New York Yankees State of the System 2007

[Jerome]

New York Yankees State of the System 2007:

Top Prospect: RHP Phil Hughes

Number of Prospects in PGP Top 200: 10

Number of Prospects in BA Top 100: 5

PGP Organizational Rank: 4

Last Five Top Draft Selections: RHP Andrew Brackman, RHP Ian Kennedy, IF C.J. Henry, RHP Phil Hughes, UTI Eric Duncan

Minor League Affiliates:
AAA: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees
AA: Trenton Thunder
A (Advanced): Tampa Yankees
A: Charleston River Dogs
SS: Staten Island Yankees
R: DSL Yankees 1
R: DSL Yankees 2
R: GCL Yankees


PGP’s Top 25 New York Yankees Prospects (Rank, Name, Position, Current Team & Level):

1. Phil Hughes RHP (New York--MLB)
2. Dellin Betances RHP (Staten Island--SS)
3. Joba Chamberlain RHP (New York--MLB)
4. Ian Kennedy RHP (Scranton/Wilkes--AAA)
5. Humberto Sanchez RHP (Scranton/Wilkes--AAA)
6. Tyler Clippard RHP (Trenton--AA)
7. Jesus Montero C (GCL--R)
8. Christian Garcia RHP (Charleston--A)
9. Eric Duncan 1B (Scranton/Wilkes--AAA)
10. Mark Melancon RHP (Staten Island--SS)
11. Alan Horne RHP (Trenton--AA)
12. Francisco Cervelli C (Tampa--A)
13. J.B. Cox RHP (Trenton--AA)
14. Jeff Marquez RHP (Trenton--AA)
15. Marcos Vechionacci 3B (Tampa--A)
16. Dave Robertson RHP (Tampa--A)
17. Brett Gardner OF (Scranton/Wilkes--AAA)
18. Austin Jackson OF (Tampa--A)
19. Reegie Corona 2B (Trenton--AA)
20. Juan Miranda 1B (Trenton--AA)
21. Zach McAllister RHP (Staten Island--SS)
22. Shelley Duncan OF (New York--MLB)
23. Kevin Whelan RHP (Trenton--AA)
24. Ross Ohlendorf RHP (Scranton/Wilkes--AAA)
25. Anthony Claggett RHP (Tampa--A)

2007 Draft Selections (X: Signed, -: Currently Unsigned):
-1st Round: Andrew Brackman RHP North Carolina State
-2nd Round: Austin Romine C El Toro HS (CA)
X3rd Round: Ryan Pope RHP Savannah College of Art and Design (GA)
-4th Round: Brad Suttle 3B Texas
X5th Round: Adam Olbrychowski RHP Pepperdine
-6th Round: Chase Weems C Columbus HS (GA)
X7th Round: Damon Sublett 2B Wichita State
-8th Round: Taylor Grote OF The Woodlands HS (TX)
X9th Round: Austin Krum OF Dallas Baptist
-10th Round: Carmen Angelini SS Barbe HS (LA)
X11th Round: Isaiah Howes OF Louisville
X12th Round: Manuel Barreda RHP Sahuarita HS (AZ)
X13th Round: Nick Chigges RHP Charleston
X14th Round: Braedyn Pruitt 3B Stetson
X15th Round: Dave Williams OF Rutgers
-16th Round: Dan Mahoney RHP Cushing Academy (MA)
X17th Round: Ryan Zink RHP Illinois-Chicago
-18th Round: Chris Carpenter RHP Kent State
X19th Round: Taylor Holiday OF UC Irvine
X20th Round: Ryan Wehrle SS Nebraska
X21st Round: Justin Snider 2B San Diego
X22nd Round: Craig Heyer RHP Nevada-Las Vegas
X23rd Round: Matt Morris OF UC Irvine
-24th Round: Greg Peavey RHP Hudson’s Bay HS (WA)
X25th Round: Jason Kiley RHP Florida Gulf Coast (FL)
X26th Round: Gary Gattis OF Yavapai JC (AZ)
X27th Round: Brandon Laird 3B Cypress JC (CA)
X28th Round: Jeff Livek RHP Carthage HS (WI)
X29th Round: Matt Pilgreen RHP Louisiana-Lafayette
X30th Round: Chris Carrara 2B Winthrop
-31st Round: Chad Dawson RHP Indiana State
X32nd Round: Brian Chavez SS San Francisco
X33rd Round: Fred Jones RHP Evansville
-34th Round: Drew Storen RHP Brownsburg HS (IN)
-35th Round: Greg Holle RHP Christian Brothers HS (NY)
-36th Round: Danny Cox SS Washington
-37th Round: Steven Strausbaugh OF Western Carolina
-38th Round: Eric Komatsu OF Oxnard JC (CA)
-39th Round: Eric Thames OF Pepperdine
-40th Round: Luke Murton 1B Georgia Tech
X41st Round: Jake Shafer RHP Missouri State
X42nd Round: Chris Raber 1B Coastal Carolina
-43rd Round: Jason Chowning RHP Texarkana JC (TX)
-44th Round: Tyler Herriage LHP Weatherford JC (TX)
-45th Round: Pat Venditte P Creighton
-46th Round: Dan Kapala RHP Notre Dame
-47th Round: Colin Arnold OF Daytona Beach CC (FL)
-48th Round: Scott Bittle RHP Mississippi
-49th Round: Ken Toves LHP Carlsbad HS (CA)
X50th Round: Larry Day C Connecticut
(* all unsigned picks are as of 8/10/07; signing deadline is 8/15/07))

