Yankee Minor League notes

[jacksonianmarch]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/chat/2010/2610578.html

 

Callis has the Yankees in the top 10 in farm systems and has the sox in the 11-15 range. No surprise, but he's pretty late to the party

[Yaz Sideburn]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/chat/2010/2610578.html

 

Callis has the Yankees in the top 10 in farm systems and has the sox in the 11-15 range. No surprise, but he's pretty late to the party

 

that's not surprising considering how many red sox prospects have recently advanced to the majors - which is after all the point of a farm system. not to mention, our best prospect just had brain surgery this year

[jacksonianmarch]

Actually it is pretty surprising. The Yankees had a very strong farm system, then graduated Gardner, Hughes, Aceves, Robertson, Joba since 2008. In 2 yrs, their farm system replaced those guys and then some. I am very surprised to see the direction of the Yankees farm, actually. They havent outspent anybody, although they have gone over slot just about as much as the red sox have, but the lack of picks has hurt (not offering arb and signing a bunch of Type A's).

 

For the Red Sox, their last big purge came in 2006-2007 when Pedroia, Lester, Delcarmen, Hanley Ramirez, Buchholz, and Papelbon came up/were dealt and either stayed in the bigs or kinda kicked around a little while to get it right (Buchholz).

 

Their 2008 purge involved some lesser guys, namely Masterson and a few others not worth naming.

 

In 2009, the only real prospect you lost to he bigs was Bard, although you did cash in Masterson, Price and Hagadone for VMart

 

In 2010, a bunch of prospects have come up, but they are pretty sure to repeat the AAA level next yr unless something unforseen happens, like Kalish, Reddick, Nava, Doubront, Bowden, etc. I would still call all of them prospects and those 5 headlining your prospect class with Kelly, Rizzo, and Anderson in the wings is a pretty formidable bunch. BA saying that the Yankee system in total beats that out tells me less about the sox and more about the Yankee system. Although, I have been aware of the Yankee system for awhile now and definitely aware of how good the players were and how big a jump they took this yr

[jacksonianmarch]

Time for an update...

 

MLB

 

Ivan Nova, 23yrs old, RHP, AAA- 12-3, 2.86ERA 145IP 1.26WHIP 7.1K/9IP- Nova has been a major breath of fresh air this season for the Yankee minor league system. His velocity has picked up into the mid to upper 90s. His starting debut saw him hit some 98mph and in a few innings, he was sitting 96-97mph. He threw hard, but this is new territory for him. What makes that even more interesting is that his fastball is a 2 seamer that gets ton of grounders. His curve still needs a ton of work, but his change is a finished product that has the exact same 2 seam action as the sinker making him really tough to hit. His pitch economy has always been very good, something he even showed in his debut, throwing 73 pitches through 5.1IP. Regardless, this kid is probably going to end up in the Yankee rotation for the rest of 2010 and I wouldnt be surprised if he earns a spot for 2011 either.

 

Eduardo Nunez, SS, 23yrs old, AAA- .289/.340/.381- Nunez started out white hot, but fell off the map after the ASB, OPSing only .608. He's in the bigs right now to give the Yankees some options at 3b, but he really needs another yr at the AAA level to get himself right. He's made some strides in his approach, but he still is classified as a hacker and for some reason, his developing power stalled this yr. He's shown he can hit advanced pitching in AAA, but his persistent lack of patience and the stall in the power department pushes his ETA back, IMO. He's in the bigs now solely as ARod coverage, but he'll be back in AAA in 2011 to hopefully refine his offensive game

 

AAA

Jesus Montero, 20yr old, C, AAA-.284/.355/.491- Montero is the real deal. He'll be our #1 prospect again next yr and will probably see a significant chunk of time in the majors in 2011. He started off the yr very poorly, but what he's done since a few adjustments were made is impressive. His Post ASB OPS is 1.090 and he's hit 9 of his 16 homers in that period of time. His bat is truly special

 

