AA: Trenton scored a run in the top of the 10th to win 3-2. Manny Banuelos pitched 4 scoreless innings, giving up 4 hits, 1 walk, 1 K. Craig Heyer 1 R in 3 2/3. Pat Venditte 1 batter, a K. Melky Mesa with a HR. Austin Romine (.222) 1 for 2, double, 3 walks.

High A: 7-3 win for Tampa. Rob Lyerly with 2 hits, double, HR, 3 RBI. Jairo Heredia 6 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 0 walks, 7 K.  

Low A:  Charleston lost a slugfest 12-10. J.R. Murphy, a C who (because of Sanchez) is playing DH, 3B and corner OF, hit his 3rd HR tonight. 3 hits, double, HR and 2 RBI. Sanchez (.238) was 1 for 5 and struck out three times. He also made his third PB of the year (he’s only 18, remember). Ramon Flores had 3 hits, Kyle Roller had 4 hits, 2 RBI. Kelvin Castro with 3 hits, and Eduardo Sosa with two. 

A full minor league schedule today. My eyes will be on the Trenton/Portland game. Manny Banuelos will be making his first start of the year. Yesterday Dellin Betances took a L, giving up 4 R, just 1 earned.   

Interesting Masters yesterday. At one point I was hoping (and wondering what’d they do if it happened) for a seven-man playoff. Poor Rory. An 80. Three consecutive holes of triple bogey, bogey, double bogey. It reminded me of Norman’s meltdown that one year. But I believe that anyone in the gallery hollering “get in the hole!” should be evicted from the course. I mean really, the ball can listen? A little after the fact. It drives me nuts when I hear that on telecasts. I didn’t like the shirt on Day. It’s funny, the clothes sometimes. They show Nicklaus’ triumphs and I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing some of those pants. You have Nicklaus’ yellow, Tiger red, the hats Norman would wear, sometimes the fashion statements were as good as the golf … and that just reminds us of how much we miss Payne Stewart and those knickers, doesn’t it?

Spring football games soon. Blue/White, Blue/Gold, Red/Black, whatever. NFL Draft soon. Now for an NFL season….

Celtics fan. Things haven’t been going well since the trade of Perkins, have they? What 9-10? Spanked by the Heat yesterday. Worries.      

Check back for the minor league recap tonight. Hopefully Banuelos does well.

In a league where you can’t have enough pitching depth and always looking for someone who can give you production behind the plate on an average 5-6 times a week, the New York Yankees have a surplus in both those aspects in their farm system. In fact, the Yankees have 3 pitching prodigies that make up what is known as “The Killer B’s” in Andrew Brackman, Dellin Betances, and Manuel Banuelos. They are joined by 3 catching prospects in “The Killer C’s” consisting of Jesus Montero, Austin Romine, and Gary Sanchez. These 6 players are receiving national recognition and praise from scouts, rival executives, and national media sources in ESPN’s Keith Law and Baseball America’s team. This is a two part article, and we’ll start with the 3 pitching prospects (you can read Part II here)

Dellin Betances, 22, is currently projected to be a starter for the Yankees next year at any slot available which will most likely be the #4 or #5. He is more talented than Brackman, but not as much as Banuelos. He won’t find himself any higher than #4 in the rotation with CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Phil Hughes, and Banuelos all expected to be in the rotation next year. Dellin Betances is another big prospect who looks like a NFL tight end coming in at 6′ 8″ and 245 lbs. He will start the year where he finished it last year at AA, and should find himself at AAA soon if he continues his development in the right path. A strike out pitcher with a very good fastball and improving secondary pitches, Betances has shown promise. His strike out rate last year from A+ to AA was nearly 11.5 per 9 innings while keeping his walks down as well. Betances is listed as the #73 prospect by Keith Law and Baseball America has him listed at #43 with his best tool being his fastball.

Andrew Brackman, 25, is projected to be a bottom end of the rotation starter. An ex-basketball player at North Carolina State University, he was selected as a first round draft pick by the Yankees. However, Brackman has found his career injury plagued thus far and hasn’t lived up the hype. Coming in at 6′ 10″, Brackman can hit 97 at times, but we can expect his fastball to hit 92-94. His injuries are still a major concern, and could most realistically find himself as a relief pitcher for the Yankees. Brackman looked as good as he ever had this spring training before discomfort in his groin slowed him down. Up to that point, many were impressed with his mechanics and pitches. Most recently, Brackman was optioned down to AAA. I expect we’ll see him in the majors this year if everything goes right as a relief pitcher/spot starter. Brackman is ranked #88 by Keith Law while Baseball America has him at #78 with his best tool being his curveball.

Manuel Banuelos, 20, is currently projected to be a top of the rotation pitcher in the bigs. After watching him pitch during spring training, Banuelos has become one of the best pitching prospects. Keith Law raves about him and seems to be in love with this kid who just recently turned 20 saying he could be a #5 on most teams right now. Banuelos has a smooth delivery that he can repeat, and 3 pitches that he can throw at any time in the count, to any hitter. Remember, he is only 20. Mechanically he looks like Johan Santana, and Russel Martin says he’s a more polished Clayton Kershaw. Banuelos has caught the attention of everyone, but will start in the minors. He could find himself part of the bullpen during the summer this year, and most certainly will be in the major league rotation next year. Banuelos can hit 96 at times with an excellent changeup and an improving, but still effective, curveball despite being a smaller person physically. Banuelos is only rated at #41 by Baseball America with his best tool being his command, but Keith Law has him at #12 below other pitching prospects like Shelby Miller and Zach Britton.

Manny people fall in love with a player’s ceiling, and there’s nothing wrong with that to a point. We need to be more concerned about a player’s realistic development. The Yankees have 3 pitchers who can all be in the rotation from top, middle, to bottom according to their ceilings which is impressive. What’s more impressive is that realistically, the Yankees will have 2 MLB ready pitchers next year, both who are better than 2 of the starter in their 5-man rotation right now while the 3rd (Brackman) can be an arm in the ‘pen and a spot starter.