Draft Synopsis: Wait and See


The 2007 draft for the Yankees could well be named “ballers paradise”. While the team failed to draft a “sure thing”, superstar talent, the Yanks did well in drafting a corps of hard-nosed ball players who play the game the right way. This being said, we’ll know more about the Yankees draft success after the August 15th signing deadline. While many teams have locked up many of their top 20 selections thus far, the Bronx Bombers have managed to only lock up four of their top 10 selections. Little is known publicly where contract negotiations with Andrew Brackman currently stand, although a prolonged contract negotiation is to be expected with all Scott Boras advisees (as is an above slot signing bonus). I expect the Yankees to lock up most of these unsigned selections within the first 10 rounds (with Angelini being the wild card, and Brad Suttle almost a lock to return to Austin next season), as they have likely come to terms with these picks, but are holding out on announcing the signings until close to the deadline, as their bonuses are likely above slot.
The Yankees did well to draft a group of seasoned, although unimpressive, collegiate position players. Ryan Wehrle had top 10 round draft potential prior to this past season, although a disastrous ’07 campaign saw him slip to round 20. Damon Sublett will be a quality utility player some day, and I think Isaiah Howes will make a solid fourth of fifth outfielder. On the collegiate pitcher front, Andrew Brackman was an absolute steal at pick 30, and Adam Olbrychowski will make a pretty good middle reliever some day. The selection of Ryan Pope in the third round is the selection which most impressed me however. Few collegiate pitchers rose up draft boards late in the year as Pope did pitching for the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. Emerging out of the woodwork was the 6’3 junior, impressing scouts with his fastball-change up combination. I expect Pope to develop his curveball in the coming years, and thus adding a quality third-pitch to his repertoire. Look for Pope to one day become a solid back of the rotation starter, although the potential is there for him to reach a much higher ceiling.
The Yankees were also pretty impressive at the high school level, especially with their selection of Taylor Grote in the eighth round. Grote’s glove lacks far behind his bat, and while he’ll never hit 30+ home runs at the big league level, I think he’ll develop into a decent right fielder someday. While he has below arm strength for the position, his ability to get on base at a high rate, as well as drive the ball to all parts of the park will solidify his spot in a big league line up. Austin Romine and Chase Weems are two very good catching prospects who project well at the position at the big league level. While Grote, and the duo of catchers are currently unsigned, all three are said to be close to coming to terms with the Yankees, and should all play professionally next season. Romine is a very well-rounded prospect, who possesses a cannon for an arm, and shines defensively. He also swings a good bat with decent pop, although I see him struggling with controlling the strike zone at the big league level. Weems is more of a defensive-minded catcher, who needs some seasoning receiving quality breaking balls at the big league level. His arm is fine, but his bat will likely relegate him to being a back up in the big leagues. With some polish, Romine should become a very good everyday catcher, although depending on Jesus Montero and Francisco Cervelli’s development, it might be for another club.

Best Selection: 8th Round: Taylor Grote OF The Woodlands HS (TX)

While Grote isn’t the eighth round steal Betances was last season, like Betances, Grote’s skill and projection should have earned him a spot a few rounds ahead of where he was selected. Few things are certain in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, however Grote should find his place as an everyday outfielder with a big league club some day, and anytime you can take a player like that at this juncture of the draft, you’re making a very good selection. He should sign for above slot, prior to the August 15th deadline. Andrew Brackman or Ryan Pope could also make cases for best selections for the Yankees in this past draft.

