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

[Hapshoops32]

So - I've been busy playing NBA 2K11 My Player - now that MLB 11: The Show is out, I'm starting a career for that and will be focusing a lot on that now. So - here's the basics of my RTTS player:

NAME: Brian Happel
HEIGHT: 6'2"
WEIGHT: 210 LBS
Bat/Throw: L/R
AGE: 18
SALARY: $30,000
PRIMARY POSITION: RIGHT FIELD
SECONDARY POSITION: OUTFIELD

CON L: 29 CON R: 35
POW L: 44 POW R: 50
CLT: 48
VIS: 38
DISC: 27
BUNT: 12
DBUNT: 7
DUR: 59
SPD: 31
BR ABIL: 21
BR AGG: 11
ARM: 59
ACC: 50
FLD: 35
REAC: 31

I hope you'll follow along with my guy as he makes it to "The Show" and hopefully goes on to a Hall of Fame career! Let me know what you think or any feedback you have!

[Hapshoops32]

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

METS DRAFT A NUMBER OF YOUNG PLAYERS, UNKNOWN HAPPEL HOPING TO GET NOTICED

New York, NY - The Mets signed a number of young draft picks they are hoping will turn into major contributors in the upcoming years. Among the high draft picks are two solid starting pitchers, a hot corner prospect and a potentially decent outfielder. "We've got an interesting bunch coming in," said New York manager Terry Collins, "We don't expect anyone to make an immediate impact, but the hope is we get a couple of really good ones out of this group."

Left fielder Albert Barrera may be the biggest prospect the Mets signed. He's already a great contact hitter, putting the ball into play often. He's also a very smart baserunner and has decent speed. Jerrod Tucker appears to have the most potential among pitchers the team brought on. Tucker has good late movement on his four-seam fastball. He also has great break on his curve ball and could get a lot of swing and misses on that one, if he can learn to control it. One unknown that got drafted in the late rounds but managed to turn heads enough during spring training to make the AA club is right fielder Brian Happel.


Binghamton Mets newly drafted right fielder Brian Happel is hoping to turn some heads at the AA level

Happel is an average contact hitter, but has good power given that he is coming right out of high school. "Happel is someone who's going to need a lot of work," admitted Binghamton Mets manager John Griffey, "But his hard work really impressed us in camp. If he keeps that work ethic, he might just make a name for himself some day. But, I wouldn't expect to see him blow through the minors too quickly. He needs a lot of seasoning." For now, Happel is expected to sit on the bench and get the occassional start. His fielding skills aren't great, but he does have a very good arm that could turn into a cannon in the coming years.

[Hapshoops32]

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

HAPPEL STRUGGLES IN DEBUT, METS WIN EASILY ANYWAY

Akron, OH - It was the moment Binghamton Mets Right Fielder Brian Happel had been waiting for his whole life - his first professional at-bad. It didn't exactly turn out as well as he'd hoped. Happel struck out swinging on a low slider and walked back to the bench in disgust. No matter, his team picked him up. The Mets ended up with an easy 9-4 win over Akron thanks to a five-run explosion in the 7th inning that Happel actually played a part in.


Happel stands in for the first at-bat of his professional career, which turned out to be a strikeout

The Mets were able to jump out to an early 4-0 lead, scoring one run in the first and three more in the fourth. But, the Aeros came roaring back with 4 runs of their own in the fifth inning to tie things up. The score remained tied until the seventh inning. Happel led the top half of the inning off with a screaming grounder down the line to first. Diaz managed to dive and knock it down, but he could not get the ball to first in time, and Happel picked up his first hit of his professional career. "It felt good to at least get it out of the way," said Happel after the game, "Now I've got a lot of work to do, because the rest of my plate appearances were not good."


VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Happel picks up the first hit of his professional career.

The Mets loaded the bases, and a bases-clearing double gave Binghamton the lead for good. Frank McKinney picked up his first win of the season. The loss went to Gil Marquez. Binghamton continues its season-opening road trip with a three-game set at Erie beginning tonight.

