Yankee Minor League notes

[jacksonianmarch]

7 more dominant innings from our kids. Banuelos is nasty

[Meh]

If the Thunder holds on, Brackman should start game one. Who is the 5th starter?

[jacksonianmarch]

I dunno

[Meh]

The problem I have with the system and they looked to of corrected it this year, is that they don't really have any hitters other than catchers. I look at 1B, SS, 3B and even the OF and I don't see any real deals. 2B is even kind of meh, although I do love CoJo I'm not sure if I'm overrating him or what. Hopefully Gumbs, Williams and Segedin change that.

[yankees228]

Dang, Trenton gave up a run in the bottom of the ninth inning. So their final pitching line from the series...

 

30 IP, 1 R, 37 K

 

Not too shabby.

[jacksonianmarch]

0.30ERA, BUMS!

[yankees228]

When asked about Manny Banuelos, Keith Law responded (on twitter) by saying he spoke to a long time scout who said Banuelos is the best minor league pitcher he's seen all year. Quite a ringing endorsement from Law.

[jacksonianmarch]

Banuelos has IT. Mound presence, command, stuff, confidence, etc. He's only 19 and he has been dominant

[jacksonianmarch]

The Tampa Yankees won the FSL this yr for the second yr in a row. The first time a repeat has been done in the FSL since 75-76. Bradley Suttle really came on as the season went along and has seated himself firmly back into the prospect seat.

[Meh]

The Tampa Yankees won the FSL this yr for the second yr in a row. The first time a repeat has been done in the FSL since 75-76. Bradley Suttle really came on as the season went along and has seated himself firmly back into the prospect seat.

 

At the start of the year we had a pick 5 prospects who will gain ground in terms of how they are viewed as a prospect. I went with Betances, Brackman, B. Mitchell, Higgy and Suttle. I was wrong sadly about Higgy, but the other four were pretty good picks imo. Suttle really turned it on in the second half of the season and was our best hitter during the FS playoffs. hopefully he doesn't get picked in the rule 5 draft.

[Meh]

Altoona and Trenton really going at it right now 2-2 in the top of the 10th. Brackman backed up Pettitte, going 4IP 1H 1BB 3K, still could come back out.

[jacksonianmarch]

Jim Callis said that Jesus Montero would be one of the top 5 prospects in baseball in the BA rankings. And he said that he would take him over Bryce Harper at this time. That being said, Callis is not a scout and is dealing typically with old and outdated info, but it is nice to see some praise coming from the publications

[jacksonianmarch]

Manny Banuelos will be attending the AFL this yr to get his innings up.

[jacksonianmarch]

Yankees seem to be shifting more towards JR Murphy even with his so-so year. Scouts are starting to like him better than Romine.

 

Scouts seem to like both. But Murphy has shown much more power potential than Romine, especially when you consider that JR hit 6 of his 7 homers after July 1 and saw his OPS jump to .760 post ASB. And, he's a young HS draftee from a yr ago as he turned 19 in May. Regardless, I think Murphy's bat will be a huge part of his game, not sold on his D yet. Romine is starting to show the kind of player he will be. He started out white hot in Trenton, then cooled off something fierce the last 3 months. My guess is that some sort of mechanical adjustment was made. But Romine is the more complete catcher and truly the only guy I would peg as a true blue catcher out of anyone in the system. Murphy, I think, could be a very solid corner OFer. Montero probably ends up as a 1b halfway through his career. Sanchez is too young really to project. Regardless, as of right now, I think Romine has a serious future with this club as a catcher

[Meh]

I just have a weird feeling the Yankees will dangle Romine this winter. I guess I can see why they brought him to the AFL, he's tired but he needs to grind it out. You talked about how he cooled off in the second half. Probably was tired and if we continue to push him he'll be more used to it next year.

[jacksonianmarch]

Yea, the SRs that I read on him late in the season made it sound like he tired out a lot

[Meh]

Yeah during the playoffs guys were saying how he looked like he had no energy. Oh well he's got a few weeks to rest up before AFL haha

[jacksonianmarch]

A few guys to keep on your radar from the DSL, Meh.

