Road to the Show: The Career of Brian Happel (RF)

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TOP PROSPECTS THROUGH MAY 31, 2011

Binghamton, NY (AP) - New York Mets fans have a lot to be excited about - for this season, and beyond. The big league club is in first place in the National League East. The AAA club in Buffalo is 31-22 and in first place in the International League's North Division. And, our Binghamton Mets have been on fire all season long, leading the Eastern Division of the Eastern League by 4 games with a 34-19 record.


Happel is tearing up the Eastern League with 11 HR and 48 RBI

One pleasant surprise for the organization has been the play of Binghamton's right fielder, Brian Happel. Happel has been on fire since taking over the starting spot in the outfield in mid-April. "He's been working his butt off," said manager John Griffey, "He is clearly very hungry. He's meeting all his goals, his stats are tremendous. Brian has given us a huge boost, and I really don't expect him to stay down here very long." Happel leads the team with a .389 batting average. He's also leading the Eastern League in home runs with 11. His 48 runs batted in are also tops in the league. Two pitching prospects have been nothing short of spectacular. Jenrry Mejia has been blowing batters away with his running fast ball and breaking a lot of bats with his cutter. His 2.54 ERA is among the best in the league. Jerrod Tucker has also been outstanding, posting a perfect 8-0 record.

Top Prospects
Player	Age	Pos	Class	Stats
James Hardwick	20	C	AAA	.359 11 HR, 45 RBI, 1.058 OPS
John Cohen	21	1B	AAA	.298 7 HR, .369 OBP
So Hara	20	RP	AAA	0.43 ERA 21.0 IP, 0.86 WHIP
Fernando Martinez	22	RF	AAA	.332 AVG, .401 OBP, 42 Runs
Jenrry Mejia	21	SP	AA	6-2 2.54 ERA 7 QS
Albert Barrera	25	LF	AA	.315 AVG, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 17 SB
Jerrod Tucker	18	SP	AA	8-0 3.19 ERA, 7 QS
BRIAN HAPPEL	18	RF	AA	.389 11 HR, 48 RBI, .688 SLUG

Happel is having a solid season in right field for Binghamton. But up in AAA, his competition, 22 year old Fernando Martinez, is also turning heads. Martinez is hitting a solid .332 and is also among the team's best with a .401 on base percentage. Catcher James Hardwick is also raking the ball, hitting .359 with 11 home runs and 45 runs batted in, so far. So, while the big club is competing for an N.L. East title this season, Mets fans can also look forward to some of the prospects waiting to make their own mark in the majors.

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AA Eastern League Leaders - Updated: Jul 1, 2011
Batting Average		AVG	Hits		H
	1. BRIAN HAPPEL	.385		1. Jose Feliciano	102
	2. Tate Germano	.361		2. BRIAN HAPPEL	95
	3. Richard Nieves	.341		3. Juan Gomez	93
	4. James Song	.335		4. Elmer Molina	91
	5. Jared Cummins	.324		5. Jimmy Braxton	91
Home Runs		HR	Runs Batted In		RBI
	1. BRIAN HAPPEL	17		1. BRIAN HAPPEL	73
	2. Conrad Jimenez	11		2. Arturo Ortega	47
	3. Arturo Ortega	10		3. Jose Feliciano	45
	4. Joshua Potts	8		4. Juan Gomez	41
	5. Miguel Escalona	8		5. Elias Fletcher	40
Runs		R	Stolen Bases		SB
	1. Bruno Alaniz	47		1. Albert Barrera	22
	2. BRIAN HAPPEL	44		2. Gregorio Marquez	20
	3. Rich Reyes	44		3. Peter Ogawa	19
	4. Miguel Escalona	43		4. Josh Riedling	17
	5. Edwardo Calero	42		5. Vincenzo Lopez	15
Slugging Percentage		SLUG %	On Base Plus Slugging		OPS
	1. BRIAN HAPPEL	.684		1. BRIAN HAPPEL	1.070
	2. Joshua Potts	.472		2. James Song	.880
	3. Earl Ogle	.467		3. Tate Germano	.869
	4. Richard Nieves	.463		4. Richard Nieves	.865
	5. Tate Germano	.452		5. Earl Ogle	.843