BNG at AKR - Riverboat Field
Apr 10, 2011	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Binghamton Mets (2-2)	1	0	0	3	0	0	5	0	0	9	17	1
Akron Aeros (2-2)	0	0	0	0	4	0	0	0	0	4	13	0
W: Frank McKinney (1-0) L: Gil Marquez (0-1)

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			BNG	AKR
BNG	1	Baek grounded to center for a SINGLE, Harris scores	1	0
BNG	4	Nelson grounded to center for a SINGLE, Lima scores	2	0
BNG	4	Turner flied to center for a SINGLE, Maldonado scores	3	0
BNG	4	Barrera flied to left for a SINGLE, Nelson scores	4	0
AKR	5	Garland DOUBLED to center, Diaz and Guzman score	4	2
AKR	5	Carlin flied to center for a SINGLE, Garland scores	4	3
AKR	5	Pina HIT BY A PITCH, Carlin Scores	4	4
BNG	7	Nelson DOUBLED to left, Happel, Lima, Maldonado score	7	4
BNG	7	Hu chopped to center for a SINGLE, Nelson scores	8	4
BNG	7	Barrera grounded to left for a SINGLE, Hu scores	9	4

Binghamton Mets
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Harris, DH	5	1	1	0	1	0	0	.412
Barrera, LF	5	0	3	2	1	0	0	.278
Baek, C	6	0	1	1	0	2	0	.167
HAPPEL, RF	5	1	1	0	0	3	0	.200
Lima, 3B	3	2	2	0	2	0	0	.357
Maldonado, CF	4	2	1	0	1	0	0	.267
Nelson, 1B	5	2	3	4	0	1	0	.600
Hu, SS	5	1	3	1	0	1	0	.600
Turner, 2B	5	0	2	1	0	0	0	.437
TEAM TOTALS	43	9	17	9	5	7	0
BATTING: 2B: A. Nelson (1) RBI: J. Turner (1), A. Barrera 2 (4), D. Baek (1), C. Hu (1), A. Nelson 4 (4) GIDP: M. Maldonado
BASERUNNING: SB: W. Harris (2)
FIELDING: E: C. Hu (1)

Akron Aeros
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Garland, LF	4	1	2	2	1	1	0	.333
Cummins, SS	5	0	3	0	0	0	0	.375
Carlin, C	5	1	1	1	0	0	0	.200
Huffman, RF	5	0	1	0	0	1	0	.222
Carmichael, DH	5	0	2	0	0	1	0	.389
Hernandez, 3B	5	0	1	0	0	2	0	.231
Pina, CF	3	0	0	1	0	1	0	.000
Diaz, 1B	4	1	2	0	0	1	0	.500
Guzman, 2B	4	1	1	0	0	1	0	.250
TEAM TOTALS	40	4	13	4	1	8	0
BATTING: 2B: J. Garland (1) RBI: L. Carlin (1), J. Garland 2 (3), E. Pina (1) HBP: E. Pina
BASERUNNING: SB: C. Huffman (2)

Binghamton Mets
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
M. Fahey	5.0	8	4	2	1	5	0	3.60
F. McKinney (W, 1-0)	3.0	4	0	0	0	3	0	0.00
C. Clements	1.0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	13	4	2	1	8	0

Akron Aeros
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
J. Sanders	3.2	6	4	4	3	3	0	9.82
S. Beavers	2.1	2	0	0	1	1	0	0.00
G. Marquez (L, 0-1)	0.1	3	3	3	0	0	0	40.50
J. Todd	0.2	4	2	2	0	0	0	6.75
J. Matsui	2.0	2	0	0	1	3	0	6.00
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	17	9	9	5	7	0

[Hapshoops32]

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

Here's a look at the Binghamton Mets 2011 Roster:

