Yankees' Midseason Top Ten Prospects

[Hughes2.50]

Rules to be on the list - All player's never played in the majors - player's recent performance indicates possibility of reaching majors - player's who are injured or recovering from injuries are likely to be rated lower than others with lower ceilings - some players with less experience will be rated higher than others based on future major league ceiling. Key - Name, position, years old this year at June 30 +/ - months.

(1) Jesus Montero C, 21-5. A slump this season in triple A hasn't dissuaded general manager's of his upside Is nearly an average major league defensive catcher already. ETA 2011

(2) Dellin Betances RHP, 22+3. After surgery, finally showing scouts why his ceiling is the highest in the organization (pitcher or position players). Likely to pitch all year in High A and next year could move rapidly through the rest of the minors. ETA 2012.

(3) Andrew Brackman RHP, 25-5. Like Betances his recovery from surgery and his recent performances have been Lazurus like. Ace potential. His recovery from surgery is farther along than Betances', and he should reach the majors sooner. ETA 2011.

(4) Austin Romine C, 22-5. Romine has the bat and glove to be an above average major league hitter and defender at catcher.

(5) Gary Sanchez C, 18-5. The 3 million dollar bonus the Yankees gave him appears to be money well spent already. Has to work on his defensive catching because he is very inexperienced, but he has all the tools to hit for power, hit for average and be a very good defensive catcher. Needs to cut back on the K's. Has more upside than Romine.

(6) Manny Banuelos LHP, 19+4. ManBan is a left handed pitcher with guile and pitchability rarely seen in a youngster his age. He pitches like Petitte does now and he is only 19 years old. Recovery from an appendectomy is finally underway.

(7) Slade Heathcott CF, 20-3. Heathcott's presently in low A ball getting use to playing everyday. He has five-tool potential and the Yankees await the full blossoming of all of those tools before they know what they will eventually have with Heathcott.

(8) Brandon Laird 3b, 23-2. Laird continues to hit up through the minors. He is a tremendous hitter for power and could end up being trade bait as he lacks positional versatility and he is blocked in the majors.

(9) Eduardo Nunez SS, 23. Nunez is very close to being ready for a major league job. Slick fielding shortstop who can stick as well. There is a problem for him, he's blocked at the major league level - trade bait.

(10) JR Murphy C, 19+2. Like Heathcott, Murphy is getting used to everyday play at Charleston (low A). He is new to catching but could end up being a very good major league catcher and hitter. His bat is very sound and he is improving his avg after a slump at Charleston.

[yankeelover]

David Phelps should be ahead of JR Murphy.

[TheHugeUnit2]

Thanks Hughes, I love propsect rankings. Should be fun to see how everyone differs with their ratings. Here's mine... without the age since screw that much work.

1. Jesus Montero C, Come on it's Jesus.
2. Austin Romine C, bat is coming along nicely. Hoping for more power, but jeeze he's been pretty awesome this year.
3. Manny Banuelos LHP, one of my favorites. Has been since day one he signed.
4. Andrew Brackman RHP, Never gave up on him, been frustrated, glad to see him coming back into his own.
5. Slade Heathcott CF, Awesome name, awesome tool set
6. Jose Ramirez RHP, Up and coming Stud, I hope!
7. Graham Stoneburner RHP, Shot up this year, read a stat he was among tops in all of minor league baseball in WHIP.
8. Corban Joseph 2B/3B, Another one of my favorites. Really believe in him
9. Dellin Betances RHP, I gave up on him. Yeah, meh. He's proving me wrong and I hope he continues to do so.
10. Gary Sanchez C, Liking what I'm seeing from him. He's really got me excited.

Edit: I forgot about Jose Ramirez.

[Pokerface]

It's a pretty good list. The only 2 changes I would make is to put Romine 2nd & take Murphy out of the top ten. He's had a good start to his career but I think people overrate him. I would put Phelps, Joseph, Stoneburner, & Ramirez ahead of him.

Zach McAllister has really taken a hit this year.

[yoo-boo]

I focus on prospects who may have a MLB shot within next 2 years.

