Depth threads

[jacksonianmarch]

Every yr I do a positional ranking on the Yankees MILB players. This yr will be no different.

 

Catcher

1. Gary Sanchez, 20 yrs old: A- .256/.335/.485

Depending on the publication, Sanchez is considered to be a top 100 prospect in baseball and anywhere from #2 to 5 in the Yankee list. He's big bodied 20 yr old with light tower power, a solid hit skill and advanced defensive skills. His 2011 season was played in long season as a 19 yr old but took awhile to adjust. His second half was torrid and saw him finish with 17HR and a .229 IsoPower. Most 19 yr olds are either freshman in college or toiling in the short season leagues. He was impressive. He should start the season in Tampa, and with the glut of catching talent, may be forced to take it one step at a time for a couple yrs anyway. His potential is as an all-star

 

2. Greg Bird, 19 yrs old: N/A

Bird was drafted in the 5th round in 2011 and only saw a handful of at bats, but the Yankees like what they've seen. He's a big bodied 19 yr old who received the highest bonus in the class. He's got a powerful left handed swing, an advanced hit skill and showed improvement in his defense skill in instructs. His projection will be interesting. He has the look of a power hitter, but as of right now, his ultimate position is up for grabs. He'll stay at catcher as long as he is improving, but he could shift to a COF spot or 1b due to depth or stagnation of his catching skills. He should start 2012 in the GCL and it is too soon to tell what his projection will be

 

3. Austin Romine, 23 yrs old: AA- .279/.343/.368

Romine is a tough nut to crack offensively. He had one season of .300 AVG, 3 seasons of double digit HRs and was even the MVP of the FSL at a young age. But AA seems to have seen him stagnate. He posted a higher OPS in 2010 in AA, but posted a higher BA and OBP in 2011 at the same level. The question remains if his being kept in AA stopped his development. Well, he has a chance to prove himself once again after a promotion to AAA. Defensively, he is the goods. Strong, accurate arm, quick feet, calls a good came, great blocking skills. He safely projects as a big league backup, but if he can translate some of his MiLB success to the bigs, he could be a lot more than that. I am optimistic on Romine. He's not an all-star caliber catcher by any means, but I think he can hit 10+HRs, OBP around .350 or higher and hit in the .280 range. I actually think the guy at the top of the entire org depth chart is his projection. A Russell Martin type player.

 

4. J.R. Murphy, 20 yrs old: A/A+- .287/.325/.434

Murphy's numbers are a bit deceiving. His SAL numbers were solid with an OPS right on .800, then he was promoted to Tampa. He hit .136 in his first 6 games in Tampa, then hit .302 in his final 17 before going down for the season in late July. He is another guy with other options outside of catcher. He can play 3b and the corner OF spots well also. But for now, he's shown good athleticism and has shown significant improvement defensively. He's very young, but he looks to have 20HR potential as well as .300AVG potential. He hasnt shown a lick of patience, though, walking only 21 times in 86 games. He should start 2012 in Tampa, but his potential is cloudy due to the glut of C in the system and his potential shift around the diamond

 

5. Kyle Higashioka, 21 yrs old: A/A+- .231/.291/.367

Higashioka is an enigma. The kid is already a plus defensive catcher and could play right now defensively in the bigs. His issue is on offense. Isolated, he has a good eye, makes solid contact, and can hit the ball along way. But in games, he just hasnt put it together. He's still young, but his offensive woes make him look all the more like a future backup or insurance salesman. I am not optimistic about this kid being anything more than a John Flaherty type

 

6. Isiais Tejeda, 21 yrs old: GCL- .331/.402/.563

Tejeda is another interesting prospect. Defense needs a lot of work, but the bat is there. He can hit the ball to all fields, hit for average and be patient enough to get his pitch. He was old for his league and has already had a yr in the DSL, which may be why he dominated as he did. He will likely start 2012 in SI or maybe Charleston. He's more a boom or bust prospect. He doesnt play D well enough to be a backup and his hit skill should be his meal ticket. I am unsure if it will carry all the way to the bigs.

[Meh]

Tejeda over Higgy would be my only change. Very excited about Bird though.

[jacksonianmarch]

First base

 

So this is one position that is strange for the Yankees. Guys like Greg Bird and Dante Bichette could easily be in this equation one day, but with their futures likely at another position, they aren't in this one. So, I will be profiling players who are either full time 1b's now or look to be in the future

 

1. Tyler Austin, 20 yrs old:- GCL/SI- .354/.418/.579- Austin is a prototypical masher. He's got a great frame at 6'2" 200lbs already as a 20 yr old and he can just mash. He doesnt have the most patience, but he isnt a flailing hacker either, registering 15 walks in 47 games. He did register 26 EBH in those 47 games, including 6 homers. His speed is average, even though he stole 18 bases and never got caught in his debut season. Reports, though, talk about the fact that he is not a good third baseman and from the sounds of it, he's gonna end up at first. He's not going to hit 40 homers in the bigs, but he could easily be profiled as having a ceiling a la a Billy Butler type who can hit 20 homers and hit over .300 all season long. He should be in Charleston next yr after abusing both short season levels in his debut season

 

2. Kyle Roller, 23 yrs old: A/A+- .284/.371/.482- Roller is an absolute butcher with the glove. He is certainly no Teixeira over there, but he can certainly mash. He's unathletic and overweight at 6'1" 235lbs, but he sure can hit. In his first full professional season, he jumped a level to the FSL where he held his own. He has power (16HRs and .198 IsoPower in debut season), patience (.087 IsoPatience), and average skills (.305 in Charleston alone). His red flags are his age for the level and his K's. For an advanced hitter, it is alarming that he struck out on average, once per game. I am unsure if they are going to keep him in Tampa this yr, but he does look the part of a kid who can hang at the 1B slot. And the fact that he's on the Yankees makes him a definite guy to watch in the future when it comes to the DH spot. His bat should carry, but that glove is bad

 

3. Austin Jones, 19yrs old: No significant action- Austin Jones is a sweet swinging lefty hitter with power potential and the possibility of hitting for solid average. He signed too late to make a big impact, but he has all the tools to be a big time hitter in the system. Seeing as he didnt get much time in his debut season, he will likely start 2012 out at the GCL. I havent heard much on him since he signed, so no major updates in terms of his progress in instructs, etc

 

4. Reymund Nunez, 21yrs old: SI- .272/.326/.385- A huge framed 1b with light tower power, Nunez was a big disappointment in SI this season. Most notable was the lack of power and the very high K's (80 in 69 games). He has the power and the bat speed to be an elite level offensive player, but his inability to hit breaking pitches and to lay off borderline pitches leaves a lot to be desired. He's probably going to stay in SI this yr and see if he can get his mojo back. Hopefully he can, because right now, he is looking like a guy with all the tools in the world who isnt capable of putting them all together

 

That's about it for now on this position. Like I said before, guys like Laird, Bichette, and Bird could be here making this position a plus, but for now, Austin looks like he's gonna end up here and the other two are full time 1bs.