Brandon Laird, 22yr old, 3B, AA/AAA .283/.341/.498- Laird started off the yr in AA, but crushed 23 homers in 107 games and earned a promotion to AAA. Thus far, AAA has been an adjustment, as he's only OPS'd .626 in that time. He's young, and he has a TON of power as evidenced by his 25 homers total between the 2 levels. He'll start out next yr in AAA again and might need the entire season to improve his plate approach. He profiles as a starting 1b/3b, but in NY, he will probably either be dealt or move to the OF

 

Juan Miranda, 27yrs old, 1B, AAA- .298/.385/.516- Miranda is kinda the lost guy in our system. He is a Cuban player, so he signed when he was 23 and has moved through the system at a slower pace than I thought. He made it to the bigs this yr, where he wasnt great, but his debut certainly wasnt horrible (.741OPS, 3 homers in 61AB). But he's really a DH as his 1B skills are horrid and with Tex in position and with Montero ahead of him offensively, Miranda might be better suited in another organization. His hit skills are impressive and he could definitely find a home with a smaller market and be a very solid offensive 1b/DH for years to come. But he wont get that chance in NY

 

Colin Curtis, 25yrs old, OF, AAA-.278/.348/.420- Curtis has always baffled me. Scouts love his swing, but he has never translated that to production. The fact that his current .768OPS is second highest in his minor league career should show how disappointing he has been. Regardless, he has above average speed, he's always had a good eye and plate approach, and he can play all 3 OF positions. My guess is that he ends up as our #4 OFer next yr or as a 4th OFer with someone. Maybe, just maybe, in limited time he starts to tap the potential a lot of scouts think he has, but I doubt it

 

Romulo Sanchez, 26yrs old, RHP, AAA- 10-8 3.97ERA 104.1IP 1.41WHIP 8.3K/9IP- Numbers are a little deceiving for Romulo. He was a bust as a starter, then was converted to relief, where he has dominated. He owns a triple digit fastball and a developing splitter, that's about it. He screams relief. His numbers as a reliever are dumbfounding. 7-1 1.69ERA 1.09WHIP 10.4K/9IP. He's on the 40 man, and my guess is that he carves out a spot in the pen in 2011. His fastball/splitty are that good.

 

Jonathan Albaladejo, 27yrs old, RHP, AAA-3-2 1.31ERA 62IP 0.89WHIP 11.6K/9IP- Not sure who Albaladejo needs to blow to get to the bigs. He's made a massive step forward with his stuff and is about to set the AAA record for saves. With the state that our pen was in prior to Robertson stepping forward and Joba and Wood righting their ships, Alby could have been useful. As it stands right now, he is probably going to be dealt this offseason as he is out of options and the Yankee brass obviously has soured on him

 

David Phelps, 23yr old, RHP, AA/AAA- 9-2 2.59ERA 145.2IP 1.09WHIP 8.2K/9IP- Phelps has arguably been the Yankees most improved pitching prospect. His bump in velocity has seen him just flat out dominate the high levels and his improvements in his curve and change have seen him just become a very polished pitcher. His command is solid, he can get a bunch of K's and he can go deep in games. He started off a little poor after his promotion, but he has really turned it on over his last 5 starts. He'll repeat AAA next yr, but if there is a competition for that last rotation slot, you can bet Phelps will be in the conversation. He's a good one

 

D.J. Mitchell, 23yrs old, RHP, AA/AAA- 11-4 4.15ERA 138.2IP 1.42WHIP 6.5K/9IP- Mitchell's numbers arent gaudy by any means. He was promoted to AA prior to the season and he started off horribly. But he finally started getting it for his last 10 or so starts in AA where he saw his WHIP drop significantly and his K/9IP improve significantly. That was enough to warrant a callup to AAA. His first start in AAA was abysmal and I expect a significant learning curve. Mitchell's calling card is his hard sinker. He gets a ton of grounders with it and he has a very solid curveball. What holds back his projection is a third pitch. His change is okay, but not good enough to be used on major league hitters. That is why I think Mitchell's ultimate destination is in the pen. But for now, he'll toil away in AAA as a starter and see if the change comes about. If not, he profiles pretty well as a middle relief/setup guy.