1. C Austin Romine, AA. He continues to be proven he is everyday catcher with offense threat.

2. P Hector Noesi, AA. Solid WHIP. can be best reliever if SP job does not pan out.

3. P David Phelps, AA. Has been unhittable so far. Big and strong body that can endure for 130 pitches or deep game. 2011's 5th SP candidate.

4. 2B David Adams, AA. Has been non-stop hitting since he fixed mechanics flaw. He should learn how to play LF just in case if Gardner or Granderson fluke out next season.

5. P Andrew Brackman, AA. He is now free and rolling. 2011 5th SP candidate.

6. 3B Brandon Laird, AA, he is my MVP of the minor system easily. Placing him in the rank is difficult because he is limited defensively and Arod/Tex are locked for long time. Hopefully, he boosts the trade bait value.

7. C/DH Jesus Montero, AAA. His recent performance does not help himself. He is now potential to be a fallen prospect. Sorry, I have been hard on this kid.

8. P George Kontos, A. He can be one of best relievers in MLB but he will be given a shot to be a full time starter. Darkhorse for 5th job next season.

9. SS Eduardo Nunez, AAA. He just proves that he can hit well and now it is time for him to show something defensively. Jeter is aging but is not going anywhere. Trade Bait or move to OF.

10. Corban Joseph. He is not far behind Adams who went to college.

[mwalvlior]

1. Jesus
2. Romine
3. Man-Ban
4. Jose Ramirez
5. Slade
6. Phelps
7. Betances
8. Brackman
9. Sanchez
10. Noesi/CoJo/Adams

[Joba4Prez205]

I focus on prospects who may have a MLB shot within next 2 years.

1. C Austin Romine, AA. He continues to be proven he is everyday catcher with offense threat.

2. P Hector Noesi, AA. Solid WHIP. can be best reliever if SP job does not pan out.

3. P David Phelps, AA. Has been unhittable so far. Big and strong body that can endure for 130 pitches or deep game. 2011's 5th SP candidate.

4. 2B David Adams, AA. Has been non-stop hitting since he fixed mechanics flaw. He should learn how to play LF just in case if Gardner or Granderson fluke out next season.

5. P Andrew Brackman, AA. He is now free and rolling. 2011 5th SP candidate.

6. 3B Brandon Laird, AA, he is my MVP of the minor system easily. Placing him in the rank is difficult because he is limited defensively and Arod/Tex are locked for long time. Hopefully, he boosts the trade bait value.

7. C/DH Jesus Montero, AAA. His recent performance does not help himself. He is now potential to be a fallen prospect. Sorry, I have been hard on this kid.

8. P George Kontos, A. He can be one of best relievers in MLB but he will be given a shot to be a full time starter. Darkhorse for 5th job next season.

9. SS Eduardo Nunez, AAA. He just proves that he can hit well and now it is time for him to show something defensively. Jeter is aging but is not going anywhere. Trade Bait or move to OF.

10. Corban Joseph. He is not far behind Adams who went to college.

You sir...are what Skip Bayless refers to as..."a prisoner of the moment"

[bmxstreetrider86]

You sir...are what Skip Bayless refers to as..."a prisoner of the moment"

no, he is what i refer to as..... "on crack"

[bmxstreetrider86]

BTW 2.50, your age identifier is terrible.


just stick to aged season, or at least true age with a decimal system

[Hughes2.50]

BTW 2.50, your age identifier is terrible.


just stick to aged season, or at least true age with a decimal system

Since a year isn't easily structured in decimals I use months at +/- at the half way point of the year (at June 30th).

For example one can easily see that Betances is about 8 months older than Romine that way. And, that Betances is about a year and 8 months older than Montero.

[teknetic]

I focus on prospects who may have a MLB shot within next 2 years.

1. C Austin Romine, AA. He continues to be proven he is everyday catcher with offense threat.

2. P Hector Noesi, AA. Solid WHIP. can be best reliever if SP job does not pan out.

3. P David Phelps, AA. Has been unhittable so far. Big and strong body that can endure for 130 pitches or deep game. 2011's 5th SP candidate.