[jacksonianmarch]

Second Base

 

This was a position of strength when Cano was in the minors. Now, it's a position of ridiculous strength with guys who are close to ready all the way down to some high upside kids in their teens.

 

1. David Adams, 24 yrs old:- Rehab assignment all season- Adams is a guy who the Yankees just wish could stay healthy. The guy is a big bodied, slick fielding second baseman drafted out of UVA in 2008. He was supposed to be a 1st round pick, but dropped due to a poor final college season. So the Yanks snapped him up and loved his production. He had very good production up through 2009, even spending significant time and excelling in High A in his first full pro season. Starting 2010, he set the world on fire in AA with a .900OPS and a .393OBP. But after 39 games, his season ended due to an ankle injury. Initially diagnosed as a sprain, he eventually found out it was broken. It didnt heal right and he needed surgery costing him most of last season. He finally made it out on rehab assignments, but he just couldnt give it a go. He was actually the reason why the Yankees couldnt deal for Lee, he was the guy the M's wanted but didnt like his medicals. Regardless, he is completely healthy now and was just added to the 40 man roster. He's a solid offensive talent with double digit HR power, a great eye and solid contact skills. He should start 2012 in AA but rapidly be moved to AAA. If he shows he is healthy, he's a top 100 prospect for sure and with Cano entrenched at 2b, would probably be good trade bait should he re-sign with NY in the offseason. I love this kid and think that if he can stay healthy, he is at least a big league average 2b with the capability to be a Mark Loretta type with power.

 

2. Angelo Gumbs, 19 yrs old:- SI- .264/.332/.406- Gumbs is a very exciting 2b prospect who will play the entire 2012 season as a 19 yr old. Drafted in the second round out of Torrance HS in 2010, he was billed as a kid with a lot of raw skills. Those skills started to get refined in the NY Penn League this past season. He was 18 in a league full of college players and held his own. He's got plus speed, great hands, a solid arm, and projects to have 20+ HR power as he fills in. He needs to work on solid contact and to improve his K rates. His future in terms of position is somewhat in doubt as some scouts think he'll take the BJ Upton route and end up in CF. This kid shows the recent trend of Yankee signees, athletes with lot of raw skills. But this kid looks like he could be the goods. He should spend most of the season in long season Charleston as one of the youngest players in the league. He should be fun to watch

 

3. Corban Joseph, 23 yrd old:- AA- .277/.353/.415- Joseph seems like he's been around forever, but as a HS kid, he actually has done well for himself. Coming up, the big question was whether his glove could improve. Last yr, it did, and while he wont be a GG winner, he looks like a guy who could play an average to above average 2b. The hitting department has always been his calling card, but last yr was a bit of a stall. He's always had good average capability, but last yr, he dropped to .277. He shows good patience and can hit a load of doubles, but the HR power still hasnt come yet. Regardless, a middle infielder capable of putting up a high .700's OPS as a 22 yr old in AA is good. I don't think he looks the part of the guy he's been compared to since he's been drafted (Utley), but he could be a very solid big league starting 2b without much flash, but solid contact and patience skills. He should spend 2012 in AAA until Adams comes up, then will probably shift off the position to allow Adams to regain his prospect status

 

4. Anderson Feliz, 19 yrs old:- A- .217/.305/.333- Feliz made his long season debut last yr and struggled as an 18 yr old. But he did show the kind of skills that keep the Yankees high on him. 6HRs and 16 steals for an 18 yr old isnt bad. They expect the power to kick up and his potential sits in the 20HR range. He does have phenomenal speed and as he learns to pick his spots more, he should steal 20-30 bases. He has all the skills defensively to stick at 2b as well. His biggest problem last yr was making contact as he K'd 129 times in 116 games. That should improve as he ages and fills into his frame. Also, the Yankees turned him into a switch hitter upon signing, so he is still working on adjusting to both sides of the plate. It will come in time. I think he gets pushed to Tampa this yr due to the emergence of Gumbs, and I think he might struggle again being the youngest player in the league. But as he ages and fills in, eventually the production will come. He's a solid prospect to watch and eventually, it should all click

[jacksonianmarch]

Shortstop

 

This has traditionally been a position of dearth since the Yankees promoted #2 in 96. But now, there are some very nice prospects shooting through the ranks who can man this position.

 

1. Cito Culver, 19 yrs old:NYP- .250/.323/.337- Culver's offensive numbers were a bit skewed. Culver is a natural right handed hitter, but his switch hitting took a toll on his numbers. Overall, he showed good patience, but struck out a fair amount. He also didnt show good power, but he was playing as an 18 yr old all season long in a league with a bunch of college kids. He has plus defensive capability with a strong arm and great quicks. He was drafted in the 1st round in 2010 due to his defensive prowess and one has to think the Yankees plan on keeping him on position. His stroke did seem to improve over time and he should see some improvement as he gets comfortable switch hitting. His patience should help. Overall, he'll be in Charleston all season barring a miraculous improvement at the dish. They need to give his bat some time to catch up with the glove. Should they scrap the whole switch hitting idea and push him as a RH hitter, he could move quicker, but the reward will be less.

 

2. Claudio Custodio, 21 yrs old: GCL- .325/.433/.414- Custodio came out like wildfire this yr as his first in the states and showed everything. He has a solid glove that could use a little more work, but definitely looks to be a kid who can stay at the position. He showed plus patience, solid contact skills and plus speed. The only tool lacking was power, which may or may not come. He's a pretty skinny kid who just turned 21 yrs old. He will likely debut in the NYP this yr unless the Yankees think he is further along than Cito and jump him to Tampa, which isnt likely.

