Yankee Minor League notes

[diony]

I am unsure actually. At the start of the offseason' date=' I would have said starting catcher this yr. But after signing Martin to be catching for at least 2 yrs, I don't know. My guess is that he is moved for a prime time pitcher. But if he isn't dealt by opening day 2012, he'll be the everyday DH[/quote']

 

I doubt the signing of Martin means Montero is going to be traded, more easily Martin could be traded or non-tendered at the end of the year. Montero is a superior catcher than Martin, heck his ceiling is something between Piazza and V-Mart. He has more power potential than both.

 

By mid-2012 is going to be Montero and Romine splitting catching duties (if none are traded) with Gary Sanchez waiting.

[Meh]

I got my handbook today and BA has their list as...

 

 

 

1. Montero

2. Sanchez

3. Dellin

4. Manny

5. Brackman

6. Romine

7. Noesi

8. Nunez

9. Heathcott

10. Laird

11. Marshall

12. Warren

13. Nova

14. Murphy

15. Williams

16. Phelps

17. Stoneburner

18. Mitchell

19. Mesa

20. CoJo

21. Culver

22. Adams

23. Bryan Mitchell

24. Ramirez

25. Gumbs

26. Bleich

27. Brewers

28. Kahnle

29. Whitley

30. Venditte

31. DeLeon

 

Flores was the sleeper pick, so he's basically number 32. I was disappointed to see Suttle and Segedin left off. I'd 100% have both of them over Venditte.

 

I like the list, but the back five I think he kind of tossed together. They have Murphy listed as a 3B on the DC and Tamarez, DePaula and Romero are all also listed. I checked around and really the only guy who made a teams top 30 from the ifa was Heredia. I guess they are trying to not hype those guys too much before they played. They gave glowing reports about Kahnle and Mullee and their 98 mph fastballs. Gumbs is listed as a 2B too, but they rave about his lightning fast bat speed.

 

 

Lingo has Montero 4th and Sanchez 29th. No Red Sox

Manuel has Montero 3rd, Sanchez 17th, Betances 18th and Manny 20th. No Red Sox

Callis has Montero 3rd and Sanchez 47th. Ranaudo 44th

[jacksonianmarch]

Warren is too low, Laird is too high. Brewer doesnt belong on the list and neither does Bleich after having his labrum redone. Phelps is also too low and Williams a bit too high for a guy who hasnt played. I would have much rather seen DePaula and Romero in the 29-30 slots as I think both of those guys will be top 10 prospects by 2013

[Meh]

Nunez is too high for me as well. Can't complain about DePaula or Romero, as I said they didn't have any 2010 IFA listed for other teams. They must of started a wait and see approach with them.

[Meh]

BA seems to think we've been slightly better drafters than the Sox in recent years as well.

 

Our grades have been 09 C+, 08 C+, 07 B and 06 B+. While the Sox got grades of 09 C, 08 B, 07 C+ and 06 B+.

[Meh]

Manuel ejaculated while writing Marshall's scouting report. I really like him, but I wouldn't say he's in Betances or Banuelos company. I think you'll see him in the top 5 next year though. DePaula in the top 10. I'd love to see Marshall dominate High A out of the gate and hold him there until June then send him to Double-A and finish the year there.

 

DJ Mitchell is listed as a RP too...

 

 

From the 2010 draft here's how our draftees ranked.

15th Williams

21 Culver

25 Gumbs

28 Kahnle

29 Whitley

 

They were really high on our class too, so it's impressive to see the depth in the system.

[jacksonianmarch]

Marshall came out showing the stuff that got him drafted, but showed control of his arsenal. When he came back, it wasnt even a challenge for him at the same level that smashed him up pretty good in 2009. He went back to the slider, which was key and also showed a really good changeup. The amazing thing is, he was 12 months post TJ and his velo was all the way back and then some. When he came back, he was stronger, wiser and under more control. His fastball had more movement, better location and he changed speed with it. He had all the looks of an ace out there, in the mold of a Tim Hudson (size being the big comparison). 74 baserunners in 72IP with a much improved walk and groundball rate and 5 less homers translates into big improvement for this kid. Big things are ahead of him.

 

From a pitching standpoint, this farm is dominant.

