Yankees Minor League Report 7/31/13: Pete O'Brien Delivers 3 Hits; Jairo Heredia Throws a Gem; Jose Campos Cruising Along

In case you were wondering (why would you be?), Dante Bichette is listed as active even though he hasn't played since July 27th.  

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Scranton (Lost to Indianapolis, 3-1)

JR Murphy:  2-for-4 (.297/.368/.457 for Scranton; .280/.359/.436 in 321 AB overall with 39 walks and 57 K.)

David Adams:  1-for-4, 2B (10) - He simply shouldn't be shuffled around so that Brent Lillibridge and Jayson Nix can play.  It is beyond frustrating.

Ronnier Mustelier:  0-for-3, BB - .250/.293/.363 in 212 AB for Scranton

Dan Johnson:  1-for-4

Thomas Neal:  1-for-4 - .319/.387/.408

David Huff (L, 4-5):  7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 2 HR (3.40 ERA; 82 IP, 82 H, 35 R, 31 ER, 8 HR, 19 BB, 81 K)

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Trenton (Lost to Harrisburg, 5-3)

Slade Heathcott:  1-for-5, 2B (20), RBI, RS - .257/.316/.400 in 370 AB. 31 walks, 101 strikeouts.   Ends July with a .306/.342/.509 line.

Jose Pirela:  1-for-5, RBI - .262/.354/.386 in 363 AB.  48 walks, 46 strikeouts.  17-for-20 SB

Kyle Roller:  1-for-3, RS, BB - .264/.353/.453 in 329 AB.  

Ramon Flores:   1-for-5 - .243/.335/.329 in 407 mostly ugly AB.  He does have 56 walks.

Carmen Angelini:  1-for-4, 2B (9) - .193/.278/.321 in 140 AB since joining squad.

Nik Turley (L, 8-6):  6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 K (3.86 ERA; 112 IP, 91 H, 53 R, 48 ER, 10 HR, 57 BB, 114 K) - 3.10 ERA in six July starts.   Not thrilled with the walk rate, but the season as a whole has been fairly solid.

Francisco Rondon: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 0 K (4.59 ERA; 66.2 IP, 56 H, 45 R, 34 ER, 7 HR, 43 BB, 61 K) - Most of the bad stuff comes from a 7.16 ERA as a starter earlier this year.  Of course, today's appearance was bad regardless.  

Danny Burawa:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K - 3.18 ERA with a 51/34 K/BB ratio in 51 IP.  Seven straight scoreless appearances.

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Tampa: (Defeated St. Lucie, 4-1)

Pete O'Brien:  3-for-5, RBI, RS, 2 K - Naturally, the two outs he would make would come via strikeout.  He now has 43 in 35 games since joining Tampa with only five walks.  That said, he is hitting .286 with 16 XBH and 32 RBI for Tampa.  

Gary Sanchez:  1-for-4, SB (3) - Second straight game with SB.    Hitting .256 in 355 AB.

Mason Williams: 0-for-4 - Finishes July 27-for-83 (.325).  Hit .313 in June.

Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-3, RS, 2 BB - Even with the nasty slump he went through, he has still walked more than he has struck out for Tampa (55 BB/54 K).    Has the ability to reach base even when he is slumping, and that is valuable.

Taylor Dugas:  0-for-4, RBI, BB

Mikeson Oliberto:  2-for-4, RS - 7-for-15 since joining squad.  22-year old OF.

Jairo Heredia:  5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, HR -  If the 23-year old has maintained any of his stuff coming off of shoulder surgery, he can a fascinating one to watch.   So far, so good since coming back.

Taylor Garrison (S, 5):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K - Continues to mow down hitters.  We'll see what happens when he hits Double-A.

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Charleston (Defeated Hickory, 2-0)

Cito Culver:  3-for-3, SAC (.228/.312/.354 in 364 AB.  Snaps 0-for-20 slide) 

Jake Cave:  1-for-3, RS, BB, SB (12) - .283/.347/.410 in 339 AB.  16-for-36 in last 10 games.   Hit .313/.391/.396 in July.  It will be interesting to watch his progress in 2014.