 

3. Jose Rosario, 20 yrs old: GCL- .331/.372/.529- Rosario is your prototypical 5 tool player. He has a solid glove, great speed, power, contact and a great arm. The reason why he is low is that he projects more as a 3b for now. As a 19 yr old, he hit 6HR in 172ABs in the GCL, which is a pretty solid feat. In a perfect world for him, he'd be moving right on to Charleston, but with Matt Duran and Bichette above him at 3b and Culver above him at SS, he is likely to play all of 2012 in the NYP

 

4. Jose Pirela, 22 yrs old: AA- .239/.292/.353- Pirela has fallen off the map since his solid 2009 campaign when he lit up the SAL as a 19 yr old. He followed a disappointing 2010 with a very disappointing 2011. He's a guy with above average speed and a knack for making contact, but never developed any power and looks more defensively like a 2b due to his lack of a solid arm. He should still progress through the system as a utility guy, but with guys like Ramiro Pena and Eduardo Nunez in the system, it might be hard for him to find his niche. He has been promoted rather aggressively as he played his entire 21 yr old season at AA, so he does still have some time. My guess is he repeats this level as no major SS prospect in High A will be pushing him.

 

5. Jose Mojica, 23 yrs old: A- .262/.312/.337- Mojica really has fallen on hard times. He was signed in 2007 with a lot of fanfare, but didnt make it to the states until 2009 due to a knee injury. He's played 3 seasons in the states now and none of them have been good. He still projects as a SS with decent defensive ability, but his offensive prowess is non-existant. He was also signed a little late for most Dominican prospects, as a 19 yr old and didnt debut in the US until he was 20. He now finds himself in a position where there is a ton of talent ready to overtake him. My guess is, he moves to Tampa this yr, but without a Rennaissance, he is going to be passed by one of the guys higher on this list.

 

 

And in terms of depth, we cannot forget the two guys who are no longer rookies. Eduardo Nunez, who held his own in some big league action in 2011 and Ramiro Pena. Nunez continues to get looks from other teams looking for a starting SS. He has the tools to be an above average big league SS, but as of right now, he is stuck in neutral behind Jeter. Without the Yankees having a true DH, though, Nunez will probably see a lot of PT while the Yanks try to rest Arod and Jeter in the DH spot. Look for him to have an expanded role come 2012. Pena, OTOH, lost out to Nunez last yr and in limited time in 2011, looked to have reverted. Once considered an elite defender, he's now known for being mentally short when crunch time hits. It will be hard to shake that when the Yankees have him 3rd on the depth chart. He would be better served in another org

[jacksonianmarch]

Third base

 

This is another position of strength, unfortunately, the Yankees have an old guy sitting there for the next 6 seasons.

 

1. Dante Bichette Jr., 19yrs old: GCL- .342/.446/.505- The OBP is not a typo, he walked 30 times in 52 games. He comes from a baseball family and shows an advanced approach at the dish. He's projected to hit for solid power and has shown the knack to smack the ball around the park to all fields. The questions come in about the D. He has shown a solid feel for the position, but some think he might grow out of it as he ages. Right now, though, he's got the potential to be an all-star 3b in the future with the hit skill and could rise the ranks fast. As it stands right now, he's ticketed to Charleston as the starting 3b.

 

2. Brandon Laird, 24 yrs old: AAA- .260/.288/.422- Laird regressed in 2011 and hopefully will bounce back in 2012. He's a kid who plays average D at third and can hit for a lot of power. Unfortunately for the Yankees, he has no plate discipline to speak of, and actually regressed in that category over the past season. He has no real future with NY if he cannot take better ABs, but with 30HR potential, he's a guy to keep an eye on. I think the Yankees will stash him in AAA and see how he does. If he tears the cover off the ball, then they might try to move him since they have a glut at the position and he isnt the kind of patient hitter the Yankees like in their lineups.

 

3. Rob Segedin, 23yrs old: A/A+- .287/.358/.403- Segedin was a highly touted draftee in 2010 for his power potential. Well, he turned out to be a very polished hitter, earning a promotion to Tampa at mid season. But the big disappointment is the lack of power. Only 7 HRs in over 400ABs for a 22 yr old is a little lax. He has a big body and shows a lot of power in the cages, so it should come, but until it does, he isnt a big time prospect. He should start the season in Tampa again and if he starts to hit for power, he could move to AA quickly.

 

4. Matt Duran, 18yrs old: GCL- .301/.365/.506- Duran is a kid they drafted in the 3rd round in 2011 who is looking like another solid pick. He hits for average, shows good patience and can hit the long ball on occasion. He also plays a good 3b. Limiting his projection is his size (6'1" 195lbs), which makes some think he isnt destined to be enough of a power threat to play 3b in the Bronx. Time will tell. Right now, though, he's an 18 yr old who has shown an advanced approach, the capacity to barrell the ball regularly and the capability to hit for some power. He should start the yr in the NYP since he's currently behind Tyler Austin and Dante Bichette at the corners

 

5. Robert Lyerly, 24yrs old: A+/AA- .280/.327/.408- Lyerly was a 6th round selection in 2009 and was billed as your prototypical 3b. Well, as of right now, he isnt. He's got a sweet lefty stroke, but hasnt been able to hit for big enough power. He also isnt consistent with the glove enough to be reliable as a backup. He also turns 25 in July, so it isnt like he has a ton of time. What he doesnt hit in HRs, he does get in EBH, as he smacked 46 extra base hits in 2011. He should start the yr in Trenton and if he finally starts finding the seats with his stick, he will move up this list.

 

6. Fu-Lin Kuo, 21yrs old: .250/.362/.407- Kuo is an intriguing player in the Yankee system. He's a small guy who can play a solid 3b and has shown the ability to hit for power in the cages, but it hasnt translated to games. Well, this season, he repeated the GCL and improved his OPS by over 100 points. That's a start, but now he's slipped in the rankings significantly enough to where he's going to have to move off the position to get PT. 3b is stacked from SI up through AA, so it looks like Kuo will be manning 2b at NYP next yr. He's older than most of the guys at the GCL level and moving up to SI, he'll be playing with guys his age. If he can improve steadily, then he could be relevant, but as of right now, he's just a name to be familiar with should he start reaching his potential

 

Overall, this is one of the stronger positions in the Yankee minor leagues. I'd have it just below CF and catcher on the position player side.

[Meh]

Really the only guy who could knock ARod off 3B within the next three years is Laird and he isn't going to be a starter on the Yankees. Bichette and Duran are the two that are very exciting and they are still teenagers. It's nice to have them for when ARod can't handle 3B anymore.