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METS BEEF UP LINEUP BEFORE TRADE DEADLINE
Giants send Huff to NY, pick up Ike Davis, prospect

New York, NY (AP) - Two teams heading in opposite directions hook up for a trade a few weeks before the deadline. The Mets wanted to upgrade their offense and bring some more experience into the infield. The Giants wanted to get a little younger and bring in some talent for the future. Mission accomplished on both sides. The defending World Series champions sent one of their key cogs from that team, first baseman Aubrey Huff, packing to New York. In return, the Giants got first baseman Ike Davis, already making an impact in the big leagues, and a prospect with a huge up side for the future, right fielder Brian Happel.

Player		Stats
	Ike Davis 1B	.276 Average 18 HR 54 RBI
	BRIAN HAPPEL RF	.382 Average 18 HR 79RBI

Player		Stats
	Aubrey Huff 1B	.344 Average 23 HR 62 RBI

The Mets certainly added more pop to their lineup from the first base position. Huff is slugging at a .620 clip and he is also hitting .344. So, he's getting big hits and knocking in runs. For San Francisco fans, Ike Davis is a good get at first base. His defense does leave a little bit to be desired. But, he's already approaching last season's home run and RBI totals, and we're just at the half way point of the season. As for Happel, he certainly looks like the right fielder of the future. Happel is smashing the ball at an alarming rate, hovering close to .400 and is well in front of all players at the AA level in home runs and runs batted in. His .469 average with runners in scoring position is almost unheard of, so the Giants are certainly drooling over his clutch performance ability. It should be interesting to see how this move shapes both franchises, both in the present and in the future.

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DEPTH CHART FOR THE RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS

Richmond Flying Squirrels Depth Chart - 2011

• Catcher
• Mike Palmeiro
• Glen Urban

• First Base
• Rick Pressley
• Stephan Charlton

• Second Base
• Rodger Angel
• Dirk Kirby

• Third Base
• Ryan Rohlinger

• Shortstop
• Manolo Kepuha

• Left Field
• Will Bernero

• Center Field
• Earl Ogle
• Jordan Baldwin

• Right Field
• BRIAN HAPPEL
• David Childs

• Starting Pitcher
• Manny Lopez
• Lester Visperas
• Michael Gettis
• A.J. Bell
• Jonas Campillo

• Relief Pitcher
• Miguel Quintero
• Luis Almanza
• Lou Aguilar
• Eugenio Marino
• Ed Brady
• Rich Pulido

• Closer
• Leo Pinto

• Disabled List
• Ray Elmore
• Rafael Escalona

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HAPPEL DOMINATES IN 1ST GAME, NOT ENOUGH FOR RICHMOND

Richmond, VA - After dominating the Eastern League for the first half of the season with Binghamton, right fielder Brian Happel wasted no time getting to work for his new team, here in Richmond. Happel nearly carried the team on his back to an exciting win. Unfortunately, the Flying Squirrels came up just short, losing 9-6 in 11 innings against Harrisburg. "We didn't give up, and that's the important thing," said Happel afterwards, "Losing games like this can be tough, but the beauty of it is we'll be right back at it tomorrow."


VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Happel started his stint with Richmond hot, getting 5 hits

The game didn't start very well for Happel. He came up in the first inning with runners at first and second. But, "The Kid" popped up, leading to an out via the infield fly rule. His teammates did come through the next inning though. A single to left by Charlton knocked in two runs to give Richmond the early lead. Happel then came up in the third and surely won over a lot of fans when he turned on a 1-1 fastball, blasting it over the wall in right-center field for a solo home run, his 19th of the year overall. "That one felt good, especially after I missed out on that opportunity in the first. I just wanted to get on, but I was really able to explode on that inside pitch and send it over the fence," said Happel.


VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Happel comes through in the clutch, hitting a game-tying double in the 8th.

Happel showed off his ability to come through in the clutch, as well. The Flying Squirrels blew a four run lead and entered the bottom of the eighth inning trailing by 2. But, with the bases loaded, Happel stepped up to the plate and came through. He crushed the first pitch he saw down the right field line for a double, sending two runs home to tie the game, his fourth hit to that point. Even Manager Dave Machemer was impressed, "To come in like he did and knock the ball all over the place, with a brand new team, needless to say, he didn't wait around to win over his new teammates, or his manager for that matter."


Happel just misses a walk-off homer in the 10th by mere feet, instead settling for his second double of the game.

Happel nearly capped it with a walk-off home run. In the tenth inning, he smacked an 0-1 fastball to deep right field. It hit off the wall, missing a game-winning home run by just a couple of feet. The runner at first had to hold up initially to wait and see if the ball would be caught, then scampered to third when it went off the wall. Had he been able to run the whole time, he would've easily scored and the game would've been over. Unfortunately, Happel and Palmeiro were stranded at second and third. And, the Senators managed to put together three runs in the top of the 11th for the win. Happel finished the night 5-6 with 2 doubles, a home run and 3 RBI. Not too bad for a debut.

HAR at RIC - All American Park
Jul 8, 2011	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	R	H	E
Harrisburg Senators (41-47)	0	0	0	0	3	3	0	0	3	9	14	2
Richmond Flying Squirrels (42-46)	1	1	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	6	17	0
W: Daniel Wada (3-1) L: Miguel Quintero (0-4) S: Andy De La Rosa (22)

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			HAR	RIC
RIC	2	Charlton SINGLED to left, Baldwin and Gettis score	0	2
RIC	3	HAPPEL HOMERED to right, Happel scores	0	3
RIC	4	Angel SINGLED to right, Palmeiro scores	0	4
HAR	7	Mortero SINGLED to center, Feliciano scores	1	4
HAR	7	Barrow DOUBLED to center, Cordero and Mortero score	3	4
HAR	8	Mortero DOUBLED to right, Cordero scores	4	4
HAR	8	Barrow DOUBLED to center, Mortero and Marquez score	6	4
RIC	8	HAPPEL DOUBLED to right, Ogle and Kepuha score	6	6
HAR	11	Clark HOMERED to center, Watson, Ogawa and Clark score	9	6

Harrisburg Senators
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Barrow, LF	6	0	2	4	0	1	0	.238
Aguilar, 1B	6	0	2	0	0	0	0	.321
Watson, C	6	1	1	0	0	1	0	.222
Ogawa, 2B	4	1	2	0	1	0	0	.298
Clark, CF	6	1	2	3	0	1	1	.259
Feliciano, SS	5	1	1	0	1	1	0	.262
Cordero, 3B	5	2	1	0	1	0	0	.306
Mortero, RF	5	2	2	2	0	0	0	.291
Trevino, P	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.091
Andrade, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Krueger, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.286
Gil, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.286
Germano, PH	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.380
Elmore, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Prado, PH	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.269
Marquez, PR	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.295
Hanley, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.333
Harris, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Haynes, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.271
Wada, De La Rosa	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
TEAM TOTALS	47	9	14	9	4	4	1
BATTING: 2B: S. Barrow 2 (9), L. Mortero (15) HR: B. Clark (3) RBI: B. Clark 3 (14), S. Barrow 4 (23), L. Mortero 2 (29) HBP: P. Ogawa
BASERUNNING: SB: E. Aguilar (8)
FIELDING: E: P. Feliciano (12), L. Mortero (2)