Worst Selection: 4th Round: Brad Suttle 3B Texas

Said to be commanding a seven-figure bonus, Suttle’s ability lacks far behind that which would normally command such a bonus. While Suttle has a pretty good arm for his position, his range in the field is limited, and he’ll never develop a power stroke one would like from a corner infield position. He’s a switch hitter who can give the ball a pretty decent ride, although I’m wary of his ability to make solid contact with a wood bat. A draft eligible sophomore this past season, it’ll require a hefty bonus for Suttle to skip another season in Austin, where he’ll need to show more pop if he hopes to increase his draft stock. A platoon third baseman at best, Suttle’s ceiling does little to justify his bonus demands. Even the Yankees won’t over pay for this selection. Taking a flyer on Will Middlebrooks with this selection would have made much more sense. Aside from Suttle’s selection, the Yankees really didn’t have any “bad” selections in this past draft.

Steal: 1st Round: Andrew Brackman RHP North Carolina State

A likely top five selection prior to his struggles late in the year and concerns over arm fatigue, Brackman has more upside than any other player in the 2007 draft. He has the ability to throw in the high 90’s consistently, as well as a quality change up and a plus curveball which will serve as his out-pitch professionally. At 6’10, Brackman is as projectable as they come, as well as his repertoire which projects very well at the major league level. Brackman should be equally as intimidating at the big league level as he has been in college. Little is known publicly on the health of Brackman’s arm, however even if he requires Tommy John surgery, he should be able to rebound to one day emerge as a top of the rotation pitcher. Currently unsigned, should he receive an above-slot bonus offer from the Yankees, Brackman is almost a lock to sign. Ryan Pope in the third round could also emerge as a steal where he was selected.

Sleeper: 3rd Round: Ryan Pope RHP Savannah College of Art and Design (GA)

While it is difficult to classify a third round selection as a “sleeper” pick, I feel Ryan Pope adequately fits the role. While pretty raw for a collegiate pitcher, Pope is a guy who could develop into a solid strike out pitcher in the big leagues, and could conceivably find his way into the top of the rotation someday. His fastball has pretty good movement, and while his curve needs plenty of work, it has the potential to develop into an out pitch some day. Pope does a pretty good job of controlling the zone and keeping hitters off balance, however he does have a tendency to let his fastball sail high in the zone. Given the Yankees track record with developing collegiate pitchers with question marks in recent years, keep an eye on his progress, as I am expecting big things from him in the years to come. Ryan Zink, the clubs seventeenth round selection is another possible sleeper pick.

Only Time Will Tell: 18th Round: Chris Carpenter RHP Kent State

Injury concerns are all that cloud Chris Carpenter’s ability to pitch at the big league level. A Tommy John surgery alum, Carpenter has tremendous size and very good stuff. Carpenter throws in the mid-90’s, with a plus curveball and below-average change up. While his change lacks good deception, there is good movement to this pitch, and could develop into a plus third pitch. He pitched well to close out the season, and a couple teams were considering taking the Kent State product as high as the first round. However, he has undergone two elbow operations, and teams were reluctant to pay seven figures to a pitcher with so many question marks. I believe he’ll sign, granted for well above slot for an eighteenth round selection. If Carpenter can stay healthy, he could very well be another Alan Horne-esque success story for the Yankees.

Top Unsigned Selection: Currently 1st Round: Andrew Brackman RHP North Carolina State

Draft Grade: Too early to tell

Let’s see how things work out before the deadline. Check back for an update.

Arms Race: Locked and Loaded

Once starved for arms, the New York Yankees have, by far, the most depth of quality arms of any organization. From future aces to the back of the rotation, to a glut of arms destined for the pen, the Yankees have sufficiently addressed this need to the point where their system should produce one of the best staff’s in the bigs for years to come. While many focus on top hurlers Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain, there’s plenty to like with many of the arms the organization currently possesses in the lower ranks of their organization. The Yankees have all the bases covered with this arsenal, from future strikeout leader contenders and Cy Young contenders, to a young corps of potential, shut down relievers, the Yankees front office and scouting department have fared well in their effort to emphasize pitching on the farm. Pitching is the calling card for the organization’s depth, and should be that of their major league club in the years to come.

