The organization is not as packed with prospects as it was before the trades made this past offseason, but there is still plenty of talent.
For starters (literally), the once “dead” prospects Andrew Brackman and Dellin Betances are seemingly back. Both were high up on the Yankees top prospect lists a couple years ago, but have since dropped off because of injuries and ineffectiveness. Now, both are still young (24 and 22, respectively) and dominating in High-A Tampa.
But let’s focus this minor league update on some talent closer to major league ready.
Triple-A: Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees
Jorge Vazquez 1B: He just received a well-deserved promotion to Scranton after tearing up Double-A for 10 games, where he went 16-for-41 with a .390 BA and four doubles. With Scranton, he’s 3-for-11 with a homer and four RBIs. Vazquez is 28 years old and was signed out of Mexico last year. A quick promotion is a major signal that the Yankees like what they see from this guy.
Jonathan Albaladejo RHP: I think we all know who this guy is. He relieved for the Yankees last year, but wasn’t good enough to keep his job out of spring training this year. However, he is absolutely dominating Triple-A so far in 2010. In 31 2/3 innings, he’s holding hitters to a .143 BA and a 1.14 ERA with 22 saves. However, the Yankees opted for lefty Boone Logan yesterday when Sergio Mitre hit the DL. But I’m OK with it. This way, I won’t have to type his last name so much.
Full Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Triple-A stats here.
Double-A: Trenton Thunder
Brandon Laird 3B: Laird earned a spot in the Thunder lineup by impressing in spring training this season, and he has continued to impress in Double-A this year. In 62 games, he’s leading the league in RBIs (62) and is third in home runs with 14, while hitting a respectable .305. Laird received major attention from the organization when he completed the cycle with a walk-off home run on May 27.
Hector Noesi RHP: Noesi is having an outstanding season thus far, starting the year in High-A ball and earning a promotion to Trenton. He has thrived in both leagues, combining for a 2.66 ERA and a .221 BBA in 71 innings for an 8-2 record. His most recent start was his first career complete game and the start before that featured 10 strikeouts. He’s won three of his first four games with Trenton. I’m keeping a close eye on Noesi.
Full Trenton Thunder 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 6/16.)
