John Sickels of our SBN sister-site minorleagueball has released his Yankee top 20 list, so without further ado:
- Joba Chamberlain, RHP, Grade A
- Jose Tabata, OF, Grade B+
- Ian Kennedy, RHP, Grade B+
- Alan Horne, RHP, Grade B
- Austin Jackson, OF, Grade B-
- Bradley Suttle, 3B, Grade B-
- Dellin Betances, RHP, Grade B-
- Austin Romine, C, Grade B- (hate grading guys who haven't played yet, could be C+)
- Jesus Montero, C, Grade C+ (borderline B-)
- Dan McCutchen, RHP, Grade C+
- Brett Gardner, OF, Grade C+
- Damon Sublett, 2B, Grade C+ (love this guy)
- Andrew Brackman, RHP, Grade C+ (could slot anywhere from 9 to 20 depending on what you want to emphasize)
- Jeffrey Marquez, RHP, Grade C+
- George Kontos, RHP, Grade C+
- Kevin Whelan, RHP, Grade C+ (check those K/IP and H/IP, but command?)
- Frank Cervelli, C, Grade C+ (great glove, bat?)
- David Robertson, RHP, Grade C+ (stunning numbers)
- Jairo Heredia, RHP, Grade C+
- Zach McAllister, RHP, Grade C+
Grade A prospects are the elite. They have a good chance of becoming stars or superstars. Almost all Grade A prospects develop into major league regulars, if injuries or other problems don't intervene. Note that is a major "if" in some cases.
Grade B prospects have a good chance to enjoy successful careers. Some will develop into stars, some will not. Most end up spending several years in the majors, at the very least in a marginal role.
Grade C prospects are the most common type. These are guys who have something positive going for them, but who may have a question mark or three, or who are just too far away from the majors to get an accurate feel for. A few Grade C guys, especially at the lower levels, do develop into stars. Many end up as role players or bench guys. Some don't make it at all.
John tries to really project these players, rather than just analyzing their performance at their age level. Like me, he is very skeptical of players who haven't performed in the upper levels.
I've got some minor quibbles (I'd have put Gardner 8th, graded Whelan higher, and left off the guys who haven't played yet [Brackman, Romine, etc]).
Overall, a good list and an interesting read.