 

Kennedy Agramonte- shutdown RHP with a power fastball-slider combo who really dominated

 

Cris Cabrera- went down late with an injury, but a very polished RHP with a low 90s FB as a 17 yr old and a deep arsenal

 

Yeicok Calderon- visa issues kept him in the DSL this yr, where he tore it up. He has a cannon for an arm, above average speed and light tower power

 

Ravel Santana- quietly put up a dynamite season in the DSL this yr as an 18 yr old. 10HR, 22 steals and a .973OPS in 199ABs. He might be the best of them all. 5 tool OFer with plus speed and very good D in CF.

 

All 4 should see time in the GCL next yr. There are others, but these 4 are the best that were left there.

[Meh]

Yeah? I've heard about Cabrera and Calderon from scout.com, Agramonte from just looking at stats and him popping out, but yeah Santana looks good too. Hopefully they all continue to make progress and we see another 2010 in 2011 in terms of prospect progression. I'm hoping Marshall sets himself up as a legit pitcher next year a la Betances. Jose Ramirez breaking out wouldn't be too surprising either. Hoping Gumbs, Segedin and Williams show they have legit talent.

[jacksonianmarch]

Marshall is a legit talent, my only concern with him is his size. He's a small framed fireballer who can get it up to 96-97mph. Thing is, he is starting to look more like a sinkerballer of late though. Flashing the 96-97 when he needs to, but mostly relying on a 92-93mph 2 seamer. Regardless, he isnt in the same ballpark, IMO, to Betances. Betances is capable of sitting 95-96 and has shown plus potential with his change and a plus plus knockout curveball. With one more yr removed from the surgery and with him finally finding his mechanics and growing into his 6'9" body, he is going to reach heights that a 6'0" guy just cannot.

[Meh]

I didn't mean the same stuff as Dellin, I meant coming back form TJS and breaking out into a legit prospect.

[jacksonianmarch]

Ah, I see. Well, he is definitely a legit prospect and this yr he knows how to pitch. To be honest with you, I am not sure why every single minor league pitcher doesnt go through the rigors of the TJS training program in the offseason. It focuses on the core more than the arm for the first few months then it focuses on strengthening the shoulder then the elbow. If you have a strong core, you will become more durable and throw harder. Marshall also came back with much sharper stuff. His changeup is a legit plus pitch and his slider has legit plus potential. I think his progression has definitely brought him from being a possible pen candidate to a definite starting rotation prospect

[Meh]

I have Marshall at 10th on my list, but I could actually see him make it into the top 5 next year, even with new talent coming in. I really like him.

 

Here's a recent update from TYU on the spect rankings

1. C Jesus Montero, AAA/MLB – Really, he should be on the Yankees next year. His second half was as good as it gets. We’ll see.

2. LHP Manuel Banuelos, AA - He went from a polished young lefty to a flame-throwing potential ace.

3. C Austin Romine, AAA – More worried about the lack of defensive growth than his poor hitting season.

4. RHP Hector Noesi AAA – Better than people think. Also pretty close to a sure thing.

5. C Gary Sanchez A- – The next Montero, but with less body-type defensive questions.

6. RHP Graham Stoneburner AA – Blasted on to the scene this year, couldn’t have asked for better.

7. RHP Andrew Brackman AAA/AA – Went from having terrible control to having really good control in 2010. On track for a 2011 MLB appearance.

8. RHP Ivan Nova AAA/MLB – Could start on a lot of teams, maybe the Yankees. At the very least, he should be a good reliever.

9. RHP Dellin Betances AA – Still skeptical, but you can’t argue with his potential ceiling. Frank Piliere’s comments were pretty glowing.

10. OF Slade Heathcott A+ – Held his own. He’s a project, so we shouldn’t expect immediate gains. Next step: power.

11. RHP Adam Warren AA – His reported velocity has been a bit inflated, but his AA numbers were pretty awesome too.

12. 2b David Adams AAA – He’d be higher if not for the injury. Excellent trade bait, since we have Cano.

