Which prospect to 'watch'?

by Travis G on Mar 30, 2009 10:28 PM EDT in Minors

We're going to have a 'prospect watch' this season, so please let us know who you're most interested in. The poll can be found on the right sidebar.

The candidates are as follows:

Austin Jackson is a solid, all-around centerfielder. He doesn't have one standout skill, but doesn't have any major weaknesses either. He'll start the year in Triple-A Scranton with an outside chance to take over centerfield in the Bronx if both Gardner and Melky struggle and he excels. ETA 2010.

Mark Melancon is the best relief prospect in the Yankees system. He was the closer for the University of Arizona and had Tommy John surgery soon after joining the Yankees in 2006. He throws a low 90s fastball and a great power curve. His K/BB rate was a tremendous 5.50 in Scranton last year. The most amazing aspect was that he improved with each step up the organizational ladder in 2008. ETA 2010.

Jesus Montero is the highest-ceiling position player in the organization. He was signed out of Venezuela as a 16-year-old for a record sum of $1.6 million in 2006. Despite being listed as a catcher, most 'experts' doubt he'll stay there, predicting a move to 1b, LF or DH before he makes the Show. ETA 2012.

Andrew Brackman is the highest-ceiling pitcher in the organization. He was drafted in the first round in 2007 out of North Carolina State and, like Melancon, almost immediately had TJS. Most of the excitement over him is due entirely to projection: he's 6'10" and has reached 99 MPH on the radar gun. His problems will he staying healthy and keeping his mechanics consistent. ETA 2012.

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Comments

I’m watching AJax and Melancon, especially Melancon. I’m more interested in players who can play in the big leagues this year than pipedreams with high ceilings.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Mar 30, 2009 11:35 PM EDT reply actions

Dellin Betances

Can we get him in there?

by EFFTheSox on Mar 30, 2009 11:38 PM EDT reply actions

Prospect watch

Your forgetting Cervelli. He is going to be the next catcher not Montero

chandler knight

by ae2cdk on Mar 31, 2009 12:44 AM EDT reply actions

Cervelli

might be nothing more than a good backup. the next fulltime C is probably Romine.

by Travis G on Mar 31, 2009 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Montero is a potential monster

This guy’s plate potential is huge. As for Austin, if Reggie is a huge fan of the kid… that’s good enough for me.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Mar 31, 2009 12:46 AM EDT reply actions

I like Melancon

As you previously mentioned, he has shown tremendous progress while climbing the ranks in the minors. I think he could be an immediate contributor for the Yankees.

While he had a strong spring, AJax, if he gets called up, may need some time to adjust to ML pitching. I rather see him spend a full year in AAA.

by BigSlim on Mar 31, 2009 1:27 AM EDT reply actions

Melancon

May be up sooner than you think. He is probably the closest thing the Yanks have to an heir apparent to Mo in the minors (although if Joba fails this year as a starter he may be moved back permanently).

The yanks bullpen to me is underrated (unlike the Red Sux who believe their bullpen is untouchable already) but it still is unproven. Melancon wouln’t do much to the unproven side, but he could provide a Joba like jolt into the Pen. He also is not gonna be molded into a starter, so if he does good he stays there.

by FreeBradshaw on Mar 31, 2009 9:30 AM EDT reply actions