 

AA and below will come later....

[Yaz Sideburn]

In 2010' date=' a bunch of prospects have come up, but they are pretty sure to repeat the AAA level next yr unless something unforseen happens, like Kalish, Reddick, Nava, Doubront, Bowden, etc. I would still call all of them prospects and those 5 headlining your prospect class with Kelly, Rizzo, and Anderson in the wings is a pretty formidable bunch. BA saying that the Yankee system in total beats that out tells me less about the sox and more about the Yankee system. Although, I have been aware of the Yankee system for awhile now and definitely aware of how good the players were and how big a jump they took this yr[/quote']

 

if given the choice of having the better farm system or having the better collection of young major league players, i'd take the better collection of young major leaguers every time. and that's what the red sox have with jon lester, clay buchholz, dustin pedroia, jacoby ellsbury, daniel bard, jed lowrie, ryan kalish and felix doubront

[Meh]

if given the choice of having the better farm system or having the better collection of young major league players' date=' i'd take the better collection of young major leaguers every time. and that's what the red sox have with jon lester, clay buchholz, dustin pedroia, jacoby ellsbury, daniel bard, jed lowrie, ryan kalish and felix doubront[/quote']

 

It's not like the Yankees have nothing haha. Cano, Hughes, K-Rob, Gardner, Joba and Nova isn't that bad. Lowrie isn't anything special IMO and Nova and Doubront are close enough to each other. Yankees are on the cusp of calling up on the best prospects in baseball im Montero as well.

 

 

Alex C (Miami FL)

 

 

KLaw, I know the Red Sox just added some serious talent with this years draft but as of right now who has the better Farm System Yankees or Red Sox. Thanks in advance.

Klaw

(1:21 PM)

 

 

Yanks have more near-in talent. Red Sox have more depth and had a stronger 2010 draft.

 

I got to strongly disagree with the depth thing, but for Law thats pretty big praise to us.

[Meh]

that's not surprising considering how many red sox prospects have recently advanced to the majors - which is after all the point of a farm system. not to mention' date=' our best prospect just had brain surgery this year[/quote']

 

Well none of them really jumped... Kalish, doubront and Reddick are still considered prospects. Bowden I'm not sure if he's gotten to the time on the roster limit to where he's now a major leaguer, but he shouldn't effect you that much.

[Yaz Sideburn]

It's not like the Yankees have nothing haha. Cano' date=' Hughes, K-Rob, Gardner, Joba and Nova isn't that bad. Lowrie isn't anything special IMO and Nova and Doubront are close enough to each other. Yankees are on the cusp of calling up on the best prospects in baseball im Montero as well.[/quote']

 

no, the yankees don't have nothing. but the red sox young guys are decidedly better

[jacksonianmarch]

The sox have a good collection of young talent. The Yanks have been playing catchup after gutting the system and chincing on the draft over a 5 yr period. The gap is definitely starting to close.

[Yaz Sideburn]

The sox have a good collection of young talent. The Yanks have been playing catchup after gutting the system and chincing on the draft over a 5 yr period. The gap is definitely starting to close.

 

the gap definitely widened a bit more this draft. the red sox had a much better draft in 2010

[Meh]

the gap definitely widened a bit more this draft. the red sox had a much better draft in 2010

 

Oh your 2010 draftees are in the majors?! Haha, if you're talking over all the yankees have an edge. If you take a look at the major league roster the yankees have an answer to the red sox except lester. The yankees farm is probably 8 to 10 slots better than the red sox. Yankees being somewhere around 8 to 9th best red sox around 17th to 18th.