Pocket Aces: Three Deep (At Least)

The strength of the Yankees organization lies not only in their pitching, but in their front of the rotation talent. The Bronx Bombers currently are privy to possessing three top pitching prospects in Phil Hughes (the top prospect on our list), Joba Chamberlain and Dellin Betances, all of which would be prospective aces on any major league ball club. Hughes and Chamberlain have already made their major league debuts, and should stick with the major league club. Betances is much further away, but has the potential to develop into a better major leaguer than all three.
An eighth round selection last season (due to signability concerns, not ability), Betances has not disappointed, blowing away minor league hitters thus far. Armed with a high 90’s fastball, and an absolutely superb curveball, Betances will rack up an insane number of strikeouts at the big league level, and rarely ever gives up the long ball. He’s struggled with his control a bit this year, but at 19 years old, flaws are to be expected. He likely won’t join the big club for, at the very least, another two years, but once he does, expect Betances to stick.
Phil Hughes has continued to impress, as his stuff has transitioned well to the big league level. Hughes sustained an injury early in his rookie campaign, but will continue to prove he belongs in the rotation down the stretch for the Yankees. He’s still striking out big league hitters at a good clip, and has done well to maintain his command, especially in hitters counts (a difficult thing for any rookie pitcher to do). His two-seamer continues to have great movement; Hughes four-seamer on the other hand has been a pitch which has gotten him into trouble at the big league level. Hughes’s potential to be the major leagues next great arm is dependant on his ability to establish this four-seamer, which will make his knee-buckling curveball and plus slider all the more effective. His change up lacks far behind everything else, but his ability to paint the corners with the two-seamer will render this irrelevant. If Hughes can continue to throw strikes, and stay below the belt with his fastball, he should head the Yankees rotation for at least the next five years.
Few pitchers have enjoyed the kind of consistent success Joba Chamberlain has enjoyed since signing with the Yankees following the 2006 draft. Dominant at all levels, Chamberlain finally got the call recently to the big club, and performed quite well against division rival Toronto. He’ll serve the club out of the pen this season (ill-advised in my opinion), but will probably break camp next season in the rotation. His fastball has plenty of life on it, topping out at about 96, and Chamberlain is more than capable of throwing it consistently for strikes. His slider is probably his best secondary pitch right now, and is a plus-plus pitch, but I believe his curveball will be his go-to, strikeout pitch at the big league level. It has developed nicely in his time in the minor leagues, and trails the slider by a good margin right now. However, the hook has a very sharp break, is rarely loopy, and possesses tremendous depth. When paired with his slider, and set up by his fastball, Chamberlain’s repertoire can keep just about any batter off balance, and allow him to miss plenty of bats at the big league level. Chamberlain will serve as the Yankees number three behind Wang and Hughes, although his stuff is more than capable of spearheading any rotation. The only real concern with Chamberlain is with his conditioning and durability. If he can keep his weight in check, he’ll be fine, although this is easier said than done (Bartolo Colon anyone?). Look for Chamberlain and Hughes to create one of the most feared rotation tandems in the game.
There are more than three impact arms destined for rotation spots for the Yankees. If kept in tact, the Yankees rotation of the future could conceivably be filled with home-grown talent, an impressive feat in today’s game. Another arm on the fast track is the Yankees top pick from the 2006 draft, USC-product Ian Kennedy.
After a disappointing 2006 campaign with the Trojans, Kennedy inked a deal with the Yankees and never looked back. Kennedy has risen all the way to a AAA call up this season, and has been unhittable in his first three starts. Word is the Yanks will give Kennedy a September call up, though he’ll likely work out of the pen. Like Chamberlain, I look for Kennedy to contend for a rotation spot as early as next season. Kennedy is a very smart pitcher, and while he isn’t a fireballer who will blow you away with mid-90’s heat (he pitches around 89 and 90), his command is the best in the organization, which allows him to put hitters on the ropes early. His curveball should continue to improve, and his change up is much better than most will have you believe. With a solid defense behind him, Kennedy’s fastball, change-up combination almost makes Kennedy a sure fire front of the rotation starter at the big league level. Look for him to earn the rotations fifth spot next season.
Flying under the radar of everybody other than Yankee fans is right hander Alan Horne. Horne, another Tommy John operation alum, has regained the same explosive stuff which made him a favorite on the scouting circuit during high school. Horne has been dominant with his heavy fastball peaking in the mid 90’s, Horne’s bread and butter is staying down in the zone, and inducing ground balls or flailing half swings on pitches in the dirt. Horne will likely strikeout fewer in the bigs than his ridiculous minor league strikeout totals will indicate, but he’ll pitch to contact and he’ll make line ups string together hits to score runs on him. I like him as a middle of the rotation arm at the big league level, but with the Yankees depth, he’ll probably find a home at number four or five in the rotation. This being said, if he can remain healthy, expect him to be a target for many clubs to attempt to acquire via trade once he gets established at the big league level (although this past season Cashman made Horne unavailable to clubs).
Among others to keep an eye on, are right-handers Zach McAllister, Jeff Marquez, and Brett Smith. McAllister’s pair of fastballs has been impressive thus far, and once he’s allowed to develop his slider, McAllister has the potential to make his way to the top of the organization’s prospect list. Jeff Marquez is another arm who like Horne, stays down in the zone and throws a very heavy fastball-change up combination. His sinker has not developed as the Yankees had hoped when they drafted him with a sandwich pick in ’04, but is still a quality pitch which will serve him well in pitchers counts at the big league level. Marquez will likely serve out of the pen once called up to the big club, but will be given a shot at the rotation once one becomes available after about a year in the pen. Brett Smith has been fantastic this season for the Yankees farm system, buckling batters with an above-average curveball and a solid, yet flat fastball. His fastball is much more effective when his change his working for him, and should serve him well early in counts at the big league level. Smith doesn’t have the high ceiling of many of the other arms in the Yanks system, although should he should have a productive major league career. Smith’s first taste of the bigs should come in the form of a September call up working in long relief, or potentially has an emergency or spot starter. He’ll need a move to be made for him to ever get a shot at a spot in the Yankees future rotation however. These are just a few of the many arms the Yanks have at their disposal through their system. Other names like Tyler Clippard, Chase Wright, and Michael Dunn will also see productive major league careers, although these pitchers are much more expendable than the ones I named previously for pitchers destined for the rotation. Keep an eye on the Yankees system for quality starters in the future: I guarantee many general managers around the league have already been doing the same.