[jacksonianmarch]

I think Bichette moves quickly through the system. He has the perfect offensive approach, a true professional strike zone. That will be huge for him going forward. I have a feeling he makes it through Tampa this season and Possibly through SWB next yr. He'll be knocking on the door by 2014

[jacksonianmarch]

Corner OF

 

There are so many OF prospects, that I decided to break them up into guys who will obviously not man CF and guys who are at least projected to play CF. This will chronicle guys ticketed for LF or RF in the Yankee system

 

1. Ramon Flores, 19yrs old: A- .265/.353/.400- Flores has a very solid long season debut last season. He played the whole yr as a 19 yr old and actually shone through. He showed great patience (61 walks), solid developing power (11HR, 39 EBH), and some plus speed (13SBs). He's a guy who doesnt really have the arm to man CF, but should play a solid LF defensively as well. He's your prototypical 4 tool OFer (no arm) who should make the move to Tampa this coming season, where he will play the whole yr as a 20 yr old. He has all the tools to shine especially as he starts to fill in.

 

2. Zoilo Almonte, 22 yrs old: A+/AA- .276/.345/.459- Zoilo is the forever underappreciated prospect in the Yankee system. He can switch hit, he hits for power (15HRs in 2011), he can steal bases (18SBs in 2011), and he has good natural instincts in the field. Where he lacks is in the consistency department. He'll have stretches where he looks like a world beater and others where he just looks lost and isnt in the game. Those lapses make it likely he ends up as a 4th OFer somewhere. If he can get his head on straight, he has 5 tool talent enough to break out into being a true corner OFer somewhere. It all depends on whether he can mentally do it

 

3. Melky Mesa, 25yrs old: A+/AA- .249/.332/.399- There is perhaps nobody as frustrating in the Yankee system than Mesa. Mesa was one yr removed from being the offensive POY in Tampa before falling on his sword in 2011 in Trenton. He has never shown good contact ability, but he has always seemed to show the power and speed tool. Well, in 2011, he hit only 9 homers and was caught on 40% of his steal attempts. He has the power arm, enough to be a pitcher one day if they want, and he has the natural tools to be a solid player one day, but he is so erratic and K prone that it looks like he's busted at this point. His natural talent keeps him this high. He'll probably start out where he left off in Trenton

 

4. Ben Gamel, 19yrs old: NYP- .289/.373/.432- Gamel is an interesting prospect. He can play all 3 OF positions, but due to depth, he'll be squeezed into the corners. He shows an advanced knack for making solid contact and takes a TON of walks. He also has above average speed, enough to be a double digit base stealer in the bigs. He doesnt project to have much power, but he might eventually start to hit for gap power in time. He is still young, but to me, he looks like a slower Brett Gardner. Solid D, great eye, maybe a little better in the contact department, but similar in the power department. I think he ends up as a reserve, but he should see some time in Charleston this yr. Should the power miraculously come, he could bump up his projection

 

5. Yeicok Calderon, 20yrs old: GCL- .225/.264/.457- Calderon is an intriguing prospect. He made his US debut last yr and showed the world that he can slug for power. The problem is, he left his solid hit tool with him. He is an absolute butcher in the OF at times as well. But what he lacks in polish he makes up for in raw talent. He can run, throw, hit, catch and hit for power. A prototypical 5 tool player. He's got the highest ceiling of anyone on this list not named Mesa or Flores, but he also has the furthest to go to reach that ceiling. He may experience an improvement with an adjustment to American life in 2012, and if he does, watch out. He's got the raw talent to be something special.

 

6. Kelvin DeLeon, 21yrs old: A- .221/.282/.369- Kelvin is another enigma on this list. It seems the Yankees get a fair amount of corner OF guys but the development of the most talented seems to be lacking. That changes in the CF aisle as you'll see soon. De Leon has light tower power, a strong arm, and good speed. The problem is, he is the epitome of Serrano. He cannot hit or lay off a good curveball, leaving him virtually helpless offensively when down in the count. He struck out an astounding 147 times in 118 games, but did manage 14 homers as a 20 yr old in long season. He is a kid to watch, but his flame is slowly getting extinguished. He should stay in Charleston for one more season. If he sucks again, then it might be time to cut bait

 

That's about it. Flores is really the only big prospect on the list with Zoilo being the most likely to make the bigs in some capacity. This is an area the Yankees have tried to improve with no luck of late. We'll see if Flores changes that

[jacksonianmarch]

Centerfield

 

This is a position that the Yankees have a TON of potential and prospects locked into. The only issue is that the bulk of them are due to start the yr in SS, A and A+, so they are a little far off. The good thing is, we have an all-star in CF right now and a solid CFer playing LF for us as well, so we do have some time.

 

1. Mason Williams, 20yrs old: .349/.395/.468- Williams is not just a top prospect for the Yankees, he's a top prospect in all of baseball. He's a 4 tool player with the capability to develop the power as he fills into his frame. He has speed to burn, a good eye, solid contact skills and a solid above average arm. He raked the NYP as a 19 yr old playing against college competition and already plays plus defense. Mason has all the makings of a potential leadoff hitter with a Kenny Lofton type upside. He does need to work on walking a bit more and avoiding the CS. He did steal 28 bases, but getting caught 12 times isnt gonna cut it. Regardless, he is a true blue chipper who should shoot through the system. He'll be the starting CFer in Charleston this coming season, but I highly doubt he stays there all yr.

 

2. Ravel Santana, 19yrs old: GCL- .296/.361/.568- Ravel is the goods. He played 2011 as a 19 yr old and just dominated. He showed plus power potential (9HR in 41 games), plus speed (10 steals), and a good eye (17BB in 41GS). He also possesses a rocket arm and is already a plus defender. The only reason why he's not in too many national rankings is due to a nasty compound fracture of his ankle that he suffered at the end of last season. Initially concerned he might miss this upcoming season, he's squashed those rumors by already being at the sprinting phase of his rehab and already showing up to camp with minimal restrictions. Ravel is a kid with 30+ HR potential, 30+SB potential, and .300BA potential. And the silly thing is, he still has a lot of room to grow. He's stick thin, but at 6'2", he can still put on some weight and add even more raw power. Where he begins depends on the overall health of his ankle. If he is unrestricted come April (which right now he is projected to be), then he'll break camp in Charleston as a RFer since Williams will be there. If he has a setback, my guess is he'll end up in EST and play for SI of the NYP

 