MLB- Nova

AAA- Phelps, Noesi, Mitchell, Brackman, and Warren

AA- Betances, Banuelos, Bleich, Stoneburner, Hall

A+- Heredia, Black, Marshall, Ramirez, Romanski

A- Turley, O'Brien, Mitchell, Greene, Varce

SS- Encinas, Cabrera, Agramonte, DePaula, Gerritse, DeLuca, Rutchkyj, J. Pena, and Rincon

 

Then the relievers like..

Kahnle, Mullee, Whitley, Burawa, Nuding, Barreda, Checo, Venditte, R. Sanchez, Duff, Whelan, Olbrychowski, Braboy, Flannery and others.

 

This system is stacked. I expect more young pitching talent to be injected into the system over the next 6 months or so with the INTL FA period and the draft around the corner.

[diony]

Marshall came out showing the stuff that got him drafted, but showed control of his arsenal. When he came back, it wasnt even a challenge for him at the same level that smashed him up pretty good in 2009. He went back to the slider, which was key and also showed a really good changeup. The amazing thing is, he was 12 months post TJ and his velo was all the way back and then some. When he came back, he was stronger, wiser and under more control. His fastball had more movement, better location and he changed speed with it. He had all the looks of an ace out there, in the mold of a Tim Hudson (size being the big comparison). 74 baserunners in 72IP with a much improved walk and groundball rate and 5 less homers translates into big improvement for this kid. Big things are ahead of him.

 

From a pitching standpoint, this farm is dominant.

MLB- Nova

AAA- Phelps, Noesi, Mitchell, Brackman, and Warren

AA- Betances, Banuelos, Bleich, Stoneburner, Hall

A+- Heredia, Black, Marshall, Ramirez, Romanski

A- Turley, O'Brien, Mitchell, Greene, Varce

SS- Encinas, Cabrera, Agramonte, DePaula, Gerritse, DeLuca, Rutchkyj, J. Pena, and Rincon

 

Then the relievers like..

Kahnle, Mullee, Whitley, Burawa, Nuding, Barreda, Checo, Venditte, R. Sanchez, Duff, Whelan, Olbrychowski, Braboy, Flannery and others.

 

This system is stacked. I expect more young pitching talent to be injected into the system over the next 6 months or so with the INTL FA period and the draft around the corner.

With a lot pitching prospects. I see the team giving this kids shots to earn spots the rotation for the next year or two. There are no significant FA pitchers until the 2012-13 offseason.

 

Of all of them, the one with the most chance to reach his ceiling is Manny Banuelos. I could see one of Phelps, Warren and Noesi establishing themselves as a back-end of the rotation guys.

 

Betances is intriguing, but most scouts think he ends in the pen, same with Brackman. Stoneburner falls on that category too.

[Meh]

With a lot pitching prospects. I see the team giving this kids shots to earn spots the rotation for the next year or two. There are no significant FA pitchers until the 2012-13 offseason.

 

Of all of them, the one with the most chance to reach his ceiling is Manny Banuelos. I could see one of Phelps, Warren and Noesi establishing themselves as a back-end of the rotation guys.

 

Betances is intriguing, but most scouts think he ends in the pen, same with Brackman. Stoneburner falls on that category too.

 

Really? I keep hearing Betances will be a front line starter and Banuelos will be in the bullpen. Not that I agree, but thats just from what I've heard thrown about. Betances has dominant stuff and he's got the size. It's not like he's a two pitch pitcher either. Warren, IMO is something in between a front line and a backend of the roto pitcher aka a No. 3 starter. I don't see that term get thrown around these days but with that increased velo yeah... I'm liking him more and more.

[diony]

Really? I keep hearing Betances will be a front line starter and Banuelos will be in the bullpen. Not that I agree' date=' but thats just from what I've heard thrown about. Betances has dominant stuff and he's got the size. It's not like he's a two pitch pitcher either. Warren, IMO is something in between a front line and a backend of the roto pitcher aka a No. 3 starter. I don't see that term get thrown around these days but with that increased velo yeah... I'm liking him more and more.[/quote']

 

Where?