[jacksonianmarch]

the gap definitely widened a bit more this draft. the red sox had a much better draft in 2010

 

I would be very hesitant to label someone as a draft winner right after the draft. I do agree, the sox draft looks really good for 2010, but I'd give it a yr or two to see where the players fit

[jacksonianmarch]

AA

 

David Adams, 2B, 23yr old, AA- .309/.393/.597- Adams was a third round selection out of the 2008 draft and has been a hit machine ever since he came on board. He was promoted to AA this yr and dominated for nearly 2 months before breaking his ankle. He profiles as a starting 2b in the bigs and should develop enough power to be in the #2 hole in an order. In this system, though, the 2b position is already locked down with an MVP candidate, so Adams will be a trade chip once he proves his health

 

Austin Romine, C, 21yrs old, AA- .261/.320/.390- Romine has shown everyone that he has all the tools. But the one thing he hasnt needed to prove until this yr was that he could handle the rigors of catching on a daily basis. Prior to this season, he'd been paired with Montero at both Charleston and Tampa. But after Montero was promoted last yr, they havent shared a level. This is pretty evident in the numbers. Through May, Romine had a .900+OPS and looked like one of the best prospects in baseball. Since June 1, his OPS is under .650 and his OPS in August is a measly .509. His projection still stands as a starting catcher, but he is going to need to prove he can sustain his success before he gets a job in the Bronx. If Montero lands the DH spot in the bigs in 2011, Romine will probably be in Scranton. If he doesnt, then Romine is probably due to repeat AA

 

Corban Joseph, 2B, 21yrs old, A+/AA-.289/.368/.421- Joseph's numbers were really solid in the FSL this yr earning him a promotion to AA after being drafted out of HS in 2008. Since his promotion, he's had some trouble adjusting. He is a true flat out hitter in this system. He has a great approach, he has developing power and can just hit for a high average. His problem remains defense, something that might push him to the OF. If he needs to move out there, then the power needs to develop or he'll lose some value

 

Hector Noesi, 23yrs old, RHP, A+/AA/AAA- 14-6 3.11ERA 147.2IP 1.06WHIP 8.5K/9IP 5.6K/BB- Noesi has been otherworldly this yr. He had always been a power pitcher with a changeup, but once he mastered the curve last yr, he took off. His control has been impeccable and his effectiveness has skyrocketed. He's now in AAA and threw his first game there last night. Regardless, he will be on the short list for callup in 2011 as he is on the 40 man and pitching very well

 

Andrew Brackman, RHP, 24yrs old, A+/AA- 8-11 4.10ERA 129.2IP 1.35WHIP 8.3K/9IP- what a difference a year makes. After an abysmal 2009, Brackman showed some polish this yr. With his mechanics refined, he minimized his walk totals and focused on control rather than velocity. Initially sitting in the 90-91 range, he has now seen his velocity return into the 93-96mph range. The breaking ball is back and his change has improved as well. His command on promotion to AA hasnt been as good, but he has avoided bats a bit better at the higher level. Regardless, his ceiling is sky high and he is just starting to show glimpses of his potential. There is a major log jam in the pitching department, so he might have to stay in AA, although the fact that he is on the 40 man likely means he'll move up before anyone else.

 

Manuel Banuelos, LHP, 19yrs old, A+/AA- 0-4 2.95ERA 55IP 1.20WHIP 12.1K/9IP- Manny Banuelos is probably still the best pitching prospect the Yankee system has. After missing 2 months due to an appendectomy, ManBan has dominated. He's a small framed lefty whose effortless delivery has seen him sit in the 93mph range and reach as high as 97mph. He has an advanced change and a plus curveball as well as solid control. He really has it all. After only a few starts, he was advanced to AA where his first start didnt go so well. Regardless, he will definitely be in AA next season and be a big league option come 2012

 