4. 2B David Adams, AA. Has been non-stop hitting since he fixed mechanics flaw. He should learn how to play LF just in case if Gardner or Granderson fluke out next season.

5. P Andrew Brackman, AA. He is now free and rolling. 2011 5th SP candidate.

6. 3B Brandon Laird, AA, he is my MVP of the minor system easily. Placing him in the rank is difficult because he is limited defensively and Arod/Tex are locked for long time. Hopefully, he boosts the trade bait value.

7. C/DH Jesus Montero, AAA. His recent performance does not help himself. He is now potential to be a fallen prospect. Sorry, I have been hard on this kid.

8. P George Kontos, A. He can be one of best relievers in MLB but he will be given a shot to be a full time starter. Darkhorse for 5th job next season.

9. SS Eduardo Nunez, AAA. He just proves that he can hit well and now it is time for him to show something defensively. Jeter is aging but is not going anywhere. Trade Bait or move to OF.

10. Corban Joseph. He is not far behind Adams who went to college.

What in the balls?

[awy]

who is this kontos guy

[bmxstreetrider86]

Since a year isn't easily structured in decimals I use months at +/- at the half way point of the year (at June 30th).For example one can easily see that Betances is about 8 months older than Romine that way. And, that Betances is about a year and 8 months older than Montero.

montero doesnt turn 21 til nearly december, there is no point listing his age as 21-5, its simply a silly way to list a players age

[mwalvlior]

Since a year isn't easily structured in decimals I use months at +/- at the half way point of the year (at June 30th).For example one can easily see that Betances is about 8 months older than Romine that way. And, that Betances is about a year and 8 months older than Montero.

Then why not just say for example 21 4 months if that is his age and leave out the +/-?

[TheHugeUnit2]

who is this kontos guy

Is that a serious question? I'm not too sure around here haha

[awy]

no, not really`

[Hughes2.50]

Then why not just say for example 21 4 months if that is his age and leave out the +/-?

Because I've listed the age the player will be in this calender year whether it is in season or not. Too many listings don't give a standardized age for minor league players, and age, when young or old, can be important in considering projectability.

Of course one could say 21 years 4 months or 20 years 11 months just as easily. Instead, I use the plus or minus months standaridized to the June 30th date.

[sjkqw]

Really excited about Betances. That is pretty high for 4 starts though they are all admittedly unbelievable.

I focus my rankings on high floor and then mix in ceiling a little after which is the reason for say David Phelps weing ahead of Stoneburner and Ramirez.

1) Jesus Montero
2) Austin Romine
3) Slade Heathcott
4) Manny Banuelos
5) David Phelps
6) Andrew Brackman
7) Graham Stoneburner
8) Jose Ramirez
9a) Ivan Nova (mlb experience removes him from this specific list)
9b) David Adams
10) Corban Joseph

You can probably tell that I drop players a lot from injury hence Adams and ManBan splipping a spot (or in Adams' case 3)

Zachary McAllister, Hector Noesi, Brandon Laird, Gary Sanchez, Adam Warren, and JR Murphy just don't have the floor/ceiling mixture I am looking for. Laird and even the two that precede him are extremely close to breaking the list. If I really believed they had a higher ceiling I might knock of Joseph, but I find it a little bit hard to imagine right now.

[b_joseph]

I dont know about my 10 but IMO, a 22 year old in AA ball who has an OPS over 900 has to be on a top 10 list.

Position or not...thats impressive to the maximum.

[DRobertsonNYY]

I have a real hard time putting Gary Sanchez over Brandon Laird on Hughes2.50's list.

J.R Murphy can't be on the list yet, he hasn't had any professional success yet. I'd put David Adams over him as well.

[TheHugeUnit2]

Zachary McAllister, Hector Noesi, Brandon Laird, Gary Sanchez, Adam Warren, and JR Murphy just don't have the floor/ceiling mixture I am looking for. Laird and even the two that precede him are extremely close to breaking the list. If I really believed they had a higher ceiling I might knock of Joseph, but I find it a little bit hard to imagine right now.

I think it just speaks to how deep the system has become this year. Hoepfully our 2010 draftees mix well and we add two top guys from the IFA this year.