3. Slade Heathcott, 21yrs old: A- .271/.342/.419- Slade is all about health and potential. He possesses all 5 tools but the only tool he's lacked is an ability to stay on the field. He's an all out player, which has been something that has caused him to miss significant time as a pro. To start, he dropped in the 09 draft because he was coming off shoulder and knee injuries from his time playing football. Then, his 2010 season was cut short by a shoulder surgery. Subsequently, he was on the road to good health when he required another shoulder surgery one game into a callup to High A. He should be healthy now, but the Yankees are going to have trouble keeping him that way if he continues to run into walls, incite brawls, and effectively lay out all over the place. They may need to try and keep him in check before he ends up on the DL again. If he can progress and stay healthy, he has the potential to be a top of the order hitter, and if the projected power ever comes, maybe a #2 hitter in time. He should start out in Tampa, but if he finally gets it to click, he'll be in Trenton before you know it

 

4. Jake Cave, 19yrs old: debut- Cave is a guy with all the tools who the Yankees drafted last yr in the 6th round. He has a very advanced stick for a kid so young, good plate discipline and a rocket arm. His arm was so good, in fact, that he was being looked at as a LHP in the draft as well. The Yankees intend on keeping him in the OF. Regardless, he's another athlete added to the farm who showed in late season tournaments that he can hang with the big names that came off the draft board. He signed late then his season ended as soon as it began when he injured his knee running over the catcher. My hope is that he doesnt develop the same level of durability concerns as Slade does, because they do both play with reckless abandon. He will probably start 2012 in the NYP and stay there all season. I am pegging him as a kid who comes out and lights the world on fire in his first pro season like Mason Williams did in 2011.

 

5. Daniel Lopez, 20yrs old: DSL/GCL/A- .327/.413/.490- Lopez exploded onto the scene in 2011. He started the yr on the DSL Yankee 2 team for the this straight yr. After hitting over .400 in 11 games, he moved to the GCL, where he spent the bulk of his time. He then moved up to the SAL for 3 games and got his feet wet in the long season leagues. This kid has turned the corner. He is a 6.2 second 60 yard dash guy who initially was more of a Juan Pierre type hitter. But in year 3, something clicked and he can now drive the ball all over the field. He still has world class speed and plays an elite level of defense in CF. The other intriguing thing is the fact that the kid has advanced plate discipline at a young age. He rarely K's (32K in 61 games) and takes a solid share of walks. He can steal a ton of bases and as the power comes along, he could eventually develop into a double digit HR guy. In the end, I think he ends up in SI for this yr due to the logjam and probably moves to RF since Cave will be there. But the sky is the limit for this kid

 

6. Abraham Almonte, 22yrs old: A+ .268/.333/.382- Almonte has all the tools to be great, it has just been his health that has let him down. After a promising 2009 season at Charleston that saw him hit .280 with 36 steals, he suffered a should injury that cost him 2010. It took him awhile to get right and when he came back in 2011, he was rusty. His numbers after the break were very, very promising though, with an OPS over .800 and a BA of .317. He is a 4 tool player right now with the capability to be a 10-15HR hitter. He has blazing speed and has shown significant improvements in patience and contact. He should start the season in AA as the Thunder's starting CFer. Where he goes from there depends on which AA shows up. If he shows the second half was no fluke, then he won't be there for long. But if he continues to be a streaky ballplayer, then he likely settles in as a big league reserve OFer

 

7. Eduardo Sosa, 20yrs old: A- .255/.303/.342- Sosa is one of the reasons why the Yankees are trying to slow down the progress of some of their young position prospects. After lighting the world aflame in the DSL in 2008, he struggled mightily in the GCL in 2009. Still, he was pushed on one level at a time even though he really wasnt mastering any level. 2011 was more of the same. He has a sweet left handed stroke that should eventually develop some power, but he doesnt make enough contact to be a big weapon. He hasnt improved in the patience department either and the power has stagnated. He still plays solid defense, which is good for him, but the offense must pick up or else he's gonna get buried. He is still young, though as he doesnt turn 21 until March. My guess is he ends up in Charleston again as the LF with Williams and Santana manning CF and RF respectively. He still has time, but thus far, he isnt progressing.

 

Overall, this list is ridiculous for one position. This is probably the deepest position player spot in the system seeing as Montero is now in Seattle. It will be very interesting to see how these guys move as some of these prospects pop

[Meh]

Obviously Williams will be a Riverdog, Heathcott maybe in Trenton, maybe in Tampa. cave and Santana will hopefully be in SI with Santana moving up mid season. But where does everyone else slot?

[jacksonianmarch]

I think Santana is in Charleston if healthy and Cave is in SI

 

Also, Heathcott starts in Tampa

[jacksonianmarch]

Left Handed Pitching

 

You will notice the right handers will be broken down into upper level starters, lower level starters and relievers. But left handed pitching comes at a premium, and while the Yankees have some solid prospects, they do not have the depth.

 

1. Manuel Banuelos, 20 yrs old: AA/AAA- 129.2IP 3.75ERA 8.7K/9IP 1.8K/BB 1.54WHIP- Manny's peripherals werent impressive, but they came mostly on the heels of his astronomical walk rate. Typically, that would be enough to scare away most scouts, but looking at his history and the underlying reason for his wildness is the key here. Prior to last season, he had been throwing to about a 3BB/9IP mark and was topping out around 92mph. This yr, though, he was sitting 92-94 and was hitting as high as 97 on the radar gun. His newfound velocity cost him some control. As a 20 yr old, that's okay. He will need to harness it, though, before he can reach that next step. He compliments his hard fastball with a true plus plus changeup that is a deadly strikeout pitch. He rounds out his repertoire with a plus curveball that is deadly, especially vs lefties. ManBan has true ace level ceiling, and with him turning 21 in 2 weeks, he has a long time to get it under control. With a fluid motion and solid command of his offspeed pitches, I expect him to nail down the heater with velocity this season. His ceiling is an ace level pitcher capable of being an all-star multiple times. His floor, if he cannot locate his heater is still a big league starting pitcher in the 3-4 mold range. Regardless, the kid has the goods, and the Yankees are handling him the right way. By signing Kuroda, they effectively give the kid a full yr to add some innings to his arm (goal of 160IP this season) and to harness his newfound power. He's one to watch

 

2. Daniel Camarena, 19yrs old: No stats- Camarena might be a little high on this list, but I love what I hear about this kid. He is drawing rave reviews in instructs and drawing a lot of comparisons to Manuel Banuelos before he gained his velo. He's got a fluid delivery, lots of confidence and the stuff to be a big league pitcher. He starts off his repertoire with a 88-91 mph fastball that tops out at 92. He gets great movement and can locate it well for a kid so young. He follows that up with an already plus curveball that has great bite. He already has a great feel for it and can locate it well for someone so young. He rounds out his repertoire with a plus potential changeup that has solid fade but is a little inconsistent. In total, you have a kid who has a fluid motion, solid arsenal, great work ethic and a high level of confidence. If the system werent so loaded at pitcher, he'd shoot through the ranks. As it is, I think he starts the yr in Staten Island, but there is a chance, due to the logjam that he starts in the GCL.