•  Charleston starter Brett Marshall pitched just two innings, while surrendering 6 runs and allowing 10 runners to reach safely. The infield can be to blame for at least three of those runners, as they botched a double play (allowing both runners to be safe) and mishandled two ground balls in just the first two innings. Marshall may have been hit, but it’s also a testament to his ability to find the strike zone. He recorded 4 strikeouts to just one walk.

• Tampa won Saturday’s contest 3-2, led by an effective effort from Manny Banuelos. The ace didn’t have his best stuff, as Toronto made a lot of solid contact, sending a few balls to the deep parts of the outfield. But the defense held up and Banuelos continued to challenge hitters. He ended with a respectable line of three innings pitched and one run allowed on three hits, while recording just one strikeout and no walks.

• Charleston’s Starting lineup- Slade Heathcott, Anderson Feliz, JR. Murphy, Gary Sanchez, Rob Sedegin, Ramon Flores, Kelvin Deleon, Kyle Roller, Jose Mojica, and Eduardo Sosa.

• Tampa’s Starting lineup- Abe Almonte, Carmin Angelini, Rob Lyerly, Luke Murton, Taylor Grote, Zoilo Almonte, Kyle Higashioka, Deangelo Mack, Walter Ibarra

• Josa Mojica had a memorable day for Charleston. Batting out of the nine hole, he went 3-4 with a double and two rbi. Mojica was a catalyst in the late comeback attempt, recording rbi singles in the 7^th and 9^th innings. Both knocks were well hit line drives and easily scored the runners.

• Cory Arbiso was key for a Tampa bullpen that only allowed one run over seven innings of work. Arbiso worked the 4^th and 5^th innings with ease, sandwiching a walk between a pair of strikeouts in the 4^th, and getting Toronto out in order in the 5^th.

• Tampa didn’t have a very impressive day at the plate, as none of the starters were able to muster up more than one hit against Toronto. Carmin Angelini did have a busy day on the basepaths though, swiping three bags, and getting caught once on a close play at third. He accounted for one of Tampa’s three runs in the victory.

• Rob Lyerly [1-4, K], Taylor Grote [1-3, K], Zoilo Almonte [1-3, 2b], Deangelo Mack [1-3, sb], and Walter Ibarra [1-3, CS] all had hits for Tampa on Saturday.

• Slade Heathcott finished the day 1-3 with a run and two walks, but it was his centerfield play that had the biggest effect on Saturday’s game. Heathcott dropped a flyball that would’ve ended the second inning for Charleston, instead the error gave Toronto two more runs and a runner on second.

• Jose Quintana, part of the extended Spring training squad, pitched the last 1.2 innings of Charleston’s loss, and did so impressively. He did not allow a hit, induced two weakly hit groundouts and struck out a pair of hitters.

• Gary Sanchez wasn’t effected by his teammates’ poor defensive showing on Saturday. The Charleston catcher was a wall behind the plate, rarely allowing a past ball, especially with men on base. Sanchez showcased his arm as well, throwing out both runners who attempted to steal while he was in the game.

•  JR Murphy [1-3, rbi, 2b], Sanchez [1-3, K],  and Rob Sedegin [1-4, K, GIDP] also had hits for Charleston in the loss.

—

This article was originally published here on pinstripesplus.com.

The lineup. Note Gardner 1, and Jeter 2 again. A precursor?

Brett Gardner CF
Derek Jeter DH
Jorge Posada 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Russell Martin C
Ramiro Pena SS
Eduardo Nunez LF
Justin Maxwell RF

Bartolo Colon P

Nunez gets more time at LF as the Yanks continue to check him out there for versatility’s sake.

Off the bench: C Austin Romine, 1B Brandon Laird, 2B Kevin Russo, SS Doug Bernier, 3B Jorge Vazquez, LF Jordan Parraz, CF Melky Mesa, no backup listed for RF.

– Out of the bullpen: Manny Banuelos, Romulo Sanchez, Steve Garrison, Eric Wordekemper, Ryan Pope, Cory Arbiso and Pat Venditte.

Venditte is the ambidextrous pitcher.

Mets finally cut Ollie Perez loose. A friend states there are rumors of Yankee interest? I’d hope not. I’d rather have Ollie Hardy than Ollie Perez….Stan Laurel, too.

THE GAME: (Yanks 9-12-3 in S.T.)Through two, it’s scoreless. Colon could be winning the #5 job here if he keeps this up. The rotund one has outpitched Garcia this spring. Shocking.

Good stat from LoHud:

The Yankees starters have lost just two games this spring and have a combined 3.81 ERA through 73.2 innings. They have allowed 14 walks with 64 strikeouts.

Scoreless after 4. I’m shocked at Colon. 4 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 walks and 4 K. I didn’t want him. I am pleasantly surprised. Who knew?

Make it five scoreless for Colon with a 1-2-3 fifth. I think he beats out Garcia with this outing. Where is that fountain of youth he drank from? I need it for myself.

A “Gardner” run in the 6th. He walks, SB, to 3rd on a groundout, scores on an Alex forceout.

Colon gave up a HR in the 6th, but still, 6 IP, 1 R, 2 H, no walks and 5 k. Wow.  Tied at 1.

A-Rod’s S.T. hitting streak ended tonight.

Banuelos for the 7th. Ouch. The Killer B is stung by a HR. He comes back with a K. I believe that HR is the first run Banuelos gave up all spring. It is. 

Banuelos gives up a run on two hits and a walk in the 8th. Hey, he’s not perfect.

Banuelos 2 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 1 walk and 1 K.

Yanks lose 3-1.

Joel Sherman has another good read today.

It’s amazing how some want to throw Banuelos and/or Betances in the rotation right away. I’m queasy over Colon and Garcia, too, but Banuelos and Betances need innings. Banuelos (because of surgery for appendicitis) threw just 64 2/3 last year. He had 109 in 2009. He’ll be on an innings limit, I’d guess around 130 to 140. You can’t just stick him in the rotation. He has just three games of AA experience. 130 to 140 innings, hopefully AAA experience at year’s end, then hopefully he can crack the rotation in 2012 with an innings limit then of 160-170. Betances threw just 85 1/3 innings last year. His high is 121 2/3, back in 2008. He threw just 44 1/3 in 2009. He may have the same limitations as Banuelos. 130 to 140, with the same goal. Anyone discussing throwing these two into the rotation now, despite the question marks there are in the rotation, doesn’t know what he/she is talking about. These kids need innings. Betances, like Banuelos, has just three games of AA experience. Their prospects look good for the future, but that future isn’t 2011 unless it’s in relief as a late season callup. But they shouldn’t be rushed.