Dellin Betances, RHP, 22yrs old, A+/AA- 8-1 1.78ERA 75.2IP 0.87WHIP 11.4K/9IP- Dellin was a project when we drafted him in 2006 along with Joba and Kennedy. He toiled through the minors with elbow issues and it took 3 yrs for the Yankees to take it seriously and to operate. He had some UCL damage, but they didnt need to do a full TJS, they left his ligament intact but essentially performed the same procedure as TJS, doubling the strength of the ligament in that area. Ever since, he's bee dynamite. He's been clocked into the high 90s consistently, and his rehab work has smoothed out his mechanics and made him stronger. His breaking ball looks lights out again and his change looks better than ever. He now looks the part of a top of the rotation pitcher. He will likely be a top 5 prospect in the Yankee system and the way he looks now, he should be one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. He looks that good

 

Adam Warren, RHP, 23yrs old, A+/AA- 11-7 2.51ERA 1.10WHIP 8.4K/9IP- Warren has been an incredible surprise since selecting him last yr in the 4th round. Initially a pitchability guy, his velocity spiked and has been completely untouchable since. He dominated Tampa, leading to a callup, and since coming to AA, he has been a strikeout machine. He will likely stay in AA next yr since the pitching is stacked in the system, but he also looked like he has the goods to be a very good pitcher for a very long time

 

George Kontos, RHP, 25yrs old, A+/AA- 0-3 3.10ERA 40.2IP 1.23WHIP 7.5K/9IP- Kontos was another draftee from 2006 and was one of our most advanced pitching prospects coming into the 2009 season. Unfortunately, he tore his UCL and needed TJS. Coming back this yr, the Yankees have worked him in as a reliever. His velocity still isnt all the way back (he's around 90mph) but he still shows that plus slider. As it stood, he looked the part of a big league reliever, even when he was starting. Now as an older player coming off TJS with a ton of other higher profile pitchers around him, he looks like he's a pen guy to stay

 

Jeremy Bleich, LHP, 23yrs old, 3-2 4.78ERA 41.1IP 1.53WHIP- The Yankee brass knew something was up when Bleich couldnt throw strikes and really showed nothing. After a meeting with their team doctor, weakness was noted in the shoulder and a scope revealed a labrum tear. He's had surgery, but shoulder surgery can be the deathknell of some pitchers. As a lefty, he should carve a big league life out for himself. Unfortunately for him, he's in a system that is pretty loaded and he'll probably be forced to come back as a reliever. If he can regain his command and his secondary pitches, then he profiles well as a back end of the rotation starter.

[Yaz Sideburn]

I would be very hesitant to label someone as a draft winner right after the draft. I do agree' date=' the sox draft looks really good for 2010, but I'd give it a yr or two to see where the players fit[/quote']

 

this entire prospect and farm system ratings is based on predicting what these players will do in the future. including the draft in that is fair game

[jacksonianmarch]

No, minor league rankings etc are based on advanced scouting in the minors which is decidedly better than the college and HS ranks and production

[jacksonianmarch]

ManBan goes 5 scoreless innings tonight, striking out 5 in his second start at AA

[boston22407]

According to George A. King III of the New York Post, Major League Baseball is investigating Ivan Nova and minor league left-hander Wilkin De La Rosa for allegedly injecting each other with B-12 shots when they were teammates with Double-A Trenton last season.

B-12 is not on the banned substance list, however only licensed physicians are allowed to inject medication. Also, MLB wants to confirm that they were actually using B-12, and not something else. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was not aware of the investigation while MLB spokesman Pat Courtney refused to comment. It's not known what sort of punishment either could face. Nova, 23, is scheduled to make his second major league start Sunday against the White Sox.

Source: New York Post

[jacksonianmarch]

My guess is, it wasn't B12, but so be it. They cannot suspend him 50 games for it and by the time the investigation completes, it'll be the offseason

[jacksonianmarch]

Jesus Montero hit HR #17 this afternoon, a 3 run bomb in the 1st

[jacksonianmarch]

Betances threw 5.2IP of 2 run ball today. He allowed only 4 baserunners and struck out 7. Thus far in 2 AA starts, he's thrown 10.1IP and struck out 15

[jacksonianmarch]

Montero hit his 18th later in the game. Line is up to .288/.359/.504 for an OPS of .863.