Sigh of Relief: Arm in a Sling

The success of the Yankees prospective relievers has been quite different than that of their rotation counterparts. Decimated by injuries the past two seasons, these prospects have a much longer road to success, impeded by future rehab assignments.
Humberto Sanchez, a key piece in the Gary Sheffield deal, went down early with an elbow injury and required Tommy John surgery. Almost guaranteed a spot in the Yankees injury-decimated rotation this season had he remained healthy, Sanchez will likely best serve the Yankees out of the pen once he gets healthy (which could be late into 2008 or 2009). He never developed the stuff he was expected to ride to a spot in the Tigers rotation, but if Sanchez regains his form, I see him developing into a pretty good middle reliever in the big leagues.
Christian Garcia projected well as a future, middle of the rotation starter out of high school, however his slow progress was derailed by Tommy John surgery last year. Still recovering, it’ll be interesting to see if he can regain the stuff which initially made him a top pitching prospect for the Yankees. Garcia could still very well develop into a quality starter, but right now, I’d say his best bet is to be an above average middle reliever, possibly working as the Yankees future set up man. With two very good pitches in his fastball and curve, Garcia will impact the Yankees at sometime in the future, should he ever get healthy; his role however, is still somewhat up in the air.
J. Brent Cox was destined to become the Yankees closer of the future. However, an early elbow injury will likely cost the former Longhorn closer all of 2007, and possibly some of 2008. While not your typical, fire ball throwing prospect one usually thinks of with regard to closer prospects, Cox has had success in the role, winning a National Title with the Longhorns as the staffs closer. He doesn’t give up many long balls, however, I feel his stuff best projects in middle relief. He throws far too many pitches to close, and I don’t feel he’ll be effective at missing many bats at the big league level. With the long road to recovery certainly ahead of the Texas-alum, look for Cox to be groomed as a closer once healthy, but be effective as a quality seventh inning option in the major leagues. Ground ball outs will likely be his specialty, so he could also be utilized in a role earlier than that, should a starter find themselves in trouble in tight games.
Yet another collegiate closer, Mark Melancon is the arm I feel best projects for the closer role at the big league level. However, like Cox, Melancon has also been sidelined with elbow trouble, and will need to wait until next season to re-establish himself in the system. Melancon is a much harder thrower than Cox, usually sitting around 93, with a potentially devastating curveball he’ll use as his out pitch at the big league level. My biggest knock on Melancon has been his inability to consistently go inside to hitters, but with some more development, will probably counter this going to his fastball high to entice hitters to chase. Pitching backwards, throwing his curve in hitters counts should also benefit him at the big league level, though he has yet to do much of this in the minor leagues. This being said, he is the most likely candidate for the closer role in the future.