Angelo Gumbs:  1-for-4 - .238/.289/.370 in 281 AB between Tampa/Charleston.  14-for-20 SB.

Ty Afenir:  0-for-3, BB, SB (1)

Daniel Aldrich: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (1)

Ericson Leonora:  2-for-4, 2 2B (3), RS - 20-year old OF out of Venezuela.

Jose Campos (W, 2-2):  5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (3.27 ERA; 77 IP, 72 H, 32 R, 28 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 70 K) - Very few decisions because he typically dominates for four innings and is promptly taken out.  Today, they stretched him out to five.    Has a 1.36 ERA in eight starts since ASB with a 29/4 K/BB ratio over 33 IP.

Eric Wooten (S, 1):  4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K - 23-year old LHP.

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Staten Island: (Defeated Jamestown, 6-0)

Yeicok Calderon:  2-for-4, 2 HR (8), 4 RBI, 2 RS - Has 13 HR and 49 RBI in 81 games for Charleston/Staten Island.  Unfortunately, his OPS for Charleston was only .590, leading to his demotion here.

Eric Jagielo:  1-for-5, RS - Down to .259.  4-for-35 slide.  

Brandon Thomas: 0-for-3, RS, 2 BB -  22 walks in 38 games.  Hasn't really hit consistently, however (.230).

Trent Garrison: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, RS - Seems like his defense is legit, but whether he will hit enough to move up the chain is a major question.  Not that you would expect to find a flawless college catcher in the 28th round.

Kale Sumner:  0-for-3, BB

Jose Rosario:  1-for-4, RS, SB (3)

Derek Toadvine:  2-for-4, SB (4) - 22nd round pick has the makings of being a minor league utility guy.  (Here is hoping that 10 years from now, someone out there will point to this post and say "Remember when you said this beast would be nothing more than a minor league utility guy?!!?!?!?!")

Conner Kendrick:  5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 1 K - Just your run-of-the-mill "bend, don't break" kind of performance.    Has a 4.43 ERA in 22.1 IP with a 15/13 K/BB ratio.    LHP with a high-80s FB with curve/change.   Typical kind of Yankees college lefty pick:   He is very polished with a chance to move quickly, though obviously he has dealt with a few command issues since signing.

Dillon McNamara:  3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K -  Has a 1.64 ERA in 22 IP with a 19/10 K/BB ratio.   27th round pick out of Adelphia.  He has a prototypical type of build (6'5", 220) and has the arm to go with it (easily hits the mid-90s).   Whether the Yankees keep him in the pen or try him as a starter at some point is unclear.

Nick Rumbelow:   1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Yankees Minor League Report 7/30/13: Brett Marshall Impressive; Kyle Roller Drives in 5; Rafael DePaula Dominates; Evan Rutckyj Tosses a Gem

A quick note:  As of this writing, the boxscores on milb.com are not updated, even though the games are over.   So, if any of the numbers below are incorrect, you know why.

Notes from the GCL.   This is only a sampling and doesn't represent all GCL prospects.

Jordan Cote, drafted in the third round in 2011, has a 1.35 ERA for the GCL-2 squad with a 13/5 K/BB ratio in 20 innings.  Last year, he posted a 0.98 ERA in 27.2 innings at this level....Bonus baby Luis Torrens (17, C) is hitting .223/.345/.309 in his first taste of professional ball....Shortstop Tyler Wade (18) is hitting .361/.500/.386 in 83 AB.   He is also 6-for-7 stealing bases...Second baseman Gosuke Katoh (18) is hitting .319/.430/.574 in 94 AB.....Recently signed Dustin Fowler (18, OF) is off to a 7-for-20 start.  18th round pick was given an overslot deal.....Christopher Tamarez, signed as an international FA in 2010, is only hitting .235 in 51 AB.   He signed for $650,000...Thairo Estrada (17, SS) is hitting .309/.370/.412 in 79 AB....Rony Bautista (21, LHP) has a 1.61 ERA in 22.1 IP with a 30/12 K/BB ratio.   Bautista is very tall (6'7", though he is only listed at 200 pounds)....Chaz Hebert (21, LHP) has a 3.33 ERA in 27 IP.  He has allowed 31 hits while walking 10 and striking out 28.  