[jacksonianmarch]

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100831&content_id=14136590&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp

 

Melky Mesa named FSL POY

[jacksonianmarch]

Montero went bananas in a double header last night. 4-8 with a double, his 19th homer and 3RBI. He's up to .288/.355/.505.

 

His post ASB line is crazy good- .355/.405/.671. He is truly one of the best offensive prospects in baseball

 

Also, Brandon Laird will be joining Romine and a few others in the AFL this fall, BUT, Laird will be doing it as an OFer. Sounds like he is being groomed out there as an eventual replacement for Swisher or Granderson. He's got the power to do it, but his plate approach and patience needs work

[jacksonianmarch]

Brandon Laird was named MVP of the AA Eastern League. He is the second long season Yankee to win MVP honors in their league (Melky Mesa in the FSL (A+)

[Meh]

Brandon Laird was named MVP of the AA Eastern League. He is the second long season Yankee to win MVP honors in their league (Melky Mesa in the FSL (A+)

 

Let's see we've had Hughes/Joba vs Buchholz, didn't really go our way. Pedo vs Cano, went our way a bit, same with Ells vs Gardner. Now it seems the next big debate is Banuelos vs Kelly. Who would you take?

[jacksonianmarch]

That's a good question, Banuelos vs Kelly

 

Well, you have to look at a few things. First is age...

Casey Kelly turns 21 in a month. Manuel Banuelos turns 20 in March, so he's a good 1.5 yrs younger than Kelly- advantage Banuelos

 

Next, you have to look at the frame.

Kelly is 6'3" and 195 pounds. Banuelos is 5'10" 155lbs- advantage Kelly

 

Next, you have to look at the FB velocity

Kelly was throwing around 90-92 last season, reports have him in the 93 region this yr, topping out at 95. Banuelos was in the 90-92 range last season, now he is sitting 93 and has hit as high as 97. Slight advantage to Banuelos

 

Next, you have to look at secondary arsenal. Banuelos has a now plus changeup and a plus potential curve that has been loopy at times this yr. Kelly has a now curveball with a plus potential changeup that he hangs a bit too much at this time. Overall- push

 

Next you need to look at command. Banuelos has superior fastball command and has pretty similar walk rates in the minors. Kelly's fastball command has been a bit suspect this yr, although he locates his breaking pitches better. Slight advantage Banuelos now, but probably a push overall

 

The biggest thing separating these guys is their handedness. Banuelos is a lefty, Kelly is a righty. Banuelos throws harder now and strikes more batters out. Kelly has the frame to throw ever harder and still K's a good number, but not the rate that ManBan can. I'd say right now, Banuelos is the better pitcher as he profiles as a top of the rotation starter and really hasnt hit a hitch at any level. But Kelly has more room to grow. Overall, right now, I'd have to go with a push

[yankees228]

Montero raised his OPS to .875 tonight.

[jacksonianmarch]

3-5 2 doubles and his 20th homer. He is hitting .348/.412/.658 since July 1. His line this yr is up to .291/.356/.517. He might have to be starting out of the gate in 2011. He's been dynamite

[Yaz Sideburn]

According to George A. King III of the New York Post, Major League Baseball is investigating Ivan Nova and minor league left-hander Wilkin De La Rosa for allegedly injecting each other with B-12 shots when they were teammates with Double-A Trenton last season.

B-12 is not on the banned substance list, however only licensed physicians are allowed to inject medication. Also, MLB wants to confirm that they were actually using B-12, and not something else. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was not aware of the investigation while MLB spokesman Pat Courtney refused to comment. It's not known what sort of punishment either could face. Nova, 23, is scheduled to make his second major league start Sunday against the White Sox.

Source: New York Post

 

[ORS]

I fully expect to come in here at some point and hear, "Montero dropped a fabulous deuce last night. Lapped the bowl in one piece, with no wiping necessary."

 

Of course, we won't get an update when he's got the Natty Lite and chili-cheese fries runs.