 

3. Matt Tracy, 23yrs old: SI- 47.1IP 3.04ERA 9.1K/9IP 3.0K/BB 1.20WHIP- Tracy was not expected to be as good as he was when he showed up at SI last season. He was drafted as a senior sign in the 24th round as a two way player. He was an OFer and a LHP at the U of Miss and didnt start on the weekends. Well, focusing on pitching showed he could be a star if he continues to work. He's a tall, strong kid who can run his FB up there in the 91-94mph range consistently. He gets a good amount of tail to it and impeccable command. His changeup has plus potential that gets a lot of run, but needs to work on command a little. His curve rounds out his repertoire. He came into SI with a slurvy breaking ball that quite frankly, sucked. They turned it into a 12-6 knockout with plus potential. Like his change, he needs work commanding his curve. Overall, he is more polished than they expected as well, able to command both sides of the plate and with a bulldog mentality, he goes right after hitters rather than nibbling around the zone. His ceiling is as a middle of the rotation starter who could rise higher should he nail down his command of his off-speed pitches. My bet is that he is in the starting rotation in Tampa this upcoming season

 

4. Nik Turley, 22yrs old: A/A+- 89.2IP 2.81ERA 8.7K/9IP 4.0K/BB 1.15WHIP- Turley is an intriguing prospect. He was drafted a few yrs back as a raw kid out of Canada with a lot of upward potential. He was sitting right around 90mph at that time, mostly in the high 80s, but with a 6'6" frame, he was expected to throw much harder as he filled out. Well, he's still a bean-pole, and his fastball has only ticked up slightly. He sits in the 90-92 range for the most part, which is nice as a lefty, but not overpowering to say the least. He makes up for that, though, in command. He also throws a plus potential change that is getting good after being useless on first sign. And he throws a loopy slow curve that he has some issue controlling, but is rounding into a nice K weapon. Overall, if he doesnt add velo but continues to tighten up his arsenal, he has the potential to be a #4 style pitcher, capable of going deep into games and keeping hitters off balance more than blowing them away. And for those wondering about his light IP mark, he broke a finger in his second start at Tampa on his pitching hand and missed the rest of the yr

 

5. Evan Rutckyj, 20yrs old: GCL- 45.1IP 4.76ERA 7.4K/9IP 1.5K/BB 1.46WHIP- Rutckyj is all about projection. He's a tall 6'5" Canadien who was more a hockey player than baseball player when he was drafted. Also, when he was drafted in 2010, he was topping out in the high 80s. Well, now he's topping out at 94 and sitting in the 92 range. He gets a lot of movement on it, and as he fills out, he should continue to add more velo. His issue has been command, and that will continue to be an issue for the short term. He also throws a nasty slider that he has some issue commanding and is starting to develop a changeup. He reminds me a lot of Nik Turley after he was drafted. A kid with projection who came in very raw. Unlike Turley, though, Rutckyj is gaining velocity at a young age while gaining experience. Like Turley, I expect Evan to repeat the GCL in his second full season, and if he shows he's improved, he could see time in the SI rotation by season's end. His projection is too early to tell. His ceiling is high, but he has a long ways to go to reach it

 

6. Chaz Hebert, 19yrs old: No stats- Hebert was drafted out of HS last yr in the 27th round. He fell far because he appeared to be a strong commit to college, but decided to take a small signing bonus rather than go to school and increase his draft stock because of his affection for the Yankees. That is not a lie, it actually happened, which makes one wonder if he is intelligent. Regardless, he has the raw stuff to be very solid. He's a tall lefty who currently tops out in the low 90s with an advanced curve and changeup for his age. He is still raw, but has a great feel for pitching for his age and should shoot through the ranks as he gets older. He should start out in the GCL this yr due to numbers, but if he starts showing improvements, he could fly

 

7. Evan DeLuca, 20yrs old: SI- 46.1IP 4.27ERA 8.4K/9IP 1.3K/BB 1.60WHIP- DeLuca is an enigma. The kid showed up on the scene in 2010 after being drafted in 09 and absolutely sucked. He rebounded a little last season, but still remains a mystery. The kid tops out in the 94-95mph range, but lost some velo due to elbow tendonitis. He has made some serious strides with his curveball, though, and an inconsistent changeup has made it hard to project him as a starter. If he can regain his velo, he's got unlimited potential, but he is another guy with a humongous gap between his ceiling and his current. My bet at this point is that he ends up in relief. He's got too big of an arm to give up on, but he has shown nearly no command after two full seasons in the Yankee system. He turns 21 in a week, so he isnt old by any means, but he needs to figure it out soon. My guess is he stays in SI for his final short season year (you can only have 3) and may move from there.

 

8. Jeremy Bleich, 24yrs old: No stats- Bleich is a special case here. He was drafted in the supplemental round in 2008 as a kid with a solid repertoire and good command. He was rising through the ranks and started out in AA in his second full minor league season, when he all of a sudden lost his velocity. Turns out, he had a torn shoulder capsule and needed it operated on. He had a setback last season and was actually done with his rehab as the season was winding down. Rather than ramping him up only to end the season in a couple weeks, they shut him down, happy that his rehab was finally over. He is in camp now with no restrictions. It will be interesting to see what kind of player returns. Shoulder surgery is much tougher than elbow surgery, but strides are being made and it is no longer the deathknell of pitchers, although it is far from a sure thing. Healthy, he threw a 90-92mph 4 seamer with some life to it, a 88mph cutter that was filthy, a plus changeup, a slider, and a plus curveball. He had the look of Andy Pettitte on the hill and it seemed like he was on the fast track to the bigs. Now, nearly 2 years since his last professional pitch, it will be interesting to see where he starts. My bet is that he starts out in Trenton, but his role will be defined later. If his fastball lacks some life, he might be moved to the pen to increase it in a shorter role. If he comes back throwing 90+ again, he should be in the rotation

 

9. Kramer Sneed, 23yrs old: A/A+- 103.2IP 3.99ERA 9.6K/9IP 3.9K/BB 1.25WHIP- The guy with the best name on the farm put up impressive totals last season in his first taste of long season. He pitched well enough to earn a promotion as well. One would wonder why a guy with his performance would be so far down. Well, I don't see him in the rotation. He throws a big league average fastball that tops out at 92mph. He also throws an average slider and changeup. His stuff isnt overwhelming, but he commands his pitches well enough to get through the more inexperienced hitters. He does have a rounded 3 pitch arsenal, so that means he'll stay as a starter for now and is likely ticketed for a repeat of Tampa in 2012.