13. RHP Jose Ramirez A+ – Got leapfrogged by other players in 2010, but he’s still a great prospect.

14. SS Cito Culver A- – Great reviews on defense, held his own on hitting. Now the real work starts.

15. 3b Robert Segedin A+ – Fell to us due to injury concerns. Fell to #15 due to injury concerns. If he’s healthy, he’s top-5.

16. CF Mason Williams A- – Don’t know a lot about him, but he sounds like Brett Gardner with more tools. The bonus justifies this spot.

17. 3b/1b Brandon Laird AAA – Not too confident that he can be a starter in the AL East, but he should be a useful little piece as soon as mid-2011.

18. RHP Bryan Mitchell A- – Lots and lots of raw stuff. The Yankees love him.

19. RHP David Phelps AAA/MLB – Starter for the Pirates?

20. OF Angelo Gumbs A- – Highly rated, but raw. We’ll see.

21. OF Melky Mesa AA – Still skeptical, but if the breakout is real, then he could be a top-flight prospect. Rule V protection?

22. C JR Murphy A+ – Disappointing season.

23. RHP Brett Marshall A+ – Came back looking great. If he stays healthy, he’s a top starter prospect.

24. RHP D.J. Mitchell AAA – Just can’t get lefties out. Reliever?

25. 2b Corban Joseph AA – Underrated, but didn’t do so well in an extended AA audition.

26. RHP Lance Pendleton AAA/MLB – Was my pick for dark horse of the year. 154 2/3 innings, 2.33 K/BB, 3.61 ERA. Rule V protection?

27. LHP Evan Rutckyj A- – Super interesting super project. But he’s both really talented and a lefty.

28. RHP Gabe Encinas A- – Super interesting more polished project. Not left handed.

29. OF Colin Curtis AAA/MLB – MLB 4th/5th outfielder. Just like everyone said when he was drafted. Decent AAA season, deserves a look in spring training.

30. LHP Jeremy Bleich AA – We’ll talk after he recovers from surgery.

 

http://www.theyankeeu.com/2010/09/fall-2010-top-30-yankee-prospects-ranking-21474

 

Not a bad list, I wouldn't have Curtis on my list, but meh. I hate Joseph being that far back too. Segedin's comments are interesting, I had no idea he could be a top 5 talent in our system if he's healthy. I heard Callis or Manuel say he was better than Cox from the Cards, but I kind of brushed it off.

[jacksonianmarch]

Not sure how you call JR Murphy's season disappointing when he started showing power over the last 2 months of the season. He is 19 after all

[jacksonianmarch]

Manuel from BA takes Brackman over Kelly in his rankings....

 

confused (Amherst): Curious to know what type of #s Casey kelley would put up in AA in 4 years ? Brackman has struggled his whole career and still recovered with one good half season whereas Kelley has been dominant and scuffled some in AA at 20 and he slipped ? Doesnt make any sense to me....puzzled

 

John Manuel: I'm quoting a veteran scout here, but they don't check IDs on the mound. Brackman is a different cat; he played two years of Division I basketball, which tends to stunt your baseball development, and I understand Kelly's development also took a hit last year when he played shortstop. Brackman also lost a year to Tommy John but his stuff has bounced back from the surgery, so right now the surgery just cost him time; he's been durable since coming back, I don't consider the TJ a concern any longer, but it contributes to the age difference. Brackman also is, what, 8 inches taller? It tends to come together later for tall pitchers as well, and it has for Brackman. Kelly doesn't have two 70 pitches; Brackman does. He has velocity and plane on his fastball, a willingness to pitch off the fastball that Kelly lacked and feel for the breaking ball. That was more than enough for me

[Meh]

G.M. Brian Cashman said “[Dellin Betances] might be our best pitching prospect ever.”

 

Source: http://waswatching.com/2010/09/28/cashman-betances-may-be-best-yanks-prospect-ever/

 

Can't say I agree with him, but he's probably the most exciting, sans Taylor when he was first drafted.

[jacksonianmarch]

Betances certainly is our highest ceiling pitching prospect with Brackman right on his heels. The article has his height wrong, though. He's 6'9".