Binghamton Mets
#	PITCHERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
23	Jenrry Mejia	SP	R/R	21	6'0"	160	$420,000
30	Jerrod Tucker	SP	S/R	18	6'5"	218	$256,000
8	Ron Williamson	SP	R/R	22	5'10"	178	$263,000
18	Michael Fahey	SP	S/L	20	6'2"	195	$183,000
24	Marcelo Wilkes	SP	R/R	20	5'10"	202	$155,000
5	Israel Gomez	SP	R/R	24	6'4"	215	$91,000
27	Chris Clements	RP	L/R	24	5'11"	214	$41,000
29	Frank McKinney	RP	R/L	19	6'3"	180	$34,000
28	Cesar Perez	RP	R/R	21	6'1"	220	$30,000
10	Reed Newell	RP	L/L	21	5'10"	197	$30,000
19	Alex Santana	CP	L/R	20	5'10"	198	$218,000
#	CATCHERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
75	Cesar Villegas	C	R/R	19	5'11"	203	$34,000
31	David Baek	C	L/R	24	5'10"	208	$30,000
#	INFIELDERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
26	Richard Nieves	1B	R/R	23	6'5"	213	$30,000
6	Aaron Nelson	1B	R/R	24	5'11"	193	$30,000
2	Justin Turner	2B	R/R	26	5'11"	200	$40,000
9	Johnnie Lima	3B	R/R	19	6'1"	182	$48,000
3	Luis Hernandez	SS	S/R	26	5'10"	180	$100,000
25	Chin-Lung Hu	SS	R/R	27	5'11"	195	$40,000
#	OUTFIELDERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
56	Albert Barrera	LF	R/R	25	5'7"	159	$256,000
22	Lucas Duda	LF	L/R	25	6'5"	240	$170,000
33	Willie harris	LF	L/R	32	5'9"	191	$140,000
21	Martin Maldonado	CF	R/R	25	6'1"	201	$34,000
32	BRIAN HAPPEL	RF	L/R	18	6'2"	210	$30,000

Here's a look at the depth chart for the Binghamton Mets for 2011:

Binghamton Mets Depth Chart - 2011
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
C	Cesar Villegas	David Baek
1B	Richard Nieves	Aaron Nelson
2B	Justin Turner
3B	Johnnie Lima
SS	Luis Hernandez	Chin-Lung Hu
LF	Lucas Duda	Willie Harris
CF	M. Maldonado
RF	Albert Barrera	BRIAN HAPPEL
DH	Willie Harris
SP	Jenrry Mejia	Jerrod Tucker	Ron Williamson	Michael Fahey, Marcelo Wilkes
RP	Israel Gomez	Frank McKinney	Cesar Perez	Reed Newell
CL	Alex Santana	Chris Clements	Nate Santos

[Hapshoops32]

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

HAPPEL SPARKS COME FROM BEHIND WIN

Binghamton, NY - Just when it looked like the Fisher Cats had taken the wind out of Binghamton's sail, the Mets respond in a big way in the seventh, pulling out a 7-2 come-from-behind victory in front of more than 6,500 fans at The Porch. It was a pitcher's duel until the 7th inning. That's when Corona hit a two-run home run to give New Hampshire the lead. But Mets outfielder Brian Happel smacked a single to right to lead off the bottom half of the inning, and the offense exploded from there. Binghamton batted around, and when all was said and done, the Mets had a 7-2 lead.


VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Happel knocks in the 7th and final run of a big 7th inning

It was easily the best game of Happel's young career with the Mets. He picked up 3 hits in 4 at bats, scored a run and knocked in another run. He raised his average from .200 all the way up to .357. "It felt great to have such a good game," said Happel afterwards, "But, it is just one game. Tomorrow, I could go oh for five with five strikeouts. That's baseball. I just need to try and be consistent and get another hit the next game I play in."


Happel may be finding his stroke early, picking up the first 3-hit game of his professional career

Williamson was solid on the hill for Binghamton, giving up just 2 earned runs in 6.2 innings of work. Frank McKinney has also been good in relief. He hasn't given up a run yet and already has two wins. "It feels good to get the first win at home, in front of our fans," said manager John Griffey, "Hopefully we can do it again and keep this nice streak going." The Mets have now won five games in a row.


VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Happel picks up an "excuse me" hit, smacks a liner to right, and smokes one up the middle

NHA at BNG - The Porch
Apr 14, 2011	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
New Hampshire Fisher Cats ()	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	2	7	2
Binghamton Mets ()	0	0	0	0	0	0	7	0	0	7	12	2
W: Frank McKinney (2-0) L: Jonny Case (0-1)

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			NHA	BNG
NHA	7th	Corona HOMERED to center, Takei and Corona score	2	0
BNG	7th	Hernandez DOUBLED to center, Happel scores	2	1
BNG	7th	Nelson SINGLED to left, Hernandez scores	2	2
BNG	7th	Lima SINGLED to right, Nelson and Hu score	2	4
BNG	7th	Baek SAC FLY to left, Harris scores	2	5
BNG	7th	Maldonado SAC FLY to right, Lima scores	2	6
BNG	7th	HAPPEL SINGLED to center, Duda scores	2	7

New Hampshire Fisher Cats
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Takei, LF	3	1	0	0	2	0	0	.125
Corona, 3B	4	1	1	2	0	0	1	.292
Washington, C	3	0	0	0	1	2	0	.115
Vazquez, 2B	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.176
Ortega, 1B	3	0	0	0	1	0	0	.161
Wells, DH	4	0	2	0	0	0	0	.200
Koehler, RF	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.143
Wilkerson, SS	4	0	2	0	0	0	0	.421
Thomas, CF	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.273
TEAM TOTALS	33	2	7	2	4	4	1
BATTING: HR: S. Corona (1) RBI: S. Corona 2 (2) GIDP: A. Takei, S. Corona
BASERUNNING: SB: K. Thomas (1)
FIELDING: E: S. Corona (2), S. Vazquez (1)

Binghamton Mets
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Harris, DH	2	1	0	0	2	1	0	.353
Lima, 3B	5	1	1	2	0	0	0	.286
Baek, C	4	0	2	1	0	0	0	.357
Duda, RF	4	1	1	0	0	0	0	.233
Maldonado, CF	3	0	0	1	0	0	0	.267
HAPPEL, LF	4	1	3	1	0	0	0	.357
Hernandez, SS	4	1	1	1	0	0	0	.238
Nelson, 1B	4	1	2	1	0	0	0	.556
Hu, 2B	4	1	2	0	0	0	0	.563
TEAM TOTALS	34	7	12	7	2	1	0
BATTING: 2B: L. Hernandez (1), C. Hu (1), L. Duda (2) RBI: J. Lima 2 (4), L. Hernandez (2), M. Maldonado (5), B. HAPPEL (1), D. Baek (2), A. Nelson (5) HBP: W. Harris SF: M. Maldonado, D. Baek GIDP: M. Maldonado
FIELDING: E: D. Baek (1), L. Duda (1)

New Hampshire Fisher Cats
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
R. Hernandez	6.0	7	2	2	0	1	0	2.45
J. Case (L, 0-1)	0.0	3	4	4	1	0	0	7.71
J. Allen	1.0	2	1	1	0	0	0	2.35
R. Hendley	1.0	0	0	0	1	0	0	2.08
TEAM TOTALS	8.0	12	7	7	2	1	0

Binghamton Mets
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
R. Williamson	6.2	5	2	2	4	4		4.63
F. McKinney (W, 2-0)	2.1	2	0	0	0	0		0.00
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	7	2	2	4	4

[Hapshoops32]

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

BINGHAMTON METS - HAPPEL WEEK 3 RECAP

Monday 4/18/11 vs Portland (Win) -

The week got off to a decent start. Binghamton Mets Right Fielder Brian Happel picked up an RBI on a bases loaded sac fly in the seventh inning.



Then, Happel sparked another comeback win when he led off the bottom of the ninth with a ringing single. Binghamton scored 3 runs en-route to a walk-off win over Portland 5-4. After the game, manager John Griffey named Happel the every day starter in right field.

Tuesday 4/19/11 vs Portland (Loss) -

Happel wasted no time extending his hit-streak to seven games with an RBI single to left field in the first inning. He also smacked his first extra base hit of his career with a double to the opposite field.