[TheHugeUnit2]

Thanks Hughes, I love propsect rankings. Should be fun to see how everyone differs with their ratings. Here's mine... without the age since screw that much work.

1. Jesus Montero C, Come on it's Jesus.
2. Austin Romine C, bat is coming along nicely. Hoping for more power, but jeeze he's been pretty awesome this year.
3. Manny Banuelos LHP, one of my favorites. Has been since day one he signed.
4. Andrew Brackman RHP, Never gave up on him, been frustrated, glad to see him coming back into his own.
5. Slade Heathcott CF, Awesome name, awesome tool set
6. Jose Ramirez RHP, Up and coming Stud, I hope!
7. Graham Stoneburner RHP, Shot up this year, read a stat he was among tops in all of minor league baseball in WHIP.
8. Corban Joseph 2B/3B, Another one of my favorites. Really believe in him
9. Dellin Betances RHP, I gave up on him. Yeah, meh. He's proving me wrong and I hope he continues to do so.
10. Gary Sanchez C, Liking what I'm seeing from him. He's really got me excited.

Edit: I forgot about Jose Ramirez.

You know to add on my list. I got to say it was hard to leave off David Phelps, Brandon Laird and David Adams, but a guy who gets overlooked a little is Zolio Almonte who is having a great year himself.

If this was to 15, I'd probably go
11. Phelps
12. Adams
13. Laird
14. Nunez
15. Almonte

and even then I'd leave off Warren, Nova, Noesi, Culver, Murphy, both Mitchells, Mac and DeLuca.

[Hughes2.50]

You know to add on my list. I got to say it was hard to leave off David Phelps, Brandon Laird and David Adams, but a guy who gets overlooked a little is Zolio Almonte who is having a great year himself.

If this was to 15, I'd probably go
11. Phelps
12. Adams
13. Laird
14. Nunez
15. Almonte

and even then I'd leave off Warren, Nova, Noesi, Culver, Murphy, both Mitchells, Mac and DeLuca.

I debated having Z. Almonte instead of Murphy at ten. Almonte is having a tremendous year and just got promoted to Tampa (high A)..

[DWells4prez]

I focus on prospects who may have a MLB shot within next 2 years.

1. C Austin Romine, AA. He continues to be proven he is everyday catcher with offense threat.

2. P Hector Noesi, AA. Solid WHIP. can be best reliever if SP job does not pan out.

3. P David Phelps, AA. Has been unhittable so far. Big and strong body that can endure for 130 pitches or deep game. 2011's 5th SP candidate.

4. 2B David Adams, AA. Has been non-stop hitting since he fixed mechanics flaw. He should learn how to play LF just in case if Gardner or Granderson fluke out next season.

5. P Andrew Brackman, AA. He is now free and rolling. 2011 5th SP candidate.

6. 3B Brandon Laird, AA, he is my MVP of the minor system easily. Placing him in the rank is difficult because he is limited defensively and Arod/Tex are locked for long time. Hopefully, he boosts the trade bait value.

7. C/DH Jesus Montero, AAA. His recent performance does not help himself. He is now potential to be a fallen prospect. Sorry, I have been hard on this kid.

8. P George Kontos, A. He can be one of best relievers in MLB but he will be given a shot to be a full time starter. Darkhorse for 5th job next season.

9. SS Eduardo Nunez, AAA. He just proves that he can hit well and now it is time for him to show something defensively. Jeter is aging but is not going anywhere. Trade Bait or move to OF.

10. Corban Joseph. He is not far behind Adams who went to college.

This list is absurd, the 2 things that are bold contradict themselves. Add in the fact that David Adams is #4, Kontos is #8, you my friend need a reality check.

[awy]

yoo boo isn't very good at this prospect thing

[Tom Finnigan]

It is way too soon to rank Betances and Brackman this high in the system - Betances for his lack of pitching in the last two years, and Brackman for his poor start this year. Neither is a sure thing - I choose to wait until the end of the year when cooler heads will prevail.

[Matsui55]

It is way too soon to rank Betances and Brackman this high in the system - Betances for his lack of pitching in the last two years, and Brackman for his poor start this year. Neither is a sure thing - I choose to wait until the end of the year when cooler heads will prevail.