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Scranton (Lost to Indianapolis, 3-2)

Adonis Garcia:  2-for-4, RS - Hitting .337 in 83 AB.

David Adams:  0-for-3, BB

Ronnier Mustelier:  0-for-4

Dan Johnson:  2-for-4, 2 2B (20), RBI 

Thomas Neal:  1-for-4, 2B (17) 

Brett Marshall:  6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K (5.13 ERA; 108.2 IP, 113 H, 71 R, 62 ER, 61 BB, 88 K) - Last 3 starts:  20 IP, 14 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 7 BB, 11 K.  Maintaining a very strong ground ball rate (1.57 entering tonight).

Mark Montgomery:  1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K (3.06 ERA; 35.1 IP, 32 H, 14 R, 12 ER, 23 BB, 43 K)

Sam Demel: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

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Trenton (Defeated Harrisburg, 11-3)

Ramon Flores:  2-for-5, 2 RS

Slade Heathcott:  1-for-4, 2B (19), RS, BB

Jose Pirela:  2-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, BB, 2 SB (16)

Andrew Clark:  1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB
Kyle Roller:  2-for-5, HR (13), 5 RBI, 2 RS

Carmen Angelini:  2-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, RS
Curtis Granderson:  1-for-3, 3B, BB

David Phelps:  4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR

Shane Greene (W, 4-3):  5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K (3.09 ERA; 43.2 IP, 49 H, 19 R, 15 ER, 4 HR, 11 BB, 33 K) - Greene has been very strong this season.  In 118.2 innings between Tampa/Trenton, he has allowed 21 walks while striking out 102.    Last year, he walked 63 in 112 innings.  With many prospects having down seasons, it needs to be noted that at least a few have made some strides.

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Tampa (Defeated St. Lucie, 4-1)

Gary Sanchez:  1-for-4, RS, SB (2) - Only three stolen base attempts in 2013.  Was 26-for-34 combined in 2011 and 2012.

Pete O'Brien: 0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP

Mason Williams: 1-for-3, BB, SB (12)

Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, SB (11) - If you are going to put up an 0-fer, this is the way to do it.  18-for-22 SB between Charleston/Tampa.

Taylor Dugas:  1-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI - Has 25 career XBH in 141 games. Obviously not his forte.

Rafael DePaula:  5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K - Now that is more like it.   Has a 5.86 ERA since joining Tampa with a 31/13 K/BB ratio over 27.2 innings.  Has 127 strikeouts in 92 IP overall.

Diego Moreno: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

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Charleston (Defeated Hickory, 3-1)

Jake Cave:  2-for-3, 2 RS - Has raised his average up to .283.  15 hits in last 37 AB.  

Greg Bird:  0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K - Five-game walk streak.    Has 75 walks in 97 games, though he has also struck out 102 times.  

Reymond Nunez:  2-for-3, RBI

Cito Culver:  0-for-4 - After an extended good streak, he now has five hits in his last 42 AB.  Down to .222.

Evan Rutckyj (W, 9-6):  7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K (4.33 ERA; 97.2 IP, 107 H, 56 R, 47 ER, 7 HR, 42 BB, 90 K) - Quietly having a pretty good season.  

Ty Webb (S, 2):  2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K - 6.23 ERA in 13 innings since joining Charleston.

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Staten Island (Lost to Jamestown, 5-3)

Eric Jagielo:  0-for-4, RBI - 3-for-30 (.100) slide.  