Slamming the Door-men: Up For Grabs

With the top two “closers in waiting” in Melancon and Cox currently on the shelf, an opportunity for another prospective future fire man to take control is available. However, few contenders have arisen thus far, and the system is lacking a viable option with Cox and Melancon out. Reliever Jonathan Ortiz has done well as high as A ball, but doesn’t project well at the major league level at all. He’s currently tearing it up in Staten Island, and even though he’s only 21, I’d like to see his secondary pitches develop exponentially for him to have a shot at the major league roster. Former Tar Heel Jonathan Hovis has also performed admirably in the role in the minor leagues, but again, projects more as a fringe middle reliever than anything else. Other names to keep in mind could possibly be Daniel McCutchen or Francisco Castillo. I could also see Kevin Whelan possibly being converted down the line, but for right now, everything is pretty much up in the air. With as many fine arms in the system as the Yankees have, should Cox or Melancon falter, converting a prospect is always an option, especially should they fare well in middle relief at the big league level.

Playing the Field: “Those whom the gods would destroy, they first call ‘promising’”- Cyril Connolley

To say the Yankees top positional prospects over the past few years have been disappointing is an understatement. The Drew Henson experiment was a bust (as was his subsequent football career), C.J. Henry never found his bat, Dioner Navarro never materialized (at least not with the Yanks anyway), and Eric Duncan’s pop has not developed as expected. Needless to say, the Yankees farm system has truly been a tale of two very different paths to the big club: the pitchers have far exceeded expectations, and in many cases, overachieved, while their positional prospects have, well, not. For every Robinson Cano or Melky Cabrera, there is a Wily Mo Pena or Dioner Navarro whom the Yanks have fallen out of favor with. Things are changing in the Evil Empire however, and with the organizations new found commitment to the farm system, comes promise on the horizon.

A Bone to Pick: Slim Pickn’s

With regard to talented positional prospects who will be assets defensively in New York, you won’t find much help in their farm system. Marcos Vechionacci has the glove, range and strong arm to remain at third base for the Yankees. However, it’s his bat which lacks the production and power potential to remain at the position. This could still develop as he’s still very young; however he might need to be considered for changing positions, presumably to the outfield should the production never materialize.
Francisco Cervelli appears to be the heir apparent to Jorge Posada in the Big Apple. Not only does he have the bat to play everyday behind the plate, but he’s a polished backstop who receives breaking balls well, and can block just about anything in the dirt. Cervelli also possesses an absolute cannon for an arm, although balls tend to sail upward when throwing out base stealers; this is not uncommon for young catchers with good velocity on their throws, and he should correct this as he develops. He possesses above-average athleticism for the position, and while this isn’t evident in his base running ability, it should serve him well and enable him to withstand 120 games a season behind the plate.
The Yankees farm system has a few interesting defensive prospects in the middle infield, although none of which I’d consider to have much of a ceiling. Never the less, the few they do have could conceivably make an impact at the big league level. Ramiro Pena, a slick fielding short stop, is arguably the systems best defensive infielder (although his arm will likely relegate him to second base later on). He has adequate range to play second base, however he brings almost nothing to the plate offensively, and his speed is below average. Pena could make for a serviceable back up down the line, but anything more than that would be a reach. One who projects a bit better at the big league level is short stop Reegie Corona. Corona is a hard nosed, defensive minded infielder who projects as a utility man down the road. He’s undersized for the hot corner, but has sufficient range to hold his own in the middle infield and has a decent arm. Corona has problems winging the ball to first, as the ball typically tails away from first baseman to right field. I like Corona’s bat off the bench, as well as his versatility, as he reminds me a bit of Marco Scutaro. Corona will someday serve a major league club well in the utility role, getting most of his burn at second base, but he has the ability to be a spot third baseman or left fielder.
In the outfield, things look a little better for the Yankees, although depth still lacks in every aspect of the field. Jose Tabata is simply a stud, whether at the plate or in the field. Tabata’s arm is seriously underrated, and is playable from right field. I also like his range, and his ability to get consistently solid reads (although he plays balls a little too safe at this point, keeping everything in front of him and sometimes letting bloop singles he should be able to reach fall for hits). Regardless of his ability in the outfield, his bat is playable in any future line up, so he’ll find a spot somewhere, but most likely in right field. The Yankees also have a pair of solid outfield prospects defensively in Tim Battle and Seth Fortenberry . Both Battle and Fortenberry have had difficulty getting consistently good contact at the minor league level, so their bats lag far behind their defensive prowess. Neither of these guys are serious contenders for regular major league service, but Fortenberry’s arm paired with his ability to pull balls for some pop give him the best shot of the two. This being said, Fortenberry is little more than a fifth outfielder at best. Brett Gardner has a higher ceiling than Battle and Fortenberry, and while he has great range due to his lightning quick speed, his arm doesn’t really play anywhere in the outfield, and is well-below average. As intrigue is concerned, Austin Jackson is the most intriguing of their system outside of Tabata in the outfield. Jackson has tremendous athleticism which rivals that of Tim Battle. Like Gardner and Battle, Jackson has fantastic range, but his reads are a bit better, and his arm is sufficient to play center. His bat is much more playable than Battle’s, though he’s never going to hit for much power. Jackson, has the potential to develop into a decent outfielder, and could fit the bill for the Yankees fourth outfielder of the future, possibly working his way to consistent playing time.

