up a changeup very quickly. He has confidence throwing the fastball to both sides of the plate and at times showed average command of all four pitches even mixing in a slider when ahead in the count. The key for Stoner will be streamlining his repertoire to improve his consistency. He's very athletic and fields his position well but will rush his delivery, which hinders his command. Stoner is a fierce competitor who is very hard on himself when things aren't going well. His performance at Brooklyn was a pleasant surprise and he'll get a taste of full-season ball in 2007, most likely in low Class A.