Where the Mets' top 30 prospects are starting the season

With the 2015 season officially under way, here's a look at where the Mets' top 30 prospects are starting the season:

1. Noah Syndergaard -- Las Vegas 51s (AAA)
2. Kevin Plawecki -- Las Vegas 51s (AAA)
3. Steven Matz -- Las Vegas 51s (AAA)
4. Brandon Nimmo -- Binghamton Mets (AA)
5. Michael Conforto -- St.Lucie Mets (A Adv)
6. Dilson Herrera -- Las Vegas 51s (AAA)
7. Amed Rosario -- St.Lucie Mets (A Adv)
8. Rafael Montero -- New York Mets (MLB)
9. Marcos Molina -- St.Lucie Mets (A Adv)
10. Dominic Smith -- St.Lucie Mets (A Adv)
11. Gavin Cecchini -- Binghamton Mets (AA)
12. Jhoan Urena -- St.Lucie Mets (A Adv)
13. Matthew Reynolds -- Las Vegas 51s (AAA)
14. Milton Ramos -- Extended spring training
15. Gabriel Ynoa -- Binghamton Mets (AA)
17. Michael Fulmer -- Extended spring training
18. Matt Bowman -- Las Vegas 51s (AAA)
19. Cesar Puello -- New York Mets (MLB) - DL
20. Casey Meisner -- Savannah Sand Gnats (A)
21. Jack Leathersich -- Las Vegas 51s (AAA)
22. Akeel Morris -- St.Lucie Mets (A Adv)
23. Hansel Robles -- Las Vegas 51s (AAA)
24. Blake Taylor -- Extended spring training
25. Rob Whalen -- St.Lucie Mets (A Adv)
26. Champ Stuart -- St.Lucie Mets (A Adv)
27. L.J. Mazzilli -- Suspended
28. Ivan Wilson -- Extended spring training
29. Dario Alvarez -- Binghamton Mets (AA)
30. Robert Gsellman -- St.Lucie Mets (A Adv)

Team to watch
The St. Lucie Mets lead the way with nine members of the Top 30 list, followed closely by Las Vegas with eight. St. Lucie's contingent is led by 2014 first-round pick Michael Conforto and exciting shortstop prospect Amed Rosario, who's making the jump to the Florida State League at age 19 after just seven games of full-season league ball in 2014.

Teams on MiLB.TV
Las Vegas 51s

On the shelf
Cesar Puello (No. 19) came into Spring Training knowing he was out of options. He was set to be placed on waivers and outrighted to Triple-A when it turned out he had a stress reaction in his back. So the move was taken back, Puello remains on the 40-man roster for the time being and is on the Major League disabled list. Expect him to be waived again once he's healthy.

Pitching in reserve
It's extremely unlikely for a big league pitching staff to stay intact all season. Invariably, help is needed. Luckily for the Mets, there are plenty of arms at the upper levels waiting for that call. Five pitchers in the Top 30 are on the Triple-A Las Vegas staff, starting of course with top prospect Noah Syndergaard.