I disagree. When you make a top 10 prospect list, you are basing it on one of two things. The first is raw ability. The second is potential usefulness to the big league club.

No one who actually follow the Yanks drafts and the games will argue that Brackman and Betances upside (the raw ability aspect) is among the best, if not the best in the Yanks minors. As long as they remain power arms and SP, their usefulness to the Yanks is high because the can potentially fill rotation spots or be big trade chips.

Sure, Betances has been hurt- but the surgery and recovery period is over- and he's bringing mid to high 90's heat. He had time to work on his off-speed stuff, so it is not like he is just a thrower.

Brackman remains all about learning how to pitch. His utter lack of experience when drafted, as well as the TJ surgery, have him behind most his age. However, he has found command of the strike zone and a repeatable delivery. He should be on track to log around 250-300 IP over the next year and a half in the minors, in which there should be some velocity gain as increased confort with his delivery enables him to "let loose," as well as an increased understanding of the art of pitching (i.e.- using pitches to set up your next pitch, knowing when to go with the FB, and when to go off-speed, etc).

In fact, I would rank the Yanks top 10 as follows:

Montero
Romine
Heathcott
Brackman
Betances
Stoneburner
Laird
Sanchez
J. Ramirez
Phelps.

McAllister, Noesi, Nova, Warren and Phelps are all very good minor league SP, but I think their upside is no greater than a #3-#5 SP in NY. IMO, they are guys you rank in the 10-20 range, because they aren't in the class of the SP above. I chose Phelps as the #10 because IMO, I think he might be the best of that group.

I left off 3 middle INF- Joseph (good bat, but his defense is AWFUL- barring a major improvement, he might not be a middle INF), Adams (a couple good months is nice, but the previous seasons muddle the picture), Nunez (glove better, but is it ML good- and Jeter is still there). They also fit in the 11-20 range though.

I also left of Banuelos- I still question whether he's a SP- he really is small and I have questions about his long-term durability as a SP. Only other hand, he could be an excellent middle reliever and potentially a very useful trade chip.

Murphy hasn't shown enough yet to rank in the top 10, but I would reserve the right to revisit that next year. I think I would rank him 11, with a asterik, indicating that he really might be the 10th guy.

[Melan-cynic]

This list is absurd, the 2 things that are bold contradict themselves. Add in the fact that David Adams is #4, Kontos is #8, you my friend need a reality check.

Zeus at #7 and Kontos at #8? Dios mio, man.

[just-blaze]

Too many people are leaving Laird off.

What he is doing in the Petco park of the minors is pretty incredible.

If this is a fluke, Cash better try and sell now.

[awy]

i don't think we have any glaring need though. it's speculative trading at this point with our chips. might as well keep laird to see what we have.

[McMoose]

Thanks Hughes, I love propsect rankings. Should be fun to see how everyone differs with their ratings. Here's mine... without the age since screw that much work.

1. Jesus Montero C, Come on it's Jesus.
2. Austin Romine C, bat is coming along nicely. Hoping for more power, but jeeze he's been pretty awesome this year.
3. Manny Banuelos LHP, one of my favorites. Has been since day one he signed.
4. Andrew Brackman RHP, Never gave up on him, been frustrated, glad to see him coming back into his own.
5. Slade Heathcott CF, Awesome name, awesome tool set
6. Jose Ramirez RHP, Up and coming Stud, I hope!
7. Graham Stoneburner RHP, Shot up this year, read a stat he was among tops in all of minor league baseball in WHIP.
8. Corban Joseph 2B/3B, Another one of my favorites. Really believe in him
9. Dellin Betances RHP, I gave up on him. Yeah, meh. He's proving me wrong and I hope he continues to do so.
10. Gary Sanchez C, Liking what I'm seeing from him. He's really got me excited.

Edit: I forgot about Jose Ramirez.

I was going to do a list but I think this one's pretty much what I would have put with Laird as 10A.

[TheHugeUnit2]

Too many people are leaving Laird off.