From LoHud:

• Kyle Higashioka has been reassigned to minor league camp.

• Joe Girardi said he expects Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances and Andrew Brackman to each get at least one more outing in big league camp before being sent down.

Thoughts so far.

I’m looking beyond the record. Some things we just don’t know about. A.J. (always an enigma, sometimes from inning to inning), Nova, Colon, Garcia. Could I see Colon & Garcia in the rotation with Nova long man in case one falters? Sure. Could I see Mitre long man with Nova (the only one with options) going to SWB to stay sharp? Sure. Don’t have a vibe on Hughes. It’s tough to remember that Hughes is not 25 yet.

As for Montero? Don’t know yet. Remember he’s just 21. There will be growing pains.

Hopefully Teixeira gets off to a good start for once. I have a good feeling about A-Rod. Jeter? I don’t have a hunch on.

I do have a good vibe on Granderson, and am hopeful that Gardner’s new approach will let him drive the ball a bit more. When Gardner’s wrist was hit by a pitch at the end of June last year, he was hitting .321. After that just .232 to finish at .277. So the possibility of .300 or better is there, and we hope to see it.

As far as the bench goes, I see Chavez, Nunez, Montero and Jones. Personally, I think that is the best bench they’ve had in years, especially offensively. Montero and Nunez should hit better than Cervelli/Pena, especially power-wise.

Of course, there is no guarantee to thoughts and hunches.             

My fault. It was Mitre scheduled to start, I thought it was Colon.

But Mitre isn’t starting.

Be sure to tune in. For 20 year old (he just turned 20 yesterday) phenom Manny Banuelos will get the start. KILLER B alert!

Banuelos has opened everyone’s eyes this spring. Mariano Rivera has called him the best pitching prospect he’s ever seen.

With the game on ESPN2 tonight, you will get the opportunity to see Banuelos yourself. This will probably be the first time you’ll catch him. Just remember—Banuelos will be starting the year at AA, not even AAA. Also remember that he just turned 20.

Here is tonight’s lineup:

Brett Gardner LF
Ramiro Pena SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Nick Swisher RF
Eric Chavez 1B
Eduardo Nunez 2B
Ronnie Belliard 3B
Jorge Vazquez DH
Jesus Montero C

Manny Banuelos P  

Lohud reports:

Off the bench: C Austin Romine, 1B Jose Gil, 2B Kevin Russo, SS Doug Bernier, 3B Brandon Laird, LF Justin Maxwell, CF Melky Mesa, RF Jordan Parraz, DH Gustavo Molina

• Out of the bullpen: Dellin Betances, Romulo Sanchez, Mark Prior, Luis Ayala, Ryan Pope, Steve Garrison and D.J. Mitchell.

We may even get to see Betances also. A double bonus?

Rule 5 Pitcher George Kontos was returned to the Yanks by the Padres.

Boston will be starting most of its regulars tonight. An added bonus for Yankees fans who miss Aceves? He’s starting tonight for Boston.  

I’ve read some things regarding the Red Sox. They could be looking for catching help come the deadline. They could be looking to move Scutaro and Cameron. Lastly, Dice-K isn’t looking good at all.

In the first, Pena singles and gets a SB but Swisher is robbed by Aceves, who catches his rocket up the middle. Banuelos walks 2, but gets a K and 2 groundouts. Nervous? Just 20. Understandable if he is.

‎2 2/3 for Banuelos. 0 R, 2 H, 3 walks, 2 K. Threw a change that made Youkilis look bad. Was in trouble but showed poise and got out of it. No one on Boston hit him hard. 1-0 Yanks in the 3rd on back-to-back doubles by Montero and Gardner.

Garrison goes 1 1/3, 0 R, 0 H, 0 walks, 1K. 

Betances for the 5th. Still 1-0 Yanks.  I’ve said this before, Betances reminds me of J.R. Richard. He’s bringing it but was wild. HBP, walk, WP. 2nd and 3rd, no out. A comebacker for an out and a baserunning mistake turns it into a DP. Another WP brings the run home and ties the game. Then a weak groundout.

Banuelos and Betances aren’t and weren’t hit hard by Boston’s top lineup at all. It’s just youth and a bit of wildness. in 3 2/3 IP (so far) from the two, 2 WP, a HBP, 4 walks. But the two combined only gave up 2 hits and one was a bleeder.

Betances is bringing it, but his command is off. He only goes 1 1/3 as he hits his pitch count. Ayala in with one out and bases loaded in the 6th. He gets a force and a groundout. 2-1 Boston after six.

Betances 1 1/3, 2 R, 2 H, 2 WP, passed ball by Montero, 2 walks, 1 K and a HBP.

Ayala went 1 2/3, 0 R, 1 H, 0 walks, 1 K.

Romulo Sanchez, 1 scoreless, 1 H, 1 K.

With one on and two out in the bottom of the 9th, Brandon Laird gave it a ride but not deep enough. 2-1 Boston is the final. Yanks now 6-11-2 in S.T.   

One reason for that is because I want the title and purpose of this post to stay. Here is today’s lineup:

Derek Jeter SS
Nick Swisher RF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Jorge Posada DH
Curtis Granderson CF
Andruw Jones LF
Russell Martin C

RHP Freddy Garcia

Outside of Brett Gardner, what do you see? You see a lineup of regulars. No offense to the scrubs, but there are no bench players in the starting lineup today. No Nunez, Pena, Maxwell, Laird, Vazquez, Montero, Golson, etc. … Nope. What you see could be a lineup in July. With Garcia on the mound.

Not only that, Rivera should be making his first appearance in a game today. LoHud states: We’ll see a lot of the regular Yankees bullpen, with Rafael Soriano, Joba Chamberlain and Dave Robertson also scheduled to pitch.

Together with that lineup, it’ll seem like a regular season game.