 

10. Shaeffer Hall, 24yrs old: AA/AAA- 157IP 4.07ERA 5.7K/9IP 2.6K/BB 1.41WHIP- Hall is a poor man's Mark Buerhle. He works fast, throwing strike after strike and will not overpower anyone. Sitting mid 80s with a capacity to touch 90, he will never overpower anyone. And without a plus pitch, he won't wow anybody. But he can throw all 4 of his pitches to a dime all over the plate and can go deep into games if asked. He will be a victim of the numbers game. He isnt nearly good enough to warrant a spot in the AAA rotation, since all 5 spots will be held by legit prospects. But his stuff doesnt play well out of the pen. My guess is he repeats 2012 in AA and waits for his chance, be it a trade or an injury. I bet he ends up being a throw-in in a trade for something midseason. To some other team, he could have some use, but in this system, he's just not a factor.

 

Honorable Mention: Francisco Rondon, Pat Venditte, Rony Bautista

[jacksonianmarch]

Upper Level RH Starters AA or higher

 

1. Dellin Betances, 24 yrs old: AA/AAA- 126.1IP 3.70ERA 10.1K/9IP 2.0K/BB 1.36WHIP- Betances is all about power. He just turned 24 and has been in the Yankee system for what seems like forever. Drafted in the vaunted 2006 draft alongside Joba Chamberlain, Ian Kennedy, Mark Melancon, and David Robertson, Betances has quite possibly the highest ceiling. A 6’8” righty who has put on nearly 50 pounds of muscle since signing, he has taken himself from project to prospect in 6 seasons. He made his big league debut last yr and is primed to spend one final season in AAA before going to the bigs for good in 2013 in some capacity. He throws a mid 90s fastball with downward movement that is nearly unhittable down in the zone. He throws a plus curveball and now a plus changeup. Betances’ biggest issues have been replication of mechanics. Much like Randy Johnson and other very tall power pitchers, he struggles from start to start with his mechanics. He’s had starts where he’s struck out double digit batters followed by starts where he’d walk more than a batter an inning. This mechanical inconsistency is why his role is to be determined. If he struggles with his command through the season and shows no improvement, he could be relegated to back end bullpen duty. In short stints, he’d be deadly. Add a tick or two to his FB and he’d be sitting upper 90s with a knockout curve. But his promise out of the rotation will give him plenty of chances. He has top of the rotation stuff and now completely healthy after having TJS in late 2009, he should start to refine his mechanics. He will start 2012 in AAA and I expect him to stay there barring an injury to Robertson or Rivera or a slew of injuries in the staff.

 

2. Adam Warren, 24yrs old: AAA- 152.1IP 3.60ERA 6.6K/9IP 2.1K/BB- Warren is entirely dissimilar from Betances. He is a solid framed righty who can come at you with power stuff, but he relies on strike throwing ability and the capability to locate his fastball wherever he wants. The guy is a bulldog on the mound and looks the part of a solid innings eater, although likely not a power pitcher capable of leading a staff. He throws 2 fastballs, a 4 seamer he uses for show and can run in the 93-96 range. His 2 seamer is his bread and butter. It’s a heavy pitch capable of getting grounders and poor hacks if located properly. He runs that in the 91-93mph range. He doesn’t have one plus offspeed offering, but he does have 3 major league caliber offspeed pitches in a change, slider and curve. What he lacks in overall bite, he gains in fluid arm action and command. And his mentality sets him apart from a lot of minor leaguers hell bent on blowing hitters away. Warren will go after hitters with an array of offspeed pitches as well as his sinking fastball and can throw any pitch in any count. His future is definitely in a rotation, although I don’t think it will be in the Yankee rotation due to the other high end prospects ahead of him (Betances and Banuelos) in the minors and on the big league roster. He will repeat AAA this yr and is a prime candidate for a mid season trade.

 

3. Brett Marshall, 22 yrs old: A+- 140.1IP 3.78ERA 2.4K/BB 1.35WHIP- I may be a bit higher on Marshall than most, but I really like what this kid is doing. Marshall had a solid 2011 campaign, solid, but not dominant. I guess that is what most of the scouts were looking for. After TJS in 2009, Marshall made it back for 72IP of low A ball in 2010 where he was filthy. In 2011, he started out the year rough but made solid transitions and eventually put up a good line. Prior to TJS, Marshall was a mid 90s 4 seam fastball guy whose slider was scrapped for an inconsistent curveball. Once he recovered from TJS, his arsenal changed. He still has the mid 90s heat, but he seldom throws it in the 4 seam variety. Like Warren, he relies on a low 90s 2 seamer that he can command at will. His curveball is shelved for good and he is back to throwing a solid yet not spectacular slider. His changeup has improved tremendously into a plus pitch. One of the reasons why I am high on Marshall is that he has mid 90s stuff but he’s learned how to pitch by going a little softer and finding his spots. Going into what should be his first completely healthy season status post TJS, I am thinking he can do some big things. As is, he could be a back end pen guy or a middle of the rotation pitcher. Should he incorporate the mid 90s heat and make some strides with the slider, he could very well be something more. He’ll start the yr in AA and go from there

 

4. David Phelps, 25yrs old, AAA- 107.1IP 3.19ERA 7.5K/9IP 3.5K/BB 1.31WHIP- Phelps has been a pleasant surprise since being drafted in the 14th round out of Notre Dame in 2008 , and he has shown that he is completely capable of being an innings eater on the mound. He doesn’t possess incredible, life changing stuff, but like the last 2 guys on this list, he can locate anything in any count. He can top out at 95 with a 4 seamer, but he predominantly sits low 90s with a 2 seamer that he can locate to all quadrants of the plate. He does have a plus slider which he uses a fair amount. He rounds out his arsenal with an average curve and changeup. As evidenced by his walk rate of 2.2 per 9, he can locate all of his pitches on a dime. And if it weren’t for an injury last yr, he might have been the guy to make a few spot starts while Bartolo Colon was down. He isn’t a flashy guy and he won’t be the ace of a staff, but he does have solid middle of the rotation potential and he is very close to his ceiling. He could start on many staffs right now and I have a feeling he will be starting for someone by the end of the season. It just will likely not be in NY. He will repeat AAA this yr and will probably be a sought after commodity on the trade market. Had he been in Pittsburgh’s system, he’d have been in their rotation by 2010, but in this market, he’s stuck at the top.