What he is doing in the Petco park of the minors is pretty incredible.

If this is a fluke, Cash better try and sell now.

It was hard for me to leave him off, but man Sanchez's upside was just to much for me and like I said I'm a HUGE CoJo fan.

[Januz]

I was going to do a list but I think this one's pretty much what I would have put with Laird as 10A.

I happen to agree with most of the list, but not Joseph (Good luck with Cano at 2nd and Arod at 3rd), or Ramirez. I would substitute Mitchell and DeLuca (DeLuca is already in the mid-90s throwing). I would place Stoneburner higher, I think this guy will be in The Bronx sometime late 2011. ps: For all the negativity about the Yankees farm system. Can anyone think of another organization that picked two HS prospects later than Round 15 in the same draft, that have more promise than Mitchell and DeLuca?

[TheHugeUnit2]

I happen to agree with most of the list, but not Joseph (Good luck with Cano at 2nd and Arod at 3rd), or Ramirez. I would substitute Mitchell and DeLuca (DeLuca is already in the mid-90s throwing). I would place Stoneburner higher, I think this guy will be in The Bronx sometime late 2011. ps: For all the negativity about the Yankees farm system. Can anyone think of another organization that picked two HS prospects later than Round 15 in the same draft, that have more promise than Mitchell and DeLuca?

haha I actually had Mitchell 9th in my pre season top 10, dropped him a little just due to everyone having great years. I expect huge things from him and DeLuca. Don't see how you can knock Ramirez off for DeLuca or Mitchell though. They are about the same age yet Ramirez is holding his own in full season ball already. All three have great stuff though.

[yoo-boo]

This list is absurd, the 2 things that are bold contradict themselves. Add in the fact that David Adams is #4, Kontos is #8, you my friend need a reality check.

It would be if I rated Romine below than Montero. I picked Romine as everyday catcher so that means Posada would be everyday DH, which is good for next full 2 seasons. No room for Montero unless you want to waste his talent at backup jobs. Cashman wont trade Montero at all. Because of MLB shot mentioned, Montero is caught in the limbo.

Kontos was closer to be on Yankees roster last season and you dont think he is not that good to be on any MLB roster next year? You are sadly mistaken. He can still start but his instant future should be in bullpen.

I am not ready to call Adams as an everyday player. Gardner and Granderson are starting in the OF so Yanks still need a right handed bat off the bench. He will be a great upgrade to Russo and Montero cant play OF unless you want to emulate Dodgers (Ramirez at LF).


Only mistake I made is Joseph at 10 when it should be either Betances or Banuelos.

[yoo-boo]

yoo boo isn't very good at this prospect thing

you have not made the list yet. Just because I made an oddly list does not mean I suck. I have a nasty habit as I always like to bury the number one prospect in somewhere.

[TheHugeUnit2]

you have not made the list yet. Just because I made an oddly list does not mean I suck. I have a nasty habit as I always like to bury the number one prospect in somewhere.

to make it seem like the system is much deeper or something? haha

[yoo-boo]

to make it seem like the system is much deeper or something? haha

Something like that. Who says I cant cheat. haha.

[awy]

i don't know enough to make a list of value, so why bother. but i do know that ranking montero 7th is ridiculous, so is your general approach and criteria toward judging the value of prospects.

if we are playing fantasy baseball i'd trade with you pretty often.

[Melan-cynic]

1. Jesus Montero
2. Austin Romine
3. Andrew Brackman
4. Manny Banuelos
5. Dellin Betances
6. Gary Sanchez
7. Slade Heathcott
8. Jose Ramirez
9. Graham Stoneburner
10. Brandon Laird

Next Five: David Phelps, Adams, CoJo, Noesi, Nunez/Nova

[yankee82093]

It would be if I rated Romine below than Montero. I picked Romine as everyday catcher so that means Posada would be everyday DH, which is good for next full 2 seasons. No room for Montero unless you want to waste his talent at backup jobs. Cashman wont trade Montero at all. Because of MLB shot mentioned, Montero is caught in the limbo.

Kontos was closer to be on Yankees roster last season and you dont think he is not that good to be on any MLB roster next year? You are sadly mistaken. He can still start but his instant future should be in bullpen.