[jacksonianmarch]

Really? I keep hearing Betances will be a front line starter and Banuelos will be in the bullpen. Not that I agree' date=' but thats just from what I've heard thrown about. Betances has dominant stuff and he's got the size. It's not like he's a two pitch pitcher either. Warren, IMO is something in between a front line and a backend of the roto pitcher aka a No. 3 starter. I don't see that term get thrown around these days but with that increased velo yeah... I'm liking him more and more.[/quote']

 

Whomever you are hearing from has it all wrong. Banuelos has starter stamped across his forehead. If he can stay healthy, he is the goods. I could see Betances out of the pen in the future, but with the steps his off speed stuff made this yr, I think he is a safe bet to be in a rotation as well. You guys are right that there arent any big FA names hitting the market, which is why I think we'll make a pretty significant trade within this calendar yr. But assuming you have 3 spots locked up long term with CC, AJ, and Hughes and probably one more yr of Pettitte, that leaves two spots open in 2012 for now. Best case scenario is that one of Warren, Phelps, Nova, Mitchell, Noesi, or Brackman sticks this yr in the 5 spot with Pettitte snagging the #4 spot. Then, we usher in either Betances or Banuelos in 2012 into the rotation. That would be the dream scenario where for 2013, we'd be in AJ's final yr and could potentially see him off as well with another minor league pitcher replacing him. We certainly have the rotational depth, we just might not have the patience to tolerate a 5 spot that throws up a 5ERA until the pitcher figures it out

[Meh]

Yankees came in with the 4th best farm system.

 

It's been awhile since the Yankees could legitimately claim to have one of baseball's best farm systems. This year they are undoubtedly part of that group. Jesus Montero is the best catching prospect in the game, and their collection of young arms -- headlined by Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances and Andrew Brackman -- stacks up with any in baseball. There is more coming from the lower levels.

 

 

http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/10/2011-farm-system-rankings/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[jacksonianmarch]

4th, 5th, and 6th from reputable sources with Keith Law at #9. Law is a joke, but he tries to make up for it by putting Banuelos higher than anyone. Regardless, the system is loaded.

[Meh]

http://baseballnumbers-diamondfutures.blogspot.com/2010/09/2010-performance-evaluations-dominican.html

[jacksonianmarch]

The Yanks DSL teams are ridiculous. Polo, Alcantara, Santana, Calderon and then the pitching. This is the deepest Yankee system in decades and it is deep at every level

[jacksonianmarch]

My preseason breakout picks:

 

Pitching: Jose Ramirez- he apparently took hold of a breaking ball in instructs and it was looking plus when they broke for the winter. If he keeps that going, he is going to dominate Tampa and probably end up in Trenton and the top 100 by years end.

 

Offense: David Adams- Offensively, his numbers have been impressive through his career. He was in the midst of breaking out at a prime defensive position when he broke his foot. I am betting that this kid stays healthy in 2011 and hits to a .850+OPS between AA and AAA and jumps into the top 100 conversation

[Meh]

Pitching Breakouts

Brett Marshall

Bryan Mitchell

Rafael DePaula

Jose Ramirez

Jeremy Bleich

 

Hitting

Slade Heathcott

Kyle Higashioka(I'm holding out hope!)

Fu Lin-Kuo

Rob Segedin

JR Murphy

[jacksonianmarch]

Fu Lin Kuo is a good one to keep an eye on. The guy had some trouble adjusting after coming over from Taiwan, but did hit 4 homers in 136ABs as a 19 yr old. He's got good gap to gap power and also has quite an eye. I think he ends up in Staten Island this yr and puts up a solid line and places himself squarely within the team's top 50 prospects.

[diony]

My preseason breakout picks:

 

Pitching: Jose Ramirez- he apparently took hold of a breaking ball in instructs and it was looking plus when they broke for the winter. If he keeps that going, he is going to dominate Tampa and probably end up in Trenton and the top 100 by years end.

 

Offense: David Adams- Offensively, his numbers have been impressive through his career. He was in the midst of breaking out at a prime defensive position when he broke his foot. I am betting that this kid stays healthy in 2011 and hits to a .850+OPS between AA and AAA and jumps into the top 100 conversation

 

No prospect has more chance to breakout this year than Brett Marshall.

[Meh]

No prospect has more chance to breakout this year than Brett Marshall.

 

Brett kind of broke out last year, probably like 50% of it. I feel he's going to take a HUGE step though and become somewhere in between a Banuelos and a Betances type prospect.

