New York Yankees: 3 Yankee Youths Make MLB Network’s ‘Top 50 Prospects’
January 26, 2011 · Kate Conroy · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Last night, Tuesday January 25, 2011, the MLB Network Special analyzing the 2011 “Top 50 Prospects” aired, and just three New York Yankee minor leaguers made the cut.
Making the list…
- PLAYER MUST HAVE ROOKIE STATUS TO BE ELIGIBLE (To qualify for rookie status, a player must not have exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues or accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club or clubs during the 25-player-limit period, excluding time on the disabled list or in military service)
- BASED ON INPUT FROM SCOUTS AND FRONT OFFICE PERSONAL
- TIES BROKEN BY JOHNATHAN MAYO
So, which pinstripe prospects made the cut?
To be exact, two catchers and a left-handed pitcher out of the Bomber’s farm system graced MLB Network’s Top 50 Prospect list. Click here to see the entire list.
Jesus Montero has been atop the Yankees prospect list for two years, so it was expected that the 6’5″ catcher land in the top 10 across the minors, as well as being the top catcher on the list. Montero has Yankee Universe salivating in anticipation of seeing this youngster up in the Bronx in 2011. Montero is hitting .300 and averaging 30+ home-runs. Montero has a great arm, but the Yankees are still toying with moving him from catcher due to his large size. Being compared to All-Star Mike Piazza is not a bad rap to have.
Gary Sanchez No. 32
At just 18-years-old, catching prospect Gary Sanchez is said to be the real deal. MLB.com picked Sanchez as the third best catching prospect, so this kid has superstar potential. Sanchez has the bat of Montero and the defensive skills of Yankee prospect Austin Romine, but considering his age he looks to surpass both. 2011 will mark Sanchez’s first full minor league season, so Yankee fans will have to hold their breaths a little longer.
Manny Banuelos No. 35
LHP Manny Banuelos is only 5’10″, but described as having “a great feel for pitching.” Banuelos has a change-up and breaking ball that he throws for strikes. Add that to a 93-94 mph average fastball, that can clock in at 96+ at times as well. Banuelos was “born to pitch,” according to why he made the MLB Network Top 50 prospect list.
Are there any Yankees prospects of note that did not make the list?
- RHP Dellin Betances just missed the top 50, landing at No. 53.
- Catching prospect Austin Romine was nowhere to be found, which was shocking considering how talented defensively Romine is behind the plate. Romine’s bat is not near Sanchez or Montero, but he is no slacker.
Which MLB teams seem to have a lot to look forward to in the future?
- Kansas City Royals had six top youngsters, four of which landed in the top 20.
- Right behind KC is the Tampa Bay Rays, who had four prospects on this list. The Rays Jeremy Hellickson ranked No. 2 and Desmond Jennings took the No. 7 spot.
- No. 1 ranked prospect is Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s outfielder Mike Trout. Trout is just 19-years-old but excels in every area of the game and has a work ethic well beyond his years. Said to be a future All-Star and will be a household name for years to come.
Read more New York Yankees news on BleacherReport.com
Yankee Tickets
Shop Yankee
