Baby Bombers Update: Draft Day Tomorrow

This post has been a long time coming, but figuring out the best format and how much information to include delayed its appearance. I'm still not sure exactly how I want this to be, so if you have suggestions for things to include or exclude, feel free to let me know.

The biggest news is that the First-Year Player Draft begins tomorrow with the Houston Astros picking first and the Yankees picking 30th. MLB Daily Dish has a preview, including a projection of the first ten picks. I've got my heart set on Louisiana catcher Stryker Trahan as the Yankees pick just because he has a cool name. Damon Oppenheimer, VP of amateur scouting, says that they look for "make it in NY" ability, so why not go for cool names since we're using absurdly silly criteria anyway?

A look at the players we already have after the jump.

AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre: Record this week - 5-4

AA Trenton Thunder: Record this week - 8-2

High A Tampa: Record this week - 1-6

Low A Charleston: Record this week - 3-5

A few players have been on the move this week within the Yankees' system. Second baseman Corban Joseph and shortstop Yadil Mujica were called up to AAA from Trenton and Russell Branyan joined the Empire State Yankees after being injured since Spring Training. Expect more of these in the coming weeks.

Joseph, affectionately called CoJo by those like me who like him more than his talent level suggests we should, started his AAA career with a dinger in his first AB. For a team that just lost their best hitter in Steve Pearce to the Orioles this week, they will take offense from anywhere they can get it.

Tyler Austin and Gary Sanchez put on a show for Low A Charleston offensively this week. Austin continues to destroy the Sally League, and hit his league-leading 14th home run of this season today against the Greenville Drive. He's currently 21 for his last 40 with seven extra base hits. Gary Sanchez apparently took Jedi's post about his lack of home runs to heart, so he decided to hit five of them this week. I have to think promotions are coming soon for these guys, Sanchez especially, and it's just a matter of when. I just selfishly hope that it's after I see them play on the 16th.

Unfortunately, not everyone is having the same success. Brandon Laird has been disappointing all season, batting just .227/.295/.323 with two home runs in 55 games. I really want him to be good, but I lose more and more faith that he will be as time goes on. Dante Bichette Jr. has had a tough season to this point, as well, hitting only .246/.341/.303 on the year. Rookie ball numbers have duped people before, but I still have some (blind) faith that Bichette will be able to turn it around.

Adam Warren has also had a disappointing season to this point, but turned in a strong performance today against the Norfolk Tides. He pitched seven shut out innings, allowing five hits and no walks while striking out six. It's hard to say whether or not he has a real place on the Yankees in the near future, thanks to guys who are likely better options being available to fill the limited amount of openings in the rotation, but depth is certainly never a bad thing. Unless you're the player who is only considered depth, I guess.

I miss Manny Banuelos.