I am not ready to call Adams as an everyday player. Gardner and Granderson are starting in the OF so Yanks still need a right handed bat off the bench. He will be a great upgrade to Russo and Montero cant play OF unless you want to emulate Dodgers (Ramirez at LF).


Only mistake I made is Joseph at 10 when it should be either Betances or Banuelos.

There's no reason why this should count against Montero. Prospect evaluation should be performed in a more general context:
A) What is the potential value this prospect offers to a MLB team?
B) What is the potential value this prospect offers to the Yankees (a specific MLB team, as opposed to any MLB team)

Prospect evaluation should be done using A, not B.

[Matsui55]

1. Jesus Montero
2. Austin Romine
3. Andrew Brackman
4. Manny Banuelos
5. Dellin Betances
6. Gary Sanchez
7. Slade Heathcott
8. Jose Ramirez
9. Graham Stoneburner
10. Brandon Laird

Next Five: David Phelps, Adams, CoJo, Noesi, Nunez/Nova

Considering that I had the same 10, just in a different order, hard to argue much.

[Melan-cynic]

Considering that I had the same 10, just in a different order, hard to argue much.

Except I had Banuelos 4th and you don't have him in your top 10. I had Phelps as #11 but yeah, pretty close to the same list.

[bmxstreetrider86]

1. Jesus Montero
2. Austin Romine
3. Slade Heathcott
4. Andrew Brackman
5. Gary Sanchez
6. Graham Stoneburner
7. Dellin Betances
8. Brandon Laird
9. Jose Ramirez
10. Corban Joseph

HM: Adams, Banuelos, Murphy, Noesi, Phelps

[DWells4prez]

1. Jesus Montero
2. Austin Romine
3. Slade Heathcott
4. Andrew Brackman
5. Gary Sanchez
6. Brandon Laird
7. Dellin Betances
8. Jose Ramirez
9. Graham Stoneburner
10. Manny Banuelos


Honorable Mention: Phelps, Z. Almonte, C. Joseph, H. Noesi.

My list is a mix of players with the highest ceiling, factored in with the possibility and glimpses they have shown of reaching it, and their ability to show improvements/adjustments.

Some may not like Brackman that high but I started that bandwagon and he is simply too unique to put any lower.

[Matsui55]

While there is little doubt about results to date, I still am not sold on Banuelos as a SP. He is really small- and even taking into account that he's not really a power pitcher- I'm not sure that he has the body to have the stamina to make 32-34 starts a year in the bigs.

[Melan-cynic]

Size has become somewhat of an overrated barometer in starting pitchers and Banuelos is most definitely a special talent. An 18 year-old throwing 90-92 and topping out at 94-95 is more than enough when he has the type of impeccable control and poise that Manny possesses. I understand that you're skeptical, it's your prerogative, but I think ManBan is going to be something special. Not to mention he has proven more than JoRam and at a younger age. [though I love him as a prospect as well]

[DWells4prez]

Quite understandable but his delivery isn't high effort or high maintenance. His velocity has been 89-92 since he's returned, maybe a tick higher and hopefully he will have a huge second-half when he goes to Tampa any-day now.

[Matsui55]

Size has become somewhat of an overrated barometer in starting pitchers and Banuelos is most definitely a special talent. An 18 year-old throwing 90-92 and topping out at 94-95 is more than enough when he has the type of impeccable control and poise that Manny possesses. I understand that you're skeptical, it's your prerogative, but I think ManBan is going to be something special. Not to mention he has proven more than JoRam and at a younger age. [though I love him as a prospect as well]

True, but outside of Pedro, Oswalt, and Johan Santana, how many durable small SP can you think of? While these guys are big success stories, there are others like Hampton who just break down.

If I had the choice, I go with the Huges/Joba sized guy almost every time. Sure, I'll miss on a few big names, but more often than not, the bigger guy will be the durable big winner.

[awy]

does he look like the type that will pitch for 15 years in the league? if not then the yankees are really only concerned with his value for the first few cost controlled years. the body type isn't really that big of a deal during these years.