New York Yankees Top 30 Post 2009 Season Prospects
September 23, 2009 · Greg Fertel · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Since the minor league seasons are over, I figured it was an appropriate time to rank the top Yankees prospects. I plan on giving you an in-depth profile on each and every one of these guys during the offseason. For now, though, you’ll have to be okay with just the list.
1. Jesus Montero, C (pictured)
Absolute monster, was on track to be the minor league player of the year until he broke his finger. A top 10 prospect in all of baseball.
2. Zach McAllister, SP
Pitching prospects don’t get more solid across the board than McAllister; he has stayed healthy and has ERAs of 2.09 and 2.23 in the past two seasons.
3. Austin Jackson, CF
There are some definite questions about whether his bat will improve more, but he was still one of the youngest players in Triple-A in 2009.
4. Austin Romine, C
More likely to be the Yankees’ catcher of the future than Montero. He has a good approach at the plate, but has yet to turn that into on-base skills.
5. Slade Heathcott, CF
A serious five-tool talent in center field, with a significantly higher upside than Austin Jackson.
6. Manny Banuelos, SP
Broke out in a big way this year—2.76 FIP in Charleston as an 18-year-old.
7. Arodys Vizcaino, SP
Succumbed to a back injury, but was absolutely dominant in Staten Island this season. Before he was injured, some considered him the best pitching prospect in the system.
8. Jairo Heredia, SP
As you can tell, I am a fan of teenage pitchers who get results. Heredia missed a majority of the season, but has done nothing but excel when he has pitched.
9. Ivan Nova, SP
After being drafted in the Rule 5 draft, he was returned to the Yankees and destroyed Double-A. He was pretty average after being called up to Scranton, though.
10. Jeremy Bleich, SP
Polished lefty has already reached AA, meaning he’ll probably be in line for a call-up at the end of next season.
11. Mark Melancon, RP
Continued to overmatch Triple-A batters, but didn’t get much of a chance to prove himself with the Yankees.
12. J.R. Murphy, C
He can hit and looks like he’ll stick at catcher, he raked in limited time in the GCL this season.
13. Caleb Cotham, SP
Really like this guy out of Vanderbilt. He dominated the Cape Cod League and was good in a minor league cameo this season. He has the potential to move fast.
14. Andrew Brackman, SP
15. Dellin Betances, SP
He always strikes out a lot of batters and walks a lot when he’s healthy, but he has just never managed to stay healthy.
16. Adam Warren, SP
Dominant debut for Staten Island. I’m told he has been sitting on 93-94 with great command.
17. D.J. Mitchell, SP
First professional season and he dominated with a 2.13 FIP in Charleston and a 3.02 FIP in Tampa. Also a ground-ball machine.
18. Kyle Higashioka, C
Numbers weren’t there this season, but he has all of the tools to develop into a solid catcher.
19. Jose Ramirez, SP
Absolutely dominated the GCL this season, and he backs the numbers up with good stuff, sitting at 92-93 with his fastball and commanding all four of his pitches.
20. Kevin Russo, UTIL
Personal favorite really raised his stock this year, but much of it was based on a high BABIP, and he still doesn’t hit for much power.
21. David Adams, 2B
Higher upside at second base than Russo, solid across the board.
22. Michael Dunn, RP
Converted outfielder who is now a lefty reliever; He has struggled in the majors so far, but a lefty with velocity will get all the chances in the world(see: Sean Henn).
23. Romulo Sanchez, SP/RP
Long stint as a starter for Scranton went well. He’s been hitting 98, getting ground balls, and striking guys out.
24. Wilkins de la Rosa, SP
The hard throwing lefty will probably end up a reliever, but he could be a good one with a strong heater and good slider.
25. George Kontos, SP
Was probably next in line for a big league call-up, but went down with Tommy John Surgery; He would have been around the top 10 if not for injury.
26. Gary Sanchez, C
I trust the Yankees’ scouting, and if they are willing to give a 16-year-old $3 million, there must be a lot to like.
27. Damon Sublett, 2B/OF
Versatile defender and on-base machine.
28. Corban Joseph, 2B/3B
Drafted as a shortstop, Joseph hasn’t really found himself a position yet, but he sure has hit.
29. Kelvin DeLeon, OF
Not his biggest fan, but he has too much raw power to ignore. However, his 30.3 percent strikeout rate in rookie ball is terrifying.
30. Bradley Suttle, 3B
Missed all of 2009, but had to include him on the list with his sweet stroke and hitting upside.
Seems to be a lot more pitchers than hitters, which has become the standard for the Yankees’ farm system. Even with the injuries, this list looks better than what we saw at the beginning of the 2009 season. Be sure to chime in with your opinions.
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