Available in the bullpen today: Rivera, Soriano, Chamberlain, Robertson, Brackman, Romulo Sanchez, Steve Garrison, Ryan Pope, Eric Wordekemper and Dellin Betances. Everyone after Brackman seems to be a backup.

• Off the bench: C Gustavo Molina, 1B Eric Chavez, 2B Ronnie Belliard, SS Eduardo Nunez, 3B Kevin Russo, LF Melky Mesa, CF Austin Krum, RF Daniel Brewer and DH Kyle Higashioka.

In other words, NOW we get serious. Hopefully not much more (if any) looks at Rule 5 pitchers or pitchers AAA or AA bound that we know aren’t prospects (I’d love to see more of Banuelos and Betances, though). Now I also want to know how long the starters go. Six? Seven? No more three innings and out anymore.

Cuts should be today.

Something to watch out for: There is a nice piece by Phil Rogers today about a potential developing deal that could have serious ramifications for the AL and NL pennant races. As you know, Michael Young isn’t too happy with his situation in Texas. Young can play 2B, SS and 3B. The Phils have concerns about Chase Utley’s knee. Could Texas and Philly be working on a deal to send Young to Philly, maybe for a pitcher (no, not Halladay or Lee)? Rogers states that according to sources, the Phils proposed Blanton and Polanco for Young. After losing Jayson Werth via free agency to Washington, the Phils are top-heavy in lefty hitting. Young would alleviate that with his righty bat. Texas could get back some pitching help to alleviate the hit they took when Lee signed on with Philly. Rogers reports that the Phils (currently 2nd in payroll to the Yanks) wanted Texas to pick up the $16MM Young is owed in 2013, when Blanton’s and Polanco’s deals will be off the books. The Rangers passed, but it’s something to keep eyes on. It’s one of those deals that does make sense all the way around, and one that could have huge implications throughout both leagues. Could the Rangers hold out for Oswalt or Hamels and break up that Phab Phour before they get rolling? Who knows. I’ve wondered why the Phils don’t look at David Eckstein. He’s a free agent, and a pest who has won two WS rings and a WS MVP. Eckstein has no power and is 36, but is one of those players who knows how to win. He does all the little things (and no, that is not a joke on his height). I’d look at him if I were in that situation. Anyway, Rogers says that Texas CEO Nolan Ryan and Phils’ special assistant Charlie Kerfeld are good friends from when they were teammates on the 1986 Astros’ NL West Champs. He also states that both teams have been closely following each other. This is a good “heads up” by Rogers about something that has serious potential. Kudos to Rogers for the info.          

Update from the Lower Hudson Journal (LoHud):

Looks like we have our first set of cuts. Adam Warren and D.J. Mitchell are clearing their lockers. The lockers for David Phelps, Hector Noesi, Brian Anderson, Andy Sisco and Buddy Carlyle are already empty.

Therefore we learn one thing. The #4 and #5 slots won’t go to longshots Phelps, Warren or Noesi. They’ll be AAA-bound. It’s between Nova, Colon, Garcia and Mitre.  

Happy birthday, Manny Banuelos. The young phenom turns 20 today. As LoHud states, youngest guy in camp.

Also cut: Neal Cotts. More from Lohud:

The only minor league starters still in big league camp are Andrew Brackman, Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos (and maybe Steve Garrison, depending on how the Yankees plan to use him this season). Might not be long before the Yankees have to send some of the Killer Bs down as well to give them innings.

(My note: midseason call possibilities?) Combined spring numbers for Mitchell and Warren: 8 G, 10.2 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 10 K, 2.53 ERA. Mitchell walked no one. Warren allowed just one earned run.

 

Yes, you read that right. One of the buzzes of Yankees camp, Manny Banuelos, has been named by the Great Rivera as the best pitching prospect he’s ever seen. Mo is 41. He’s probably seen twenty years of prospects.

With praise like that from Mo, how can you not be excited if you are a Yankees’ fan? Don’t worry, we’ll track each of Banuelos’ starts (and Betances, Brackman’s etc.) as the year progresses, so that you know EXACTLY how each are doing. When they get promoted, you’ll know as soon as I can post it. 

In the meantime, check out the article. Here is Rivera on Banuelos.    

Colon strikes out the side in the 1st. I have to admit, I never thought Colon would look like this. Pitchingwise, that is. The girth? I expected that.

Martin HR’s in the 1st. 1-0 Yanks. Teix doubles but is stranded.

Oh well. That good 1st inning for Colon didn’t carry over. He gives up 2 runs on 3 hits, one an infield hit to SS. Does get a K. 2-1 Pirates.

Colon gives up a hit in the 3rd, but a K and a CS get him out of the inning.

In the bottom of the 3rd, Jeter triples. A-Rod and Cano get RBI singles. 3-2 Yanks after 3.

Colon done after 4, good outing. 2 R, 4 H, 0 Walks, 1 HBP, 7 K. Surprised at the # of Ks.   

Soriano pitches the 5th. 0 R, 1 H, 1K. In the bottom of the 5th, Andruw Jones HRs. 4-2 Yankees.

Feliciano for the 6th. He gives up a hit but strikes out the side.  

Banuelos in for the 7th. He may close out the game with 3 innings. The Yanks are shooting for that. In the 7th, he gives up a hit but it’s a scoreless inning with a K. In the 8th, the not-20 years old-yet lefty shows some poise. A HBP and single put two on with no out. Lineout and 2 Ks.    

Banuelos turns 20 this Sunday. I, along with scouts, Yankees brass, players, coaches, etc., are amazed at this kid’s poise. 

Banuelos done after 2 IP. 2 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 HBP, no walks, and 3 K. Luis Ayala in.

Ayala gives up a double, but a scoreless 9th with 2 K. Yanks’ pitchers strike out 16 in 4-2 win.

Yanks improve to 6-5-2.  

How’s this as a review of Manny Banuelos? “He’s got as good of stuff as I’ve seen,” Russell Martin said. “I can compare it to a Kershaw.” 

As for the pitchers we really were interested in, nice job.

CC went 2, giving up 0 R, 2 H, no walks and 2 K.

Pedro Feliciano went 1 IP. The projected loogy got his lefty to ground out, then faced four straight righties. He gave up hits to Austin Jackson and Ryan Raburn but bounced back nicely by whiffing Magglio and getting Miggy Cabrera (and all his problems) to ground out.