Happel goes to the opposite field for the first double of his professional career

Then in the eighth inning, Happel hit his second double of the game, knocking in another run. He also made a poor base-running decision, getting thrown out trying to leg out a triple.



Wednesday 4/20/11 vs Portland (Win) -

The Mets managed to win, despite Happel struggling at the plate. He went 0-4, including striking out with the bases loaded and 1 out in the fifth inning. Happel's 7 game hit streak came to an end. Happel also sat out the next game, on Thursday, against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

Friday 4/22/11 at NH (Win) -

Happel and the Mets missed out on an opportunity to do some significant damage in the first inning, when Happel grounded out with runners at first and second. However, he did get a nice single down the third base line that just stayed fair.


Happel sneaks one down the line for his only hit of the game

Happel finished the game going 1-5 with a strikeout.

Saturday 4/23/11 at NH (Win) -

It will certainly be a game to remember for Binghamton outfielder Brian Happel, who hit the first home run of his professional career.



Happel took a swing at the first pitch he saw in the 8th inning and sent a rocket out over the center field wall, measuring about 400 feet. The 2-run blast gave the Mets a bigger cushion going into the ninth, as they held on for the win.


Mets fans - both in Binghamton and New York - hope this is the first of many home run swings they'll see from Happel

2011 Happel Weekly Stats Stats - Hitting
NAME	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	BA	OBP	SLG
4/17-4/23	3	7	2	0	1	5	1	3	0	0	.350	.364	.600

[Hapshoops32]

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

BRIAN HAPPEL, BINGHAMTON METS APRIL 24-30, 2011

MONDAY APRIL 25 - AT PORTLAND (LOSS 3-2, Extra Innings): This was an ugly one for Mets outfielder Brian Happel. He just could not get much going at the plate, going 0-4. He reached base twice on errors and managed to score a run. But, otherwise it was just a struggle, "It's one of those games you just shrug off and say, 'Ok, we'll get them tomorrow.' That's baseball for you."

TUESDAY APRIL 26 - AT PORTLAND (WIN 4-1, Extra Innings): Mets Right Fielder Brian Happel picked a great time to come out of a mini-funk. He had not gotten a hit in his last 8 at bats when he stepped to the plate in the top of the 10th inning, with runners at first and second and one out. He smacked a double to right center field, knocking in the go-ahead runs.


VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Happel was clutch, knocking in the game-winning runs in the top of the 10th.

There certainly wasn't much offense to go around in this one, but it came at the right time for Binghamton. Happel finished the day with just the one hit. He also scored a run and struck out once.

THURSDAY APRIL 28 - AT PORTLAND (WIN 9-3): Binghamton exploded offensively, scoring nine runs for an easy win at Portland. Mets Right Fielder Brian Happel helped lead the offense with 2 doubles. Happel led off the second inning with a double over the right fielder's head. Happel was eventually knocked in.


Happel ignited the Mets offense with a lead-off double in the second inning.

Happel then lined a double to left-center on a 2-0 fastball in the fifth inning. That double brought in 2 more runs. For the day, Happel was 2-3 with a run, 2 RBI and 2 doubles.


VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Happel knocks in 2 with a solid double to right-center

FRIDAY, APRIL 29 - VS AKRON (WIN 6-1): The up-and-down week continued for Happel. After going 2-3 with 2 RBI and 2 doubles the day before, Happel only scratched out one hit, though it was an important one. "The Kid" sent the first pitch he saw in the seventh inning to the opposite field for a hit, plating the runner from second.


Happel fines the whole on the left side of the infield, picking up his only hit of the game.

The RBI single gave Binghamton a 2-run cushion at the time, which the Mets were able to expand on, ultimately picking up an easy win. Happel missed out on another opportunity in the third inning, when he couldn't get a runner in from third base with 2 outs back in the 3rd inning.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30 - VS AKRON (WIN 1-0): Again, this wasn't the prettiest game Happel has ever played. He struck out in the second inning, followed by a weak grounder to third in the fourth. He did show some hustle in the seventh, beating out a grounder to the right side of the infield for a base hit. He eventually scored the game-winning run thanks to that hustle.