[jacksonianmarch]

Marshall was electrifying when he came back, and they let him throw his slider. He's going to a pitcher's league in 2011 and he's completely healthy. My guess is that he'll have a 1-2 month adjustment period then he will dominate to a point that he ends the yr in AA

[Meh]

My carmen angelini award goes to Kelvin DeLeon in 2011 haha.

[jacksonianmarch]

De Leon has better tools than Angelini. Angelini was all about position and projection, but he couldnt field the position and never progressed. Then he got hurt. De Leon has a cannon arm and light tower power. He gets my Jo Boo award, though. The guy cannot hit anything with a wrinkle in it. Some guys get driven out of the league because of the breaking ball (see Tim Battle) and others eventually overcome it (Melky Mesa). I hope De Leon develops more on the Mesa side of things. And he will get every opportunity. A kid with that kind of power at 20 yrs old is rare.

[Meh]

I'm not saying they are the same. I'm saying I think DeLeon will be forgotten after this year

[jacksonianmarch]

Maybe, but it is still pretty early to write off a kid with his tools

[Meh]

Yankees ring in with Four Five Star prospects http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=12988

[jacksonianmarch]

Not sure why Brackman isnt at least 4 stars. 6'9" and capable of throwing high 90s is pretty nice IMO

[Meh]

Not sure why Brackman isnt at least 4 stars. 6'9" and capable of throwing high 90s is pretty nice IMO

 

Goldstein has never been a Brackman fan. I'm kind of sad for Romine, a second half were he just got tired and so many people are basically writing him off.

[jacksonianmarch]

I'm not sad for him. His home vs road splits were ridiculous and I expect him to do pretty well in AAA. And in terms of Brackman, not sure what there isn't to like. He has size, power and a deep arsenal. And in 2010, he showed control

[jacksonianmarch]

Going through the BP list...

 

5 stars

The 5 star guys are no brainers. Montero is the best hitter in the minors. I think BP undersells his D a little since he made major improvements last yr, but he still looks to be average at best. It wont be his strong suit

 

Banuelos is definitely a 5 star, and he is pretty close to a finished product. His FB is in the mid 90s, he has a plus change and plus curve. His control needs some tightening up with the FB since he is just getting used to his newfound velocity. But he is definitely a 5 star.

 

Gary Sanchez has Montero's offensive ability mixed with the projection to be above average or better behind the dish. He was in the GCL last yr mostly due to catching depth and to allow him to get acclimated to America. He'll be in Charleston, IMO, and will rocket through the system if the Yankees allow. His bat is so good that if they moved him to 1b, he'd probably be a big league callup in September of 2012. But he will probably be held back to allow his receiving skills and game calling abilities to develop

 

Dellin Betances as a 5 star is appropriate, but is it possible for a 5 star to not even be close to his potential? Last yr, he looked amazing coming back, but his velocity and stuff overpowered some unexpecting hitters. If his control continues to improve, he's an ace in waiting. His biggest questionmark is health. But almost all of his health issues focused around his elbow, which the Yanks dicked around long enough and finally fixed. Hopefully he can stay healthy, cause he has a great future ahead of him

 

Snubs

Corban Joseph has to be on there. His power is coming especially as he gains weight, his swing looks great and his defense reportedly improved in 2010 to where he has the potential to be an average to above average 2b or 3b. Plus, the kid has a good eye for a 21 yr old.

 

David Adams needs to be on there as well. The two guys who give the Yanks a hell of a lot of depth at 2b are left off. I know Adams has had his injury problems, but he has good size, a great bat and solid D at a tough position.

 

I would also rather have Bryan Mitchell on there than Colin Curtis. Mitchell being 19 and showing 92-94 velocity with a now curve.

 

3 star prospects

In terms of the "star" system, I think the only major gripe I have is with Brackman. If he isnt a 4 or 5 star, then I dont know who is. The kid essentially lost 2 seasons to Tommy John and came back solid last yr. Yes, he's old for the league, but his injury issues and two sport college career stunted his early growth. The fact is, he is 6'9", can sit in the high 90s, throws a plus spike curve and developed a reliable change, all while improving his location.