[jacksonianmarch]

My top 50 as it stands right now. More SRs will be coming out in the next couple weeks which could change my mind, but for right now, here is my top 50

 

1. Jesus Montero-C

2. Manuel Banuelos- LHP

3. Dellin Betances- RHP

4. Austin Romine- C

5. Andrew Brackman- RHP

6. Gary Sanchez- C

7. Graham Stoneburner- RHP

8. Corban Joseph- 2B

9. Slade Heathcott- CF

10. David Phelps- RHP

11. JR Murphy- C

12. David Adams- 2B

13. Cito Culver- SS

14. Hector Noesi- RHP

15. Brett Marshall- RHP

16. Brandon Laird- 3B

17. Adam Warren- RHP

18. Robert Segedin- 3B

19. Jose Ramirez- RHP

20. Bryan Mitchell- RHP

21. Melky Mesa- OF

22. DJ Mitchell- RHP

23. Mason Williams- CF

24. Zoilo Almonte- OF

25. Wilmer Romero- OF

26. Cris Cabrera- RHP

27. Eduardo Sosa- OF

28. Sean Black- RHP

29. Kelvin De Leon- OF

30. Angelo Gumbs- 2B

31. Ramon Flores- OF

32. Ravel Santana- OF

33. Thomas Kahnle- RHP

34. Yeicok Calderon- OF

35. Kyle Turley- LHP

36. Henry Pena- OF

37. Kennedy Agramonte- RHP

38. Taylor Morton- RHP

39. Kyle Higashioka- C

40. Abraham Almonte- CF

41. Mikey O'Brien- RHP

42. Jorge Alcantara- 3B/OF

43. Jose Mojica- SS

44. Gabe Encinas- RHP

45. Taylor Anderson- OF

46. Anderson Feliz- IF

47. Evan Rutckyj- LHP

48. Brett Gerritse- RHP

49. Ben Gamel- OF

50. Daniel Burawa- RHP

 

Wait and see:

Caleb Cotham- labrum surgery

Jeremy Bleich- labrum surgery

 

I bet I missed someone, but this is roughly the list I have come up with prior to the systemic rankings we'll see over the next few weeks to months

[Meh]

RiverAveBlues.com posted BaseballAmerica.com's top 10 Yankee prospects...

 

1. Jesus Montero, C: “may be the best all-around hitter in the minors, capable of hitting .300 with 30-plus homers annually … best-case scenario is that he develops into the second coming of Mike Piazza”

 

2. Gary Sanchez, C: “has a higher ceiling than anyone in the organization, including Jesus Montero”

 

3. Dellin Betances, RHP: “If Betances can build on the progress he made last season, he’ll be a frontline starter for New York … he still could wind up in the mix to eventually replace Mariano Rivera“

 

4. Manny Banuelos, LHP: “has the poise to move quickly, and now he has frontline stuff”

 

5. Andrew Brackman, RHP: “For some scouts, Brackman’s whole is less than the sum of his parts, earning comparisons to A.J. Burnett and Kyle Farnsworth”

 

6. Austin Romine, C: “Montero has more star potential with his bat, Romine is a more well-rounded player … may become trade bait”

 

7. Hector Noesi, RHP: “lacks the breaking ball to pitch near the front of a rotation, but his fastball command should allow him to be a No. 4 or 5 starter”

 

8. Eduardo Nunez, SS: “Yankees see him in the Chone Figgins mold as a utility player”

 

9. Slade Heathcott, CF: “physically resembles Brett Gardner and has some similarities to New York’s left fielder, but Heathcott should develop more power and has a stronger arm”

 

10. Brandon Laird, 3B: “profiles as a third baseman in the Kevin Kouzmanoff mode … could become trade fodder”

 

 

Well they put Nunez up too high for my taste. Same with Noesi. I know Manuel doesn't like Stoneburner, but I thought Warren would of made it. I'm a huge Marshall fan, same with Bryan Mitchell. Corban Joseph im a homer with I know that, but he's in my top 10.

[diony]

With every season, Romine looks more like a backup C. I wouldn't rank him so high.