Minaya going to keep eye on College catcher

Ed Barmakain at the Star Ledger, writes about Omar Minaya and College catcher Gerard Haran:

Minaya, honored as the Baseball Executive of the Year at the New Jersey Sports Writers Association banquet held at the Pines Manor in Edison, was so impressed with the heartfelt words spoken by Gerard Haran of The College of New Jersey that he made a public promise to him in front of more than 900 witnesses.

"I will make sure that our area scout gives me a full report on you," Minaya said.

Haran received Player of the Year honors from six organizations after his junior season in 2006, including the top NCAA Division 3 honor by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and the American Baseball Coaches Association. Despite hitting .415 with 64 RBI in leading his team to a 38-8 mark and the NCAA playoffs, Haran was not picked in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft last June.

Haran, an Old Bridge High product, gave a moving speech about the support he receives from his family. He reminds himself of that support by writing, "They de serve this" inside his baseball cap.

What went unnoticed by the scouts was certainly picked up by Minaya, Mets manager Willie Randolph -- who also mentioned Haran -- and Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado, who were all in attendance. The Mets contingent had to leave early for another affair but pulled Haran out of the ban quet hall to speak to him.