Series Preview: Yankees' Minors Wrap

By Professor Matt Himelfarb
Posted Friday, May 18, 2007

Here at Flushing University, we decided that in order to enhance the education of those flunking, to give them a sneak peek at the upcoming opponenets. However, unlike most sites, we took a little different route than most named publications. While nearly everyone shifts their attention to the major leagues, there's still, in an internet dominated world, one sacrosanct province left untouched: The Minor Leagues. Doing a feature focusing on the majors is one thing, but we conjectured that the minors are full of stories left untold.

One's conventional wisdom by simply glancing over prospect rankings can dictate the future, but here at F.U., we've broken it down to simplest terms.

We will assign a grade to the following:
1. Hitting for average
2. Hitting for power
3. Pitching capability
4. Pitching depth
5. Athleticism

Is Roger Clemens really necessary with all the arms in the Yanks system?

Minor League Affiliates:

AAA: Scranton
AA: Trenton
A+: Tampa
A: Charleston
SS: Staten Island
Rookie: GCL Yankees

Hitting for Average

Jose Tabata, OF, A+, (17)

The Manny Ramirez comparisons in terms of power potential are far-fetched, but the batting title projection isn't when it comes to Tabata. Two wrist injuries over the course of last year had Yankees fans worried, but Tabata followed up an outstanding 2006 Debut at A Charleston, (.298/.376/.387) with a nice start at A+ Tampa in 2007, (.297/.373/.387)

Mitch Hilligoss, SS, A, (21)

He doesn't have quite the same ceiling as Tabata (2006- .292/.355/.352; 2007- .289/.338/380) but his incredibly efficient swing will at least warrant him a utility role.

Alberto Gonzalez, SS, AAA, (24)

Gonzalez is more known for his cannon arm than his offense, but in age where Jose Valentin is getting a comfy two year pact, Gonzalez ability to make consistent contact ( 0.77 BB/K last year) reminiscent of David Eckstein is nothing to cry about

Final Grade: C: Hard to say anybody else is a regular aside from Tabata, but I see Gonzalez eventually hooking up with a low payroll team and becoming a solid shortstop.

Hitting For Power

Cody Ehlers, 1B, AA, (25)

Despite being old for his league last year, (A+ Tampa .298/.366/.488) I gave a mention to Ehlers, who relies upon his intelligence and mechanics more so than he does tools accompanied by a 38.7 XBH%.

Bronson Sardinha, OF, AAA, (24)

A first rounder in 2001, Sardinha still hasn't managed to improve his strikeout totals and has played multiple positions throughout his minor league career.

Eric Duncan 1B, AAA, (22)

A common misconception, Duncan isn't the 30 HR power threat that scouts envisioned when he was drafted, but his bat will have to carry him, and he appears all but a lost cause at this point. ( 2007-.212/.317/.353

Final Grade: D: I hate to sound like a complete Yankee basher, but the way they rushed Eric Duncan, while changing positions, is something they ought to regret.

Pitching Capability

Philip Hughes, RHSP, MLB, (20)

We might not get to see Hughes back in the bigs until July now, but expect him to surface as an ace before long. His "GOSO" (groundball+ strikeout rate) numbers- 58%- rank among the best in the game, due to his ability to generate his knockout curve.

Joba Chamberlain, RHSP, A+ (23)

Armed with an explosive fastball, Chamberlain made up for lost time after signing late by posting a 15.33:1 K/BB ratio in the HBL.

Dellin Betances, RHSP, Extended Spring Training, (18)

Though largely unproven, Betances has potential written all over him. His power fastball and numbers were very impressive last year in the GCL ( 1.16 era. 30.00% strikeout rate) but his mechanics were all over the place in spring training, ultimately leading the Yankees to send him to extended spring training.

Final Grade: A: Three aces aren't enough to warrant an A?

Pitching Depth

Ian Kennedy, RHSP, A+, (22)

There are just too many pitchers in the Yankees system for me to stay with the three-for-each approach, and Kennedy's spot is more of a testament to how good everybody is above him than just how good he's. The most polished pitcher coming into last year's draft, Kennedy's stock fell his junior year, but the Yankee are looking pretty smart right now for taking him so early. (2007- 1.69 era. 16% opposing XBH%.)

Tyler Clippard, RHSP, AAA, (22)

Clippard got the average baseball fan's attention last year after pitching a non-no in 2006 in AA Trenton, but the so called "soft stuff" hasn't exactly let up this year at AAA. ( 2.79 era. 22.8% strikeout rate).

Alan Horne, RHSP, AA, (24)

Who cares that Horne belongs smack dab in the middle of the capability column? The 6"4 right hander who features a novel arsenal that includes a sinking 94-97 mph fastball accompanied by a 12-6 curveball has appeared to full regain his command after Tommy john surgery in 2004, compiling a 5:1 K/BB ratio this year at Trenton.

Final Grade: a: Did I forget to mention the six other guys? Too bad there isn't enough room.

Athleticism

Austin Jackson, OF, A, (19)

If everything pans out well, Jackson, who the Yankees started scouting when he's twelve years old, should take over in center field for the Yankees one day. Personally, I see him having a breakout year despite the strikeouts, (151 last year,) because his patient approach (61 walks) will eventually take over. In his second year at Charleston, his line sits at .274/.353/.410

Colin Curtis, OF, A+, (22)

Curtis lacks the ability to be a star, but his smooth swing and mature approach will assure him at least a future bench role. A fourth round pick at of Arizona last year after walking more than striking out, he's currently playing for the Tampa Yankees. (.254/.344/.36)

Brett Gardner, OF, (23)

After lighting up A+ Tampa in the first half of 2006 to a tune of a .434 OBP, the Charleston college alumni fell of at AA Trenton. (.272/.348/.318) His 80 speed on the 20-80 scouting scale, gap power, and ability to generate walks, (69 last year) all point to a nice big league career, but as a leadoff hitter, he can't afford all the strikeouts. (90 last year.)

Got cross eyed after reading the last minor league wrap-ups? Matt knows you did, but that isn't because he cares about you, he just has way too much time on his hands. Feel free to send him suggestions, love letters, or political quizzes at: matthimelfarb@gmail.com and check out www.prospectpit.blogspot.com