N.Y. Yankees’ Top Under-the-Radar Hitting Prospects at Each Minor League Level
August 15, 2012 · James Morisette · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Gary Sanchez, Mason Williams and Tyler Austin. Austin Romine, Dante Bichette Jr. and Cito Culver.
These are just six hitting prospects the New York Yankees boast up and down its minor league system.
Yet within the Yankees’ farm system are several not so well-known hitters that are also enjoying excellent seasons.
These hitters, one for each level of the pinstripe’s organization, are highlighted below.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (AAA)
Kevin Russo (2B)
| G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 90 | 360 | 108 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 35 | 37 | 61 | 15 | .299 | .368 | .367 | .735 |
Analysis: Solid hitter with an outstanding glove. Not a huge power guy. At 28, not exactly a prospect, but can help the ballclub should Robinson Cano get injured. Has made just two errors this season.
Trenton Thunder (AA)
Jose Pirela (SS)
| G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 79 | 303 | 91 | 19 | 3 | 8 | 33 | 26 | 45 | 9 | .300 | .365 | .462 | .827 |
Analysis: Could this 22-year-old be the heir-apparent to Derek Jeter? While too early to tell, Pirela has been a solid-hitting shortstop for the Yankees.
Tampa Yankees (A-Advanced)
Ramon Flores (OF)
| G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 115 | 461 | 135 | 24 | 4 | 5 | 34 | 46 | 80 | 20 | .293 | .360 | .395 | .755 |
Analysis: A cerebral hitter, this 20-year-old is quietly having a nice season for Tampa. Perhaps a bit overshadowed by Tyler Austin and Mason Williams’ success.
Charleston RiverDogs (A)
Ben Gamel (OF)
| G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 94 | 384 | 115 | 20 | 4 | 2 | 57 | 20 | 60 | 14 | .299 | .334 | .388 | .722 |
Analysis: Gamel is one of the Yankees’ top prospects. He has good speed to match solid hitting ability. Could struggle to climb the ranks in a Yankees organization that boasts tons of outfield talent.
Staten Island (A-Short Season)
Matt Snyder (1B)
| G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 47 | 165 | 51 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 30 | 24 | 17 | 0 | .309 | .410 | .436 | .847 |
Analysis: This 6’5″ 200-pound left-handed slugger from Virginia has a ton of potential. 22-year-old was named NYP Player of the Week (7/16) per MILB.com. Has outstanding approach and patience at plate. His 24/17 BB/SO is terrific.
GCL Yankees
Jerison Lopez (2B)
| G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 40 | 133 | 42 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 12 | 23 | 3 | .316 | .376 | .429 | .804 |
Analysis: Relatively unknown 21-year-old infield prospect has hit well in GCL. Not bad for a player signed as a non-drafted free-agent in 2009.
DSL Yankees 1
Chris Tamarez (SS)
| G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 49 | 205 | 73 | 18 | 1 | 6 | 32 | 19 | 39 | 2 | .356 | .410 | .541 | .952 |
Analysis: If Pirela does not pan out, the Yankees still look to be in good shape. With each game that passes, Tamarez appears to be the real deal. Still too early to tell of course. Still just 18, Tamarez is a 6’2″ 170-pound prospect worth tracking.
DSL Yankees 2
Bryan Cuevas (SS)
| G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 55 | 233 | 75 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 36 | 13 | 45 | 10 | .322 | .355 | .472 | .827 |
Analysis: Nipping at Tamarez’ heels is this 19-year-old prospect. While not as physically imposing or as statistically hot, Cuevas has nonetheless had an excellent season in the DSL. This is another prospect Yankees’ fans should keep an eye on.
Statistics courtesy of MILB.com
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