Happel earned his only hit of the game, beating out the throw to first.

2011 Happel Monthly Stats - Hitting
NAME	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	BA	OBP	SLG
April	10	20	5	0	1	15	1	11	0	0	.323	.328	.452

[Hapshoops32]

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

HAPPEL, BINGHAMTON METS WEEK OF MAY 15-21, 2011

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011 AT TRENTON (WIN 5-1): It was a grand day for Mets Right Fielder Brian Happel. The rookie smashed a 2-0 pitch over the wall in right field for a grand slam in the 6th inning. "What an awesome feeling," said Happel, "Sure, it's great to hit a grand slam, but I'm just glad it was able to give our team a bigger lead to play with. That just gave us more confidence to finish this one out."


VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Happel smacks his first grand slam home run as a professional

The home run stretched Binghamton's lead to a more comfortable 5 runs. Trenton scored a single run in the 9th, but couldn't get any closer, as the Mets picked up a 5-1 win. Happel finished the day 1-4 with the grand slam and a strikeout.

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2011 AT NH (LOSS 11-8): Give the Mets credit for never giving in, but Binghamton could never get over the hump and ended up losing 11-8. Mets Right Fielder Brian Happel came up in the clutch in the sixth inning, pulling the first pitch he saw 387 feet for a three-run home run that tied the game up at 5.


VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Happel ties the game up with a 3-run blast in the 6th.

Happel led off the eighth inning with a base hit to right, and he eventually scored again. Then, in the ninth, Happel smashed a solo shot to right, closing the gap to three runs. But, Binghamton couldn't complete the comeback. "We need some people to step up. Brian is doing his part, he's been a nice surprise for us," said Mets Manager John Griffey, "But our pitching HAS to be better. We're putting ourselves in way too deep of a hole."


Happel displaying a power surge, crushing the second of his 2 home runs in the 9th.

Happel had one of the best games of his short career, going 3-5 with the 2 home runs and 4 RBI. He also scored three times and struck out once.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011 AT NH (LOSS 3-6): This one started ugly for Binghamton rookie Brian Happel. He struck out in his first 2 at-bats. But, in the 6th inning, Happel found his swing again and laced an RBI double to cut the deficit to 5-3.


Happel showing patience can pay off, getting an RBI double in the 6th

Happel had another good at-bat in the ninth inning. He got behind in the count 1-2, fouled off a couple of good pitches, then got a solid hit to right field to lead off the inning. But again, the Mets couldn't really take advantage, losing 6-3. Happel finished the day 2-4 with a double and an RBI.

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 AT NH (WIN 6-2): Binghamton got things turned around in the series finale at New Hampshire by pulling out a 6-2 victory. Mets outfielder Brian Happel actually had somewhat of a quiet game, going just 1-4 with a strikeout.


Happel belts a changeup to right for a base hit in the 5th.

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011 VS HARRISBURG (WIN 5-4): The Binghamton faithful were able to go home happy, thanks to a walk-off win over Harrisburg Friday night. Mets outfielder Brian Happel got the ninth inning started off right by lacing a 2-1 changeup up the middle for a single. He was eventually knocked in from third to score the game-winning run, "What an exciting game! We really fought hard for this one," said Happel.

The game certainly didn't start out well for Happel. He was called out looking in the first inning with runners at first and third and the score tied at one. In the fifth inning, he pulled a 1-2 curveball to right for a hit, and the runner at second got thrown out in a hard collision at home plate.


VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: A Happel single leads to a rough collision at the plate

That run would have given the Mets the lead. Happel also picked up a one out base hit in the 7th inning, but Binghamton batters couldn't bring him home. Still, the Mets managed to pull out a dramatic victory. The series against Harrisburg wraps up Sunday afternoon.

[Hapshoops32]

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

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.

[Hapshoops32]

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

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

[Hapshoops32]

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

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.

[Hapshoops32]

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

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

[Hapshoops32]

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

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

[Hapshoops32]

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

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

[Hapshoops32]

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

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