The Hardball Times is ranking the farm systems based on the value of their top prospects. The Yankees come in at a disappointing 20:
20. New York Yankees, NPV: $56.56 million
Top 100 Prospects: Austin Jackson (38), Jesus Montero (44)
The Yankees roster construction provides an interesting case with opportunity costs and roster spots. With the number of long-term contracts they’ve signed, there isn’t much flexibility with roster spots. This might be something to look at in the future when dealing with long-term contracts, as I briefly explored in the past. While Montero is blocked at first base for the near future, the DH spot should be cleared up by the time he is ready. This would provide an interesting dilemma for the Yankees if Montero were closer to the majors.
This does not bother me at all. The strength of the Yankees system is the depth of their pitching, something that would not show up in a ranking such as this one. However, they are a bit low on high probability stars, which explains their low position on this list.
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7 Responses to Yankees Farm System Weak At Top?
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TIQ IQ
Dang, can’t access HT from work. I think it’s way too early to pigeon hole Montero as a DH. Even if he doesn’t make it as a catcher, he could conceivably be switched to right or 3rd with his arm. Look at Josh Willingham.
Well there isn’t much reason to believe he can be a right fielder because it doesn’t seem like he’ll have any range. I was hoping that the Yankees can use both him and Romine the same way they use them now, both play everyday with them switching on and off as the DH. It’ll get both of them into games and keep each of them fresh throughout the season.
Are IPK and Hughes still prospects? If not, what’s the cut-off point? Price is almost a year older than Hughes, but he’s on the list and Phil isn’t. Both have pitched in MLB, so that can’t be it.
If it’s about high level prospects close to the majors, how’s a guy who’s never pitched above the Sally League #3?
Buster Posey, at 21, hit 385 in rookie league, and 273 & 286 elsewhere (in a total of 44 ABs in pro ball), and he’s #10?
Lists like these are always pretty damn subjective, but I’d like to hear some of the criteria used to decide who gets on the list and how they’re rated.
Elston Howard was a big guy who didn’t run that well either.If Montero has the arm and hands to play catcher, no reason why he can’t develop into a competent OF even without much range, it isn’t brain surgery. Manny even does it!
I think Romine backed up by an Anson type(a guy willing to back-up) makes more sense in the future for Yankees with Montero an OF/DH who might eventually end up playing some 1st base for Tex or after Tex.
The farm system is better than advertised.
Brandon Laird gets little respect but he could develop into a very big time hitter in 2 years, as could the switch hitting Suttle.
I’m sorry Laird wasn’t tried at Catcher, he supposedly throws very well.
Strength of the farm System seems to be at pitcher and catcher.
You can trade those positions for everything else, whenever you want.Teams always need pitching and catching.
If some of the foreign guys pan out, the system could be loaded in a few years.
I think Montero will remain behind the plate, or at least continue to split time there with Romine even on the Yankees.
Clint Priesendorfer.
What did Yankess draft him,3 seperate times?
They cut him already.
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