It’s been too long since I’ve checked in on the Yankees’ farm system. The one big thing that needs to be mentioned is that stud hitter Jesus Montero broke his middle finger and will miss the rest of this season. He may play winter ball, but that is yet to be determined.
Also, from RAB:
Baseball America polled scouts, managers, etc., and named Austin Jackson the Best Batting Prospect in the Triple-A International Leage (subs. req’d). Zach McAllister has the Best Control and Reegie Corona is the Best Defensive Second Baseman in the Double-A Eastern League.
Nice to see some prospects being honored.
Triple-A: Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees
Austin Jackson OF: He has held a very consistent .302 BA/.362 OBP/.420 SLG this season, and is still stealing bases at a high rate (21/25). The downside? In 110 games, 103 strikeouts. Yuck. Also, just four homers and 52 RBI isn’t exactly producing for Triple-A. However, he remains the most likely outfielder due for a September call up.
Zachary Kroenke LHP: If he keeps up his current pace, he will likely join Joba Chamberlain as the only two current Yankees from Nebraska. Kroenke is dominating Triple-A out of relief with a 7-1 record and a 1.07 ERA. He doesn’t have blazing stuff, but its tough to argue with a 1.09 WHIP. I expect to see Kroenke in pinstripes as a September call up.
Full Triple-A stats here.
Double-A: Trenton Thunder
No hitters are opening eyes in Double-A now that Montero is gone. Jorge Vazquez was having a good year, but he is also out for the year.
Zach McAllister RHP: The 6-foot, 6-inch right hander is having a nice season for Trenton, and is probably the best starting pitcher prospect in the entire system (maybe Dellin Betances). McAllister is 6-4 with a 2.14 ERA. He can hit 93 MPH, and has good control of his 2-seam fastball. You might see this guy pitching for the Yankees in 2010, but more realistically in 2011.
Full Double-A stats here.
High-A: Tampa Yankees stats here.
Low-A: Charleston RiverDogs stats here.
(All of the used stats are prior to action on 8/16.)