Then Manny Banuelos. Yesterday we were awed by Dellin Betances, who’ll start at AA. Banuelos, 20, likewise will begin the season at AA and is looked at more for 2012 than 2011 (seasoning, needs to work more innings, like Betances.) So how did Banuelos do? 7 pitches. All strikes. Groundout on pitch one. Then two strikeouts. Wow. He and Betances are really opening eyes. Too bad they aren’t ready NOW.

Mark Prior did well in his one inning, two flyouts to RF sandwiched around a K.

As stated, it was two Rule 5 pitchers who gave up 4 runs. Turpen went 1 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 3 walks, 1 K. Fish went 1, 2 R, 3 H, no walks and a K.  The other two runs were given up by prospect D.J. Mitchell (AAA bound) who gave up 2 runs in his lone inning, 3 hit, 0 walks, 1 K. 1 HR.

Offensively, Teixeira had 2 hits, one a double, and drove in a run. Alex was 1 for 3 with a double. Jorge Vazquez continued to show a good bat. No, he didn’t HR for the 3rd straight game, but he was 2 for 2 with a single and double. The problem with the soon to be 29 year old Vazquez is that he plays 1B and 3B. You have Teixeira and A-Rod there. Vazquez isn’t known for his D. He can swing the bat but his BB/K ratio is poor despite his great power. In 2009/2010, Vazquez played in 143 minor league games (AA/AAA) and hit .300-31-124. But he had just 26 walks to 148 strikeouts.

The other RBI came on a single by Andruw Jones. The team was just 2 for 15 with RISP.

Francisco Cervelli, fighting Jesus Montero for that backup C spot, was 2 for 3.

Russell Martin got his first action—at DH. He was 0 for 1 with two walks.

That’s a lot for someone whose mental makeup may not transfer to NY. If you are going to make a deal like that, you’d better be sure of what you are getting. I’m sure the Yanks weren’t sure.  

         “It seems like the Yankees don’t shy away from pitchers who might need Tommy John surgery,’’ wrote the fan. “Why do they do that, and how are these pitchers able to come back better than ever?’’

         Both Brackman and Betances have had Tommy John, and both progressed in a big way in 2010, with Brackman going 10-11, 3.90 between Class-A Advanced Tampa and the Thunder and Betances 8-1, 2.12 between the same two teams.

         In addition, lefty Manny Banuelos bounced back from an appendectomy to make a trio of starts for the Thunder and record a playoff win.

         The key to what those pitchers accomplished might be their work in Tampa supervised by Minor League Rehabilitation Coordinator and former Thunder pitcher Danny Borrell, who had Tommy John himself during his career, which ended in 2006.

         So the answers to the fan’s question is the Yankees are willing to take a risk on pitchers with talent who may need Tommy John, and, under Borrell and others, they do an excellent job getting these young arms back on the mound.

          Betances, Banuelos and, quite possibly, Brackman are slotted to start 2011 with the Thunder. Chances are, however, the talented trio will not stay at the Double-A level all season.  The good news for Thunder fans is the next wave of pitching prospects is almost ready for Double-A.

          And, believe it or not, two of these prospects – right-hander Brett Marshall and left-hander Josh Romanski, slated to start at Tampa, have also recovered from Tommy John to throw as well as they ever have.

          Marshall, who doesn’t turn 21 until March 22, put together a 4-2, 2.57 mark between Charleston and Tampa last season after blowing out his pitching elbow and needing Tommy John at the in 2009. Scouts are quite impressed with what they saw at the two Class-A stops, in which the Sterling, Texas, native recorded a strikeout/walk ratio of 70-26.

         The 6-foot, 195-pounder’s four-seam fastball has registered 97 mph, while his two-seamer reached 94. He is also working on improving his off-speed offerings – a curve and a changeup – to complement his other pitches.

          “Marshall is throwing better than he did before the surgery,’’ said a scout from another American League team.  “Given how young he is, the Yankees may really have something with him.’’

           As a result of his regained velocity, Marshall is becoming a breakout candidate on many prospect lists and his accomplishments almost landed him a spot on Baseball America’s Yankees Top 10. Marshall was the Yankees’ sixth-round pick in 2008.

          Romanski , who was the No. 2 starter behind Baltimore’s Brian Matusz at the University of San Diego, was Milwaukee’s fourth-round selection in 2008. He missed the 2009 season after having Tommy John, then was released by the Brewers.

          The Yankees took a chance on the 24-year-old, who featured a 93-94 mph fastball at Charleston and Tampa in 2010 and recorded an 8-5, 3.32 mark with a strikeout/walk ratio of 85-21 at the two stops.

         “I feel great, and I’m throwing the ball where I want to,’’ said Romanski.  “I appreciate the chance the Yankees have given me and I’m trying to show them what I can do,

         “We’ll see what happens, but I’d love to get a shot at Trenton in 2011.’’

         Other pitchers Thunder fans could see in 2011:

• Right-hander Graham Stoneburner – Was 9-8, 2.41 on 26 starts for Charleston and Tampa. Dominated in South Atlantic League with a sinking two-seam fastball that registered 96 mph. Had 137-34 strikeout/walk ratio. Slider improved in a big way last season. Has excellent command
• Left-hander Shaeffer Hall – Was 11-7, 2.89 between Charleston and Tampa.  Armed with a solid curve and an excellent changeup that complements his fastball, Hall had a strikeout/walk ratio of 103-21. Has the mix to succeed in the Eastern League.
• Right-hander Craig Heyer – Former reliever who switched to starting at Tampa in 2010, he put together an 8-4, 3.52 mark with strikeout/walk ratio of 66-6 in 92 innings. Could be taken in this week’s Rule 5 draft, but is not expected to stick on a big-league roster.
• Right-hander Chase Whitley – Had outstanding season as Staten Island’s closer, notching a 4-2, 1.31 mark with 15 saves.  Made three appearances with Tampa. Enjoys closing. A rising bullpen prospect.

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          WINTER LEAGUE REPORT:  BaseLines Winter League “Player of the Week’’ is former Thunder shortstop Eduardo Nunez, who debuted for Este in the Venezuelan Leagued by hitting .400 (6-for-15) in four games.