 

I agree with Romine as a 3 star prospect since I think he projects as an average to above average catcher without a lot of room either way. I think he'll end up as a .750-.840OPS catcher in the bigs with double digit homers, an average eye, a BA around .280 and solid but unspectacular catching skills

 

Nunez is a 3 star, IMO, because he still has a lot of projection left to reach. As it stands right now, he could be a major league caliber starting shortstop. He improved his batting eye last yr, although his power growth essentially stopped. He reminds me a lot of Austin Jackson offensively. Capable of hitting close to .300, not a ton of patience, good speed, good D from a big time defensive position, and more power projection still on the table. If he stays as is, 3 star is appropriate. But he has a chance to regress or progress and we'll see which way he goes. I'd give him another yr in AAA if we could since Pena is a stellar defensive backup and we need to see which way this kid goes.

 

Nova as a 3 star is fine by me. He has 5 star stuff, but he pitches to contact with the sinker and isnt really a strike out artist. I have said it many times on here, I expect a good season out of him this yr. Nothing spectacular, but an ERA under 4.50 with a lot of innings logged is where I am putting my money. Which is probably not far off from where I expect him to end up. He's essentially a finished product who just needs to get used to the bigs.

 

Noesi as a 3 star is similar to Nova. Noesi throws a little slower (low 90s) but makes up for it with elite control (1.5BB/9IP in MiLB career) of a deep arsenal. He's safely a middle of the rotation starter without much upside beyond that but also without much downside aside from possible injury.

 

Brett Marshall as a 3 star this yr isnt underselling him too much, but he has ace potential. And TJS was probably the best thing for him, because all the dry throwing, core strengthening, and mechanical tweaking had him come back as a different animal. He's capable of locating his FB that can get up to 97 while also throwing a wicked slider and a big league caliber change. He even added a 2 seamer. He has all the looks of a #1 or #2 in the rotation or a closer in the pen. But being in Charleston for most of the yr is enough to sit back a little and hold him in the 3 star category. But if that was the case, why have Sanchez as a 5 star?

 

Adam Warren is a major sleeper. He was taken in the 4th round in the 2009 draft as a guy with a lot of polish, but apparently not a lot of upside. Well, his FB now sits 93 and can touch 96. He has impeccable control of a deep arsenal including a 4 seamer, 2 seamer, slider, curve and change. Of those, his FB is plus and his slider flashes plus, but the others are at least big league average. He's done everything the Yanks could have asked for and even picked up his K rate to 9.8K/9IP when he moved to Trenton. But he continually gets undersold. This might be the yr he jumps onto the prospect map, though.

 

Nine more

Graham Stoneburner reminds me a lot of Scot Shields. Wicked sinker, devastating slider and small frame. I agree with BP on the need to develop the change. He's worked on it, but it still seems like a minus right now. Then again, he's entering his second pro season, so he still has some time.

 

Laird is a bit of a free swinger, but has a ton of pop and showed improved patience in AA. He enters 2011 as a 23 yr old in AAA and is also dealing with a move to the OF.

 

They are pretty close to on about Heathcott. Tons of tools for a HS kid in his first taste of the pros. The swing needs some work, but it isnt a major warning sign and the power should come

 

Culver is spot on for them

 

Phelps gets undersold as well. He throws low to mid 90s, has a 4 pitch arsenal with a plus slider and he locates. Not sure on what planet that is "average". He's a dark horse candidate for the #5 spot in the rotation

 

Mesa's pure hit tool is centered completely around the curve. He used to not be able to touch it. This past season, he hit it well enough to get by. If he can improve just that part of his game, he has a big league starter's potential in the OF with his power and speed combo

 

DJ Mitchell is pretty close to on as well, although I am not sure why everyone automatically assumes he is a reliever. He's a sinkerballer with a wicked sinker, good breaking ball and passable change. He has the stuff to be a back end starter. Out of the pen, he could fill the long lost shoes of Ramiro Mendoza.

 

Colin Curtis shouldnt be on this list. His now is 4th OFer, his ceiling is 4th OFer, there are a ton better prospects than him.

 

Angelo Gumbs has a ton of tools and is raw, I agree, but he also didnt need to make this list. He has something like 4 at bats to his name.

 

Overall, I like their writeup. They seem to be the closest to reality, but I think the snubs of Joseph and Adams are the biggest glaring omissions