In MLB.com’s Top 50 Prospects list for 2011, Jesus Montero ranked ninth, Gary Sanchez 32nd and Manny Banuelos 35th.
Montero is the top-ranked catcher on the list. Before the Yankees acquired Russell Martin, Montero was expected to assume the starting job in place of Jorge Posada. Now, he’ll likely have to work his way to the majors during the season.
Montero could be great, but don’t forget about Gary Sanchez. He’s just 18 years old and tore up the Gulf Coast League last season.
Side note: I must say, the Yankees did a great job of stocking up on catchers as Posada’s career winded down. Sanchez and Montero have the highest potential in the organization, but don’t forget about Austin Romine (Double-A last season) and J.R. Murphy (2009’s second-round draft pick).
Banuelos is a lefty who stands at 5-foot-10, but still has “got the stuff to be a front-line starter in the not-too-distant future.”