          Other players with Thunder connections include:

• Outfielder Justin Christian is dominating the Mexican Pacific League at Mochis, hitting .380 (70-for-184) with 24 RBIs in 47 games. His 2011 destination should emerge in the next few weeks.
• Catcher Jose Gil, re-signed by the Yankees last week and the Thunder’s likely 2011 starter at his position, is hitting .257 (18-for-70) with Caribes of the Venezuelan League.
• Outfielder Edwar Gonzalez is hitting .313 (10-for-32) with Lara of the Venezuelan League.
• Infielder Walter Ibarra, a likely Thunder performer in 2011, is hitting .295 (33-for-112) on 39 games with Hermosillo of the Mexican Pacific League.
• Infielder Luis Nunez is batting .231 (3-for-13) with Zulia of the Venezuelan League.
• Infielder Jose Pirela, a 2011 Thunder hopeful who struggled in the Arizona Fall League, is batting .324 (12-for-37) with Zulia.
• Lefty reliever Wilkins Arias is 2-0, 1.42 in 14 appearances with Aguilas of the Dominican League.
• Lefty Andrew Sisco, recently signed by the Yankees, is 3-5, 4,53 as a starter with Mexicali of the Mexican Pacific League.
• Righty Josh Schmidt recorded a 3-2, 2.13 mark for Zulia.
• Righty reliever Eric Wordekemper is 0-0, 6.05 in 21 appearances with Culiacan of the Mexican Pacific League.

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        FROM MAINE TO OHIO AND VIRGINIA:  BaseLines will have a Rule 5 Draft update.  The selections are scheduled for Dec. 9, the last day of Baseball’s Winter Meetings … Former Thunder and Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland has been hired by the Tampa Bay Rays in an off-field role … Construction continues on the renovation of Reading’s First Energy Stadium, featuring many fan improvements involving baseball and entertainment …  Negotiations are under way to extend the Player Development Contract (PDC) that binds the minors and majors through the 2020 season.

          BaseLines appears weekly and with breaking news when it transpires. Comments and suggestions are welcomed at jed.weisberger3@gmail.com or follow on Twitter @jedleyq

“… a ridiculous changeup that had plus arm speed and hard, late fading action, and he touched 94 as well. I don’t see much physical projection with Banuelos, who is already pretty maxed out physically (unless he gets taller — he is just 19), but his feel for pitching and fastball command are extremely advanced and tightening his curveball would give him three above-average or better pitches too.”

In other words, we got ourselves a plus-pitching prospect. If you didn’t catch Manny’s outing (on MLB Network and MLB.com) you definitely missed out. The 19-year old was throwing extremely well and looked calm as ever on the hill. Scouts who said that he had a major-league demeanor were right. Gotta love them killer B’s: Banuelos, Brackman, and Betances. The future is bright.

Interesting. Maybe the Yanks still target Crawford, but LoHud reports that:

Brett Gardner won the Bill James Fielding Bible Award for left field. Gardner was picked as the best defensive left fielder in the game, not just the American League, giving him one more triumph of his breakout season as an everyday player.

With that 399 to LCF, I’ve always advocated a LF who also can be a CF, or who has the speed to cover that gap.

Some prospects to watch for in 2011, age in 2011 on opening day (and where they may start out at):

Jesus Montero (21.) C. Traded for a major talent, AAA or Majors? 2010 Numbers:   AAA .289-21-75. Bat good but can he catch?

Austin Romine (22). C. AAA. Longshot majors?  AA .268-10-69. 41 AB in AFL (Arizona Fall League) so far. .244-0-7. If Montero goes back to AAA, then what to do with Romine? Would the Yanks platoon the two at AAA? I can’t see that, and Romine is AAA ready (some scouts think MLB ready). You can’t have one prospect slowing up the other, which is what you probably would get if both Montero and Romine are at AAA.

Brandon Laird (23) 1B/3B/OF?  AAA.  combined AA/AAA .281-25-102. In AFL to learn corner OF. Played 1B/3B. Corner OF would help. Righty bat can fill OF role if he can adjust. Can play vs. lefties while Gardner or Granderson sits. Probably start at AAA to get more OF corner reps, but a 2011 callup? 52 AB in the AFL so far. .288-3-10.

Manny Banuelos LHP. (20) AA. Combined 0-4, 2.51 last year, came off injury. 3 levels. 85 K in 64 2/3 IP. 0-2, 4.85 in AFL right now.

Adam Warren. (23). RHP. AAA or AA. 11-7, 2.59 between High A and AA in 2009. 126 K in 135 1/3.

Dellin Betances RHP (23). AA. 8-1, 2.11 between High A and AA (only 3 games). 108 K in 85 1/3.

Eduardo Nunez. SS/3B. (23) Majors. He’ll battle Pena for the backup infielder spot. If not majors, then AAA. If he hits in spring training… Would love to see him make it, and play 30 games each at SS and 3B giving Jeter and A-Rod days off. Pena has the glove and some speed, but if Nunez hits, his bat and his speed are better than Pena’s and hopefully Nunez’  glove isn’t that far behind. MLB .280-1-7 with 5 steals. Just 50 AB. AAA: .289-4-50 with 23 SB in 118 G.

Greg Golson. (25) OF. AAA. .263-10-40, 17 SB.  I don’t see room for him on the MLB roster unless he really hits in S.T. I see him going back to AAA. The Yanks will probably bring in a veteran (would they bring Melky back as a backup OF? He switch-hits, plays all 3 OF Positions, has NY experience, was DFA’d by Atlanta, and was popular in NY. Melky will still be just 26 on opening day 2011. .255-4-42, 7 SB for ATL in 2010. He (in my mind) isn’t a starter, but wouldn’t make a bad backup, def. replacement, 4th OF type. The Yanks may want someone with more pop, however, and could you have Melky and Thames both on the team? If not, no Melky).

I may have missed someone. If so, I’ll comment on him in a future post. Yes, I know that I did NOT mention Juan Miranda. Frankly, the Yanks have to decide what to do with him. He’ll be 28 in April 2011, too old to be a prospect, and that is why I didn’t list him. .219-3-10 in 64 AB with the Yanks this past season. .285-15-43 in AAA. The SWB/NY yo-yo, wearing out I-80. The Yanks should probably do him a favor and deal him. Fill a need. I don’t see him getting playing time in NY.