Bats Out of Hell: Little Pop at the Top

The further you get down in the Yankees system, the further you get away from the 2007 version of Murderer’s Row. While there are a few Yankee prospects who will make consistent contact at the major league level, and whose bats could play at the level, very few look destined to hit for much power at the pro level.
Jose Tabata swings the best stick in the system. While the Yankees prettiest swing still belongs to Robinson Cano, Tabata consistently gets fantastic contact on almost anything he swings at. He has exceptional hands, almost Alfonso Soriano-esque, as they are very quick and quite strong. This results in pitchers inability to ever jam him, as well as his ability to load before hand, and rake plus breaking balls. Tabata exhibits good plate discipline, and his power is underrated. Once Tabata fully develops, 30 home runs will not be out of reach for him. Tabata should hit for a high average in the major leagues, as well as draw his fair share of walks as well. Look for Tabata to become a run producing machine at the major league level, knocking over 100 on a regular basis.
While there isn’t much else with regard to pure hitters after Tabata, Shelley Duncan has shown the ability to consistently mash during his tenure in the minor leagues, as well as during his time with the Yankees this season. The prospect with the best pop, “the other Duncan” completely destroyed his opponents in the minor leagues this season, hitting 25 home runs during his time in the minor leagues. Duncan’s swing is very long and not without holes, which will result in his fare share of strike outs and his in ability to hit much for average. This being said, Duncan should continue to provide plenty of pop, and should be an adequate DH at the major league level.
One name Yankees fans have been waiting on for some time is Eric Duncan, a name synonymous with their increasing frustration with the clubs inability to develop positional talent in recent years. Eric Duncan, the clubs top selection in the 2003 draft, has very good power projection; it’s just been difficult to turn that projection into production. With his inability to hit for pop consistently at the minor league level, has developed a slew of new problems with his swing. His swing has transformed from a once compact, almost effortless power stroke, to a long hack with maximum effort. Duncan has the ability to drive the ball to all fields; however, he has failed to do so since his mechanics have gone out of whack. He’ll likely continue to strikeout at a high clip until he shortens his stroke, and works on driving the ball again rather than being intent on pulling every pitch high in the zone he sees. Still, Duncan continues to have power potential, projecting very well at the major league level. It’s whether or not he can ever piece things together again to the point where he can realize this potential.
Shying away from the power discussion, we’ll touch on a talent the Yankees hope can one day make his way to the top of the line up. Brett Gardner first caught scouts attention with his blazing speed. However, he has shown many quality attributes commonly associated with a quality lead-off hitter. Gardner has no power to speak of, but makes up for it with above-average contact and good plate discipline. He has a very level stroke, and is adept at waiting for the ball to come to him at the plate, instead of guessing and reaching at junk. Gardner will also draw his share of walks, and make you pay for it with his speed. For Gardner to stick at the major league level, his bat will have to carry him, as his arm is a huge defensive liability. Still, speed, ability to get consistent contact, and a good eye are all abilities too important to ignore, and should allow Gardner to become an everyday centerfielder at the major league level.


Speed Demons: M.I.A

As I touched on previously, the Yankees speed on the farm is addressed mainly by their outfield. A common phrase in baseball is speed never slumps; however, in this case, one also has to consider what the Yankees would be giving up with respect to other tools in order to get their speedy outfield corps into the line up. Many of their base path burners are one-dimensional players, so they’ll need to tread carefully when constructing future line ups in which these players will be utilized.
Brett Gardner is the most likely of the group to stick at the big league level. With speed that’s well above the major league average, Gardner’s speed not only helps him on the base paths, but also in the field with respect to his range. He should steal plenty of bags at the major league level, as well as get on base at a high clip. It’s whether or not his shortcomings regarding his arm will make him a defensive liability. I like Gardner as a future lead off hitter, defensive liability and all, and expect him to be among the leagues prolific base runners in the future.
A couple others have sufficient speed, but flaws in their game will likely keep them from becoming any real threat in the majors. Jose Tabata is one however, who should have an impact on the base paths in addition to his other talents. Tabata possesses terrific base running ability, even if his speed is only above-average. This is another reason Tabata will be feared as a multi-dimensional threat out of his spot in the corner outfield. Tim Battle and Seth Fortenberry can more than hold their own on the base paths, but for their shortcomings offensively, I look for any impact in the big leagues to be minimal. Reegie Corona should fit in well with the big club in a utility role, and while his base running ability his average, I just don’t see him getting the opportunities to have a major impact. I love Mitch Hilligoss’s hitting ability and he’s a very good base runner, so if he ever finds a spot in an everyday role, he could be a possible threat. Hilligoss is a little uncomfortable taking big leads with southpaws on the hill, though with some seasoning at the higher levels of the minors, he should get past this. The questions surrounding Hilligoss are mainly with his glove, and whether or not he has a true position. After him however, there isn’t much else.