 

5. D.J. Mitchell, 24yrs old, AAA- 161.1IP 3.18ERA 6.2K/9IP 1.8K/BB 1.35WHIP- Mitchell is an interesting pitcher in this system to say the least. On raw stuff alone, he has two of the best pitches on this list. He has a downright nasty sinker with wicked movement that runs as high as 92mph, but sits 89-90. His trouble has been locating it due to its particularly wicked movement which has led to his walk rate being a little elevated (3.5/9IP last yr). He also has a plus curveball that is one of the best in the system. He rounds out his arsenal with a solid changeup. The guy is a groundball machine and can get the occasional K, although not really a strikeout pitcher. The reason why I think he is interesting, is that I think he fits very well into the mold of a Scot Shields or Ramiro Mendoza type. He doesn’t have the mid to high 90s cheese of a late inning reliever and he lacks the big fastball that he can flash to keep hitters honest 3 times through the order. He also lacks the plus command that a softer tossing pitcher would need to go deep into games in the AL East. But I think this kid could do a very solid job as a swing pitcher, capable of giving 3 solid innings of relief or being a spot starter. That role has proven valuable in the Yankees prior WS runs (Aceves in 2009 and Mendoza around the turn of the millenium). As a starter, I think he could be a solid average NL starter, maybe a back end starter in the AL, but shorten up his stints and use him in a swing role and he could be very, very solid. He’s slated to start in AAA, and of all the non-ace AAA starters, I hope he is the one who isn’t dealt. His ultimate role could be huge for this team going forward. Until the glut of starters issue is fixed, though, he wont have a big league role. Come 2013, though, he’ll be the swing man if not traded.

 

6. Graham Stoneburner, 24yrs old: GCL/A+/AA- 91.1IP 4.04ERA 6.0K/9IP 2.2K/BB 1.40WHIP- Stoneburner is in a wait and see mode. He was utterly dominant in 2010, but pinched a nerve in his neck in 2011. He required a lot of rehab and a cortisone injection and when he came back, he wasn’t the same. He typically sat 92-95 in 2010, but last yr was sitting near 90 with multiple spells of high 80s. His slider, which showed plus potential, reverted to being inconsistent. The only constant was his solid plus changeup. He is supposedly completely healthy. If he can show that mid 90s heat again as well as the return of his slider, he could be a solid pitcher with a #2 starter ceiling. If he comes out and is throwing around 90mph again, then he is barely an adequate #5 starter. This is a big yr for him, we’ll see how he does. He will start in the rotation at AA this yr and go from there.

[jacksonianmarch]

Lower Level RH Starters A+ or lower

 

1. Jose Campos, 19yrs old: SS- 81.1IP 2.32ERA 9.4K/9IP 6.5K/BB 0.97WHIP- Campos is a prototypical ace in waiting. He's got a big frame, he has incredible command for such a young age and a deep, quality arsenal. He can top out around 96mph, but typically sits 92-94mph. He throws a low 90s two seamer with good break. He throws a plus curve that need some refining and a plus now changeup. Campos dominated a level typically full of guys directly out of college as an 18 yr old. This yr, he has started out well in Charleston, although his start today was a complete stinker. It appears the Yankees are going to take it slow with him, even if he dominates the rest of the way. They want to see him refine the curve and change a little more in terms of location and timing before he moves up. He will likely stay in Charleston for most of the season with a late season callup to Tampa likely. He has #2 level ceiling with a pretty high floor. If he adds velocity as he matures and maintains it, he could really be a true ace

 

2. Bryan Mitchell, 21 yrs old: SS- 61.2IP 4.09ERA 8.6K/9IP 1.9K/BB 1.55WHIP- Mitchell just turned 21 a week ago, so he plays the whole yr there this season. He's a strong, hard throwing kid armed with a dynamite curveball and a developing change with plus potential. His issue is his command, as evidenced by his numbers above and the 11 walks in 14.2IP he's issued thus far in the SAL. He can run his fastball up in the 94-96 range consistently, but he has trouble keeping it down. He has games where he looks incredibly dominant and others where he looks completely awful with very little middle ground. For evidence of this, he has had 4 starts in the SAL. In his 2 good ones, he's allowed 6 baserunners in 11IP with 13K's. In his 2 bad ones, he's allowed 11 baserunners in 7IP with 2K's. He will need to work on his consistency if he is ever going to take the mound in the rotation in the bigs. But his ceiling is very, very high. When he is on, he is untouchable. When he is off, he walks the park and runs up high pitch counts. He will likely be in the SAL most of 2012 until he shows consistency. I think his projection comes out of the pen as a closer level pitcher capable of throwing high 90s ched with a knockout curve. But if he refines his location and his change, he could stick in the rotation

 

3. Jordan Cote, 19yrs old: NR- Cote is a big, right hander with good power at a young age. He was a 3rd rounder who signed late last season and didnt get into games. He can top out in the mid 90s already and has the workings of a change and curve. He's very raw and due to the fact that he's a northeast HS arm, he's even more raw than most. He will likely spend all season in the short season levels and will likely be there next season as well. It is too early to project him, but with a 6'5" frame, good command and a mid 90s fastball, he has a bright future

 

4. Jose Ramirez, 22 yrs old: A/A+- 103.1IP 5.66ERA 8.6K/9IP 2.3K/BB 1.57WHIP- Ramirez' numbers sucked ass last season, no doubt. But he is one year removed from dominating long season as a 20 yr old and possesses some of the sickest stuff in the system. He can run his fastball up to 97-98mph in short stints and sits around 95mph as a starter. He also possesses one of the best changeups and sliders in the system. Unfortunately, he loses focus and command all too frequently. In the offseason, he was clocked as high as 100mph, which shows just how good his arm is. I think his best case scenario is as a closer, as I think shorter stints suit him better. For now, he is a starter and getting his tits lit once again in 2012. I hope he moves to the pen so he can showcase what he can do in shorter stints

 

5. Matt Tracy, 23yrs old: SS- 47.1IP 3.04ERA 9.1K/9IP 3K/BB