Colin Curtis will be 26 on opening day 2011. Same with Kevin Russo. I don’t see either playing a major part. Good to watch out for, maybe a callup. Both probably back at AAA.       

Oh. I should mention that it’s 39 degrees where I am right now (7 pm) in Eastern PA. 39. Imagine game 5 at if it were at the Stadium tonight. The low tonight is expected to be about 28 or 29. Yup. 28 or 29. Baseball in November. Yuk. … and Buddy Boy Selig wants to add 2 more wild-card teams in 2012. I don’t know how he is going to work that one out. I am opposed to it. Hey Bud? It’s cold here. The Fall Classic should be OVER by November 1st.      

Update: Re: Melky. Maybe getting rid of him was good for Cano (his buddy gone, not hitting those nightspots with him… better concentration). So no Melky = better Cano?

Update II: I knew I’d forget someone.

Hector Noesi. 24. AAA. 14-7, 3.20 at 3 levels (Mostly AA) in 2010. RHP. 153 K in 160 1/3.

Melky Mesa. 24. AA. OF. .260-19-74 with 31 SB at High A. 129 strikeouts. Power, speed, but 24 and AA bound, still only a .236 minor league hitter. Late bloomer?  

Update III: 11/5/10.

It’s coming out that Montero may be given every shot at the 2011 starting job, with Cervelli as backup and Posada being mostly a DH. If Romine is ready mid-season, he might even come up, replacing Cervelli. Things are getting interesting.

Also, I didn’t mention

David Phelps, above.  (24), I project AAA to start 2011. 10-2, 2.50 combined AA/AAA in 2010. RHP. 141 K in 158 2/3.    

Hmm.

AAA Phelps, Warren, Noesi 

AA    Banuelos, Betances, Brackman 

That’s a nice five pitchers at the AA/AAA level. I will list Brackman here, and didn’t above, because Brackman’s numbers weren’t as good. He is still a prospect, but at 25 and AA is not only a prospect but a project. 10-11, 3.90 in 2010 (High A/AA). 126 K in 140 2/3. 5-4, 5.10 at High A, but things started to kick in at AA. 5-7, 3.01. He had an awful 2009 (coming off surgery) when he went 2-12, 5.91. Very, very much a project.  

But some very interesting pitching at AA/AAA and you wonder if Aldred, who I’ve touted for the Yanks’ pitching coach, may be more valuable where he is—at SWB.     

I see J. R. Murphy, who was only 19 this year. I didn’t list him, only because he is yet another catching prospect. If Sanchez starts 2011 at low A Charleston, Murphy could move up to High A. At low A last year, Murphy hit .255-7-54 in 83 games. Not bad, but Murphy, 20 next May, seems to be overshadowed by Montero, Romine and Sanchez.  

First off,

 • Cashman listed two priorities for the winter: Starting rotation and left-handed reliever (My note: to join Logan. Marte out until Aug. or Sept.?) The rotation was obvious, but I was surprised to hear a lefty mentioned so prominently. “If I can find a left-handed reliever who can join Boone Logan, I think that will make our choices out of the pen better for our manager,” Cashman said. “It’s easy to talk about it. It’s harder to find it. Those are the obvious things that stand out for me: Continue to improve your starting rotation, find a left-handed reliever and then get after it.”

• Cashman mentioned LHP prospect Manny Banuelos by name, but stressed that the Yankees would “like to keep him in the starting rotation.”

So now I know what you are thinking. Who is Manny Banuelos, and could he (with Marte out for most of 2011) help Logan out in the 2011 Yankees bullpen?

First of all, realize this. Banuelos next year will be 20. Read that again. TWENTY. In March.

Now the question is, do you want to put a kid that young into the bullpen right away?

The lefty is slight. 5’10″ and 155 lbs.

He hasn’t pitched above the AA level except for three games.

This past year, he had 2 games at Gulf Coast Rookie League. 10 ten games at high-A Tampa. Only 3 games at AA. 0-4, 2.51. 85 K in 64 2/3 IP.

For his minor league career, 13-10, 2.59. 228 K in 215 2/3 IP. Remember, the Mexican lefty will be 20 on 3/13 of NEXT year.

Only three games at AA. Note Cashman’s words above. That they would like to keep him as as a starter. A 20 year old LOOGY? You never know. Is Banuelos good enough to handle a LOOGY role? Is he good enough now to be a LOOGY? Would you want to turn a 20 year old into a LOOGY?

The opening for Almost True last saturday was a lot of fun. Lulubell is one of the absolute coolest places in Tucson, without a doubt! I am really happy to be a part of another exhibit at the gallery. I am currently showing the shoelace painting, Delusions of Grandeur and the 4 foot tall butterfly knife, Friendly Conversation.

My working process has really slowed down since I started school. I am enjoying the classes I’m taking, but I miss the flexability I had that allowed me to focus on making artwork. Also, I wish I had more time to write out my thoughts and plans here on the blog. I have come to realize that blogging isn’t only a way to show my work process and finished pieces, but it is a good way of logging ideas and patterns of thought for my own record and reflection.

Visit www.lulubelltoys.com to check out my pieces that are for sale, and to see more of the artwork!

Thanks to every one who showed up !

Today I’m going to be going through, in my opinion, the 7 best prospects in the New York Yankees’ farm system. I don’t know about you, but these kinds of things are what I look out for, as I’m very interested in farm systems and prospects and that sort of thing. Obviously my list is not the best, feel free to make some modifications if you feel that I have left someone off.

Before I start, I want to name the prospects that you might be surprised to see are not on the list, and a quick reason as to why:

Andrew Brackman: He might have been an early round pick, who has great stuff and all, but he can’t get anyone out in A ball right now, and he’s 24 years old: quite old for the league. Disappointing.

Christian Garcia: Barely missed the list, but he’s injured, and I didn’t put anyone on this list that’s on the DL (I think).

George Kontos: Again, injured, has been for a while, so…

Mark Melancon: He’s played in the MLB, which is a disqualifier for this list.