Depth: Armed Like the Punisher

The Yankees depth with regard to their farm system resides solely in their impact pitching prospects. While other aspects of the organization are clearly lacking, one simply cannot ignore the many quality arms the organization now possesses. The Yankees have quality trade fodder in these arms, so whether or not they address some of these shortcomings down the road through trading these prospects remains to be seen. Still, the depth of pitching alone gives the Yankees one of the better systems in the league. Whether this translates to fielding a successful ball club with home grown talent as the Yankees have stated they plan to do is a question we cannot answer at this point. All in all though, it’s a first step, and a very big one at that. Stay tuned as things are definitely looking up in the Yankees farm system.

On the Rise: Alan Horne RHP (Trenton--AA)

Fall from Grace: Eric Duncan 1B (Scranton/Wilkes--AAA)

System Strengths: Pitching

System Weaknesses: Power, Defense, Arm Strength, Speed

System Grade: A-

[Jerome]

post is now up.

[Chubz]

wow great post brother///

[Chubz]

YouTube Video

YouTube Video

Stats:
Age: 21 (September 23, 1985)
Position:P Throws: Right
Ht/Wt: 6'3" 225 lbs
From: Lincoln NE USA
Drafted - 2006, Round 1 out of U of Nebraska

Scouting:
Joba has recently got the call-up to join the Yankees during a crucial strecth of 21 games against top teams in the AL. He has tossed 4innings, 1 hit, 2 walks 6ks, 0 earned runs. He posseses a plus fastball that averages between 94-97 and has hit 98-99 over the four innings he's tossed so far. For as good as his fastball is, he also has shown that his slider can be devastating. It's very effective against both lefties and righties, he throws that slider at 88-90mph. He has an above average curveball which he doesn't throw much as the Yankees want him to develop his changeup to compliment his fastball.
For such a hard thrower, Joba has excellent control. When he misses his spots, the ball stays around the plate but rarely ever is above the knees.

Potential:
What's not to like about this kid? As long as he keeps his weight under control and keeps up on conditioning, the sky is the limit. People compare Phil Hughes to Roger Clemens, I like others see him as a Mike Mussina with power type pitcher....I think Chamberlain is more of a Clemens type. I do think Chamberlian should not go away from the curveball, it complimented Clemens' arsenal. With the Rocket there to give advice, it might not even be far fetched that he pass along the splitfinger.

Right now the Yanks have him working out of the bullpen. This will be for this year only. He has potential ace stuff, the Yanks won't let that rot away in the bullpen.

[Chubz]

here is what one scout says of Joba Chamberlain:

Joba Chamberlain: "He's 95-99 for seven innings as a starter," says one scout. "He has Verlander stuff, but if it fell apart, he'd still be Jonathan Broxton."

[Chubz]

Last Start 8/10/2007:

YouTube Video

Phil Hughes Vs Jose Tabata 1996 Futures Games:

YouTube Video

Stats:

Age: 21 (June 24, 1986)
Position:P Throws: Right
Ht/Wt: 6'5" 220 lbs
From: Santa Ana CA USA
Drafted - 2004, Round 1 out of High School

Scouting:

Phil has a plus fastball that averages between 93-95, he can get up to about 96-97. He usually stays at 93-94 with command. His fastball has movement and is very effective when used with his still developing changeup and knee buckling curveball. He also has a nice plus 2 seam fastball that he also locates very well. His Curveball though, it's nasty. Some say it's a 12-6 curve but to me it looks more like a 1-7. He throws it in the low 80's and like I said above, mixed up with his fastball, he has made some good MLB hitters look foolish. Like his 2 seamer and 4 seam fastball, he has great location with this pitch. His mechanics rarely flaw him, so he's always on top of his curve. The one thing that he needs to work on is his slider, or lack of. He went away from his slider to focus on the three above pitches. I imagine that he will re-add that to his arsenal as hitters start adapting to his other pitches.

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