Richmond Flying Squirrels
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Kephua, SS	6	1	1	0	1	2	0	.167
Charlton, 1B	5	0	1	2	1	0	0	.327
Palmeiro, C	5	1	2	0	1	0	0	.213
HAPPEL, RF	6	1	5	3	0	0	1	.392
Bernero, CF	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	.273
Angel, 2B	6	0	3	1	0	0	0	.289
Rohlinger, 3B	6	0	2	0	0	1	0	.307
Baldwin, LF	6	1	2	0	0	2	0	.306
Gettis, P	2	1	1	0	1	0	0	.300
Almanza, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Pulido, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Marino, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Aguilar, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Childs, PH	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.000
Ogle, PR	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Brady, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Pressley	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.277
Quintero, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Pinto, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
TEAM TOTALS	50	6	17	6	5	6	1
BATTING: 2B: B. HAPPEL 2 (26) HR: B. HAPPEL (19) RBI: R. Angel (35), B. HAPPEL 3 (82), S. Charlton 2 (17)

Harrisburg Senators
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
J. Trevino	3.1	9	4	4	3	0	1	4.92
D. Andrade	0.2	1	0	0	0	0	0	2.70
J. Gil	2.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	4.57
J. Elmore	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	2.36
L. Hanley (BS, 2)	0.1	1	2	1	2	0	0	7.07
J. Harris	1.2	1	0	0	0	1	0	1.99
D. Wada (W, 3-1)	1.0	3	0	0	0	0	0	4.38
A. de la Rosa (S, 22)	1.0	0	0	0	0	3	0	2.73
TEAM TOTALS	11.0	17	6	5	5	6	1

Richmond Flying Squirrels
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
M. Gettis	6.0	6	3	3	2	3	0	4.88
L. Almanza (H, 1)	1.0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0.00
R. Pulido (BS, 2)	0.1	2	2	2	0	0	0	5.68
E. Marino	0.0	2	1	1	0	0	0	---
L. Aguilar	0.2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
E. Brady	1.0	0	0	0	1	0	0	2.72
M. Quintero (L, 0-4)	1.1	3	3	3	0	1	1	8.10
L. Pinto	0.2	0	0	0	0	0	0	2.60
TEAM TOTALS	11.0	14	9	9	4	4	1

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HAPPEL, U.S.A. WALK OFF WITH A DRAMATIC WIN

Phoenix, AZ (AP) - Talk about launching your career. That's just what Richmond right fielder Brian Happel did yesterday at the Futures All-Star game at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. In the bottom of the tenth, with the score tied at three, Happel put himself in the national spotlight, sending a 1-2 slider over the fence in right-center field, ending the Futures All-Star game in memorable fashion with a game-winning home run. "Unbelievable. I honestly don't know what to say," said Happel, who at this time last summer had just barely been drafted by the New York Mets out of Neshaminy High School in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.


VIDEO HIGHLIGHT OF HAPPEL'S WALK-OFF HOME RUN

Happel actually came into the game in the 7th inning as a pinch hitter. He had a chance to knock in a run and add to what was then a 3-1 lead. Instead, he weakly popped up. The World all-stars came back to tie the game, setting up the incredible finish, which was televised nationally by ESPN. "All I wanted to do was get on base, really, that's it. I figured the pitcher would try to come at me with something off speed, he made a mistake, and I'm just thankful I was able to capitalize on it. This is truly a day I'll never forget."


A close up view from behind just moments after Happel connected

Happel is already having a season that's hard to forget. He's hit 20 home runs, knocked in more than 80 runs, and was traded from a team dominating the Eastern League to a team near the bottom of the league. "The Kid" has already showed a flair for the dramatic. In his very first game with Richmond last week, he went 5-6 with a majestic home run, a game-tying 2 RBI double in the eighth, and he nearly hit a walk-off home run in the tenth, hitting the top of the fence. Yesterday's homer in the Futures game was the first walk-off of his short career.


VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: The blimp's view of Happel's home run

Happel is already ranked as the top right fielder in AA ball. He's still pretty raw, especially in the field. But, his arm is getting only stronger, and Happel is certainly a force to reckon with at the dish. He's still having some trouble working the count, walking just 3 times and striking out nearly 50 times already this season. He likely won't stay in AA for very long. San Francisco Giants fans certainly have plenty to be excited about.


The pitcher's perspective as Happel crushes the ball, and the World's chances of winning

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HAPPEL TAKES NEXT STEP, PROMOTED TO AAA

Fresno, CA (AP) - The inevitable finally happened. After crushing the ball in AA ball all season long, right fielder Brian Happel finally got called up to the next level. Happel was promoted yesterday to join the club here in Fresno, where he'll likely finish out the season. "We didn't get to keep him here long," said Richmond manager Dave Machemer, "But, he was certainly impressive while he was here. I don't expect to see him back around these parts."


Happel was only with the Flying Squirrels for a month, but he left his mark, smacking 7 HR and driving in nearly 20 runs.

Happel was quite dominate in AA, splitting his time between the Binghamton Mets and the Richmond Flying Squirrels. His power was well above the rest of the league, as was his ability to hit. He was flirting with a .400 batting average, hit 25 HR and had 101 RBI, which is almost unheard of at this level.

2011 Richmond/Binghamton Stats - Hitting
NAME	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	BA	OBP	SLG
BRIAN HAPPEL	61	137	33	1	25	101	4	50	5	0	.391	.394	.706

Happel is certainly ready for the next challenge. "This is incredibly exciting. I had been getting kind of frustrated, just because I was dominating so much. I'm glad to get this promotion, and hopefully I can keep playing at the same high level and maybe even make a September call up to the big club." While applauding Happel's enthusiasm, Fresno Grizzlies Manager Steve Decker wasn't ready to send him on to the next level, just yet. "He's got a lot of potential, but frankly, all that means is he hasn't done anything, yet. So, let's see how he does for a while. The pitching's a little better at this level. He already struck out 50 times against AA pitching. I expect that number to be higher for a while as he adjusts. Let's just wait and see."


Happel showed why he may be a star of the future, but he also wants to be a star of the present, at least for Fresno

Happel will start off his AAA career coming off the bench, backing up right fielders Terry Evans and Brad Eldred. He's also behind Nate Schierholtz on the depth chart, who is playing a bit out of his position in left field right now for the Grizzlies.

Fresno Grizzlies Depth Chart - 2011

• Catcher
• William Wilerson
• Eli Whiteside
• Manuel Peralta
• Yuji Tadano

• First Base
• Miguel Aguilar
• Brad Eldred

• Second Base
• Christian Amaya

• Third Base
• Jeff McArthur

• Shortstop
• Mike Fontenot

• Left Field
• Nate Schierholtz

• Center Field
• Darren Ford

• Right Field
• Brad Eldred
• Terry Evans
• BRIAN HAPPEL

• Starting Pitcher
• Juan Abreu
• Monty Mudd
• Morris Ashburn
• Hollis Hancock
• Lindsay Fortune
• Santo Arnez

• Relief Pitcher
• Alfredo Asencio
• Casey Daigle
• Ricky Ferguson
• Dan Runzler
• Richard Gaspar

• Closer
• Saul Imperator

• Disabled List
• Jeremy Brown

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	Brian Happel | RF Fresno Grizzlies
	Height: 6-2	Bats/Throws: L/R
	Weight: 210	Age: 18 years old
	Season G H AB AVG R 2B 3B HR RBI SB OBP 2011 7 9 25 .360 5 1 2 1 5 0 .346
	Last 10 AB H R RBI HR SO SB A E PO 8/10 5 2 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 8/9 4 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8/8 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 8/6 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 8/4 4 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 5 8/3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8/2 5 2 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 1