We’ll start off with number 7 and work our way up.

7. Melquisedec “Melky” Mesa (22 yrs, OF, Charleston RiverDogs A)

AVG: .248    HR: 20    RBI: 64    SB: 10    OPS: .843

Yes, we have two Melkys in our system. This one’s also Dominican, although the MLB Melky, Cabrera, is not actually named “Melquisedec”, one of the more disturbingly funny looking first names in the history of the universe. Onto the actual skills of this prospect: I’m not able to access a real, good scouting report on Mesa, but I think I can tell what kind of tools he has simply by looking at his numbers. 20 homers, 10 bags swiped. He’s old for A-ball, at 22, but he’s finally coming into his own and maturing as a hitter. The only reason I ranked him this low is because, as I said earlier in this photograph, he’s old for the league, and there’s a shot that it might just be a fluke season. But I’d think there has to be something there.

6. Kanekoa Texeira(23 yrs, P, Trenton Thunder AA)

W-L: 8-5    ERA: 2.76    SO: 56    IP: 71.2

It might be controversial to put a reliever like Texeira over a toolsy outielder like Mesa, but Kanekoa is a guy with proven minor league success and good stuff and he can probably do a nice job in the majors if we needed to call him up tomorrow. Acquired with Nick Swisher in the offseason trade with the Chi-Town Sox, Texeira is, as River Avenue Blues puts it, a classic sinker-slider reliever. He throws low 3 quarters, which is notably lower than a regular pitcher’s arm slot, but not quite side-arm, for those that don’t know. His sinker has good movement on it and the speed is low 90s/high 80s, and he can get it up to 93 miles per hour on his hardest heater. He has a hard slider too, basically his put away pitch. Texeira has also had 6 starts this year. Again, Texeira is a guy who can come up right now and immediately pitch at least somewhat well for the big club.

5. Austin Romine (20 yrs, C, Tampa Yankees High-A)

AVG: .287   HR: 11    RBI: 57   SB: 8    OPS: .792

You’ve heard of Jesus Montero as a big catching prospect, but have you heard of Austin Romine? One of the better athletes in the Yankees’ system, the scouting report on Austin says that his defense is better than his offense. Well, if the numbers above are what he’s supposed to do in an offensive season, then this guy has to be something special defensively. I mean, MAN. 11 homers is good for a catcher at that level, 8 SB is good for a catcher at any level. I would think he wouldn’t keep that up in the MLB level, but it’s sure possible. This guy looks like a second Russell Martin, and we have a better catcher.

4. Zach McAllister (21 yrs, SP, Trenton Thunder AA)

W-L: 5-4    ERA: 2.25   SO: 75    IP: 92

The scouting report on McAllister on River Avenue Blues is old, so things may have changed since then, McAllister has a sinking two seamer and a straighter four seamer that are in the low 90s as far as velocity, and Zach can throw as hard as 94. He has a good changeup and a slider, as well as a curveball which he used to throw quite well but lost the feel for it down the stretch in the 2007 season. Last year, in Charleston and Tampa, he went 14-9 with a 2.09 ERA in 151 innings pitched. You can see his numbers in 2009 up there, and while he’s on the 7-day DL right now, how can I deny those numbers a spot on this list? Honestly?

Time to get to business: top 3.

3. Manny Banuelos (18 yrs, SP, Charleston RiverDogs A)

W-L: 8-4   ERA: 2.60   SO: 81   IP: 93.1

Nothing about Manny Banuelos’ stuff jumps out at you that much: his fastball is in the high 80s to low 90 with some tail on it, he has a big curveball but it doesn’t have hard, biting action like really good curveballs do. He has a third pitch, a changeup that’s mid-70s and he has great arm action with it, so it can be deceptive, but it doesn’t really have great movement on it. He’s only 5’11″, so not a big, intimidating fellow. But what Manny Banuelos has is something guys his age are unable to equal: uncanny poise, and a nice and easy delivery that he’s able to repeat consistently. He’s completely unfazed on the rubber, he has a maturity, a composure, a quiet confidence(thank you Scouting the Sally) that you’d typically expect of a good big league pitcher, not a guy that’s Vanessa‘s age pitching in Charleston. And plus, even though his stuff isn’t KUH-RAAAAZY GOOD, it should develop as he pitches more in the minors and develops more arm strength and a better feel for his secondary offering.

2. Austin Jackson (22 yrs, OF, Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees AAA)

AVG: .313   HR: 4   RBI: 39   OPS: .807  SB: 17

You know him. You love him. It’s A-Jax, the toolsy outfielder who’s not quite found his full potential, yet is still one of the premier players in the minors. He made the AAA All-Star team this year, he’s a great defender with a good arm, he has developing power which he hasn’t found yet(only 4 homers as you see there), he’s obviously a speed threat, and he’s a very good hitter(.313). But you already knew the deal on him. I hope he’s a September call up this year, because I want to see what this guy can do against MLB pitching, with Matsui, Damon and Hinske possibly all leaving this year. If he rakes, we probably don’t have to worry about resigning all three of those guys. He could be a solid MLB player soon. I’d love to see him up here.

1. Jesus Montero (19 yrs, C, Trenton Thunder AA)

(Combined A and AA)

AVG: .334    HR: 17    RBI: 66    OPS: .951

Jesus has come to judge the living and the dead.

Or, play some really good baseball. Either way.

In all seriousness, this guy is about as beastly as a prospect can be. He plays at a position where great offense is hard to come by at catcher(although some think he’ll end up at corner infield, though his defense is good at catcher) and all he does is raaaaaaake. Just look at those numbers. He’s 19 years old and he’s tearing up Double-A. You take a moment to think about that for a second. He’s a teenager, and he’s tearing up AA. Rare doesn’t begin to describe the talent this guy has. Like Jackson, I can’t wait for Jesus Montero to come up and destroy the Majors. It would make me so happy to see him do that.

And that’s it for the list, tell me what you thought and comment below.

Now for the Song of the Day. I haven’t given y’all a catchy hip hop song in a while, so allow me to do that.

Song of the Day is Chillin’ by Wale ft. Lady Gaga.

That’s it!

Stay positive, Yankee fans.

-EJ the Kid From New York