2010 Top 10 Prospects: Closer Look

Earlier in the week I posted the Top 10 Yankees prospects published by Baseball America.  Here is a closer look:

1. Jesus Montero, C – Montero has been a very well publicized prospect.  In BA’s mid-season Top 25 Montero ranked 3rd so it is not a surprise that he ranks No. 1 in the Yankees system.  He needs a lot of work behind the plate but I’m hoping he can be ready to contribute at the MLB level if we need him.  He could fill in for Nick Johnson if/when he suffers his annual injury and maybe handle catching every now and then.

2. Austin Romine, C – Romine has been tabbed as our catcher of the future.  His bat is not what Montero’s is but his defense will give him a better opportunity to make a career behind the plate.

3. Arodys Vizcaino, RHP – I don’t know much about Vizcaino so I am looking forward to reading about him when Baseball America releases the 2010 Prospect Handbook.  His 2009 stats look good and you can check them out here.  I’m a little bit surprised that he made it this high on the list but BA apparently really likes his upside.

4. Slade Heathcott, OF - Heathcott, our 2009 first rounder,  is another guy who is ranked really high based on upside.  Heathcott made his debut in 2009 but only had 10 AB’s, so it will be interesting to see what he can do this season.  He has five-tool upside but we’ll need exhibit plenty of patience with him.

5. Zach McAllister, RHP – McAllister is not a high strikeout, highlight reel type of pitcher but there is a chance that he could contribute to the MLB club later this season.  It will be interesting to if they keep him around or if he gets moved in a mid-season deal.

6. Manny Banuelos, LHP – Banuelos is another guy who doesn’t necessarily light up the radar gun but, the team likes him a lot for his poise and craftiness – things that you don’t often see in 18 year olds.

7. Gary Sanchez, C – Sanchez was an International Free Agent that was signed this past season.  He is only 16 so he’s a good ways away.  The few scouting reports I saw had him as a guy with a power arm and big bat – not as big as Montero’s though.

8. J.R. Murphy, C – Another 2009 draft pick already creating some buzz.  Murphy raked in his short professional debut.

9. Jeremy Bleich, LHP – Bleich’s numbers did not look good in his first taste of Double-A action but he is probably the next in line after McAllster as far as starting pitchers who are closest to contributing at the Major League level.

10. Andrew Brackman, RHP – This is an important season for Brackman.  He reached his goal in 2009 of staying healthy for an entire year as he recovered from Tommy John surgery.  Hopefully he’ll be able to start focusing on improving on his numbers now.

Closing thoughts:

• It might seem a little bit pointless to have so many catchers but, it is nice to have depth at such a premium position.  It will be interesting to see which guys get moved to  different positions and which get moved to different teams.

• You like seeing a lot of pitchers among the top prospects, although the Yankees’ guys are a decent ways away from contributing to the big club.  Hopefully with the pitchers  that we have right now we won’t have a big need to rush any of our minor league guys.

• At first glance it is a little concerning to see that we only have one position player in the top 10 who doesn’t play catcher but we should keep two things in mind.  First, guys can always be moved to other positions.  You see catchers moved to other positions all the time.  Craig Biggio is just one example.  Secondly, these guys are so far away that we don’t need to concern ourselves with what position they play right now.

Keep your eyes out for more on these prospects when I get some more info on them.  Also, keep your eyes out for the Farm Reports once the Minor Leagues kick off their seasons in 2010.

Tags: Andrew Brackman, Arodys Vizcaino, Austin Romine, Gary Sanchez, J.R. Murphy, Jeremy Bleich, Jesus Montero, Manny Banuelos, Slade Heathcott, Zach McAllister