Trent Garrison: 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS - 23-year old left-handed hitting catcher out of Fresno State.  28th round pick. 5-for-32.

Michael O'Neill:  0-for-3, RS, BB

Brandon Thomas:  0-for-3

Kale Sumner:  2-for-2, 2B (5), BB 

Caleb Smith:  5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K (2.43 ERA; 29.2 IP, 24 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 8 BB, 35 K) - Nice start to his professional career.   22-year old LHP.

Yankees Minor League Report 7/29/13: Robert Refsnyder Collects 3 Hits; Jake Cave Collects 4; Luis Severino Starts for Charleston

Scranton (Lost to Louisville, 5-3)

JR Murphy:  1-for-4, CS (1) - Who do you think you are, Jason Kendell?  Average at .291.    11-for-20 career stealing bases.

Randy Ruiz:  3-for-4, 2 2B (8), RBI

Adonis Garcia:  2-for-5, 2B (5), HR (2), RBI, RS

David Adams:  0-for-4

Thomas Neal:  1-for-4, RS - Hitting .321 in 252 AB.

Yoshinori Tateyama:  1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K (2.57 ERA; 21 IP, 21 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 2 BB, 21 K)

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Tampa:

Mason Williams: 2-for-5, RBI - Hitting .277.    41-for-117 (.350) since ASB.

Robert Refsnyder:  3-for-5, 2B (22), RBI, RS - 13 hits in last 36 AB.    Numbers slowly creeping back up.

Pete O'Brien: 1-for-4, 2B (9), RBI - Has 31 doubles and 17 HR in 327 AB between Charleston/Tampa.

Gary Sanchez:  0-for-4 - Down to .256.  16-for-80 (.200) in July.

Mikeson Oliberto:  3-for-4, RBI, 2 RS - 21-year old right-handed bat put up a .819 OPS in the GCL last year.

Bryan Mitchell:  5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K (4.78 ERA; 113 IP, 124 H, 71 R, 60 ER, 5 HR, 45 BB, 96 K)  -  A blah overall season for Mitchell.

Branden Pinder:  3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K - 2.10 ERA with a 28/3 K/BB ratio over 25.2 innings since being demoted.  Had a 6.29 ERA in 19 games for Trenton earlier in the season.

Taylor Garrison: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K - Blew the save in the bottom of the 9th.   Has a 1.24 ERA in 20 games for Tampa with a 26/7 K/BB ratio.

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Charleston:  (Swept in DH by Hickory, 3-1 and 5-4)

Greg Bird:  0-for-6, 2 BB, 5 K

Angelo Gumbs:  2-for-7, 2B (7) 

Jake Cave:  4-for-7, 2B (27), 2 RBI, RS, SB (11) - Up to .279 on the season.  

Cito Culver:  0-for-4, 2 K

Danny Oh:  1-for-3, RBI

Reymond Nunez:  1-for-5, 2B (13), RS

Ty Afenir:  1-for-1, 2B (1), 2 RS, BB

Luis Severino:  3.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K - 19-year old RHP.    3-1 with a 1.37 ERA for the GCL squad in 26.1 innings with a 32/6 K/BB ratio.  In his debut last year (DSL), he compiled a 1.68 ERA in 64.1 innings with a 45/17 K/BB ratio.    Signed out of the Dominican Republic for $225,000 in 2011.   I don't know if he will stay in Charleston, or if this was just a one start deal because they needed someone for the double-header today.

Cesar Vargas:  6 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, HR  - Was cruising along until allowing a pair of walks in the 7th, followed by an Angelo Gumbs error.    Has a 2.87 ERA with a 78/34 K/BB ratio over 97.1 innings.  Solid season.

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Staten Island:  (Split DH with Aberdeen; won 7-3; lost 5-1)

Michael O'Neill: 2-for-6, RS, SB (8), 2 K

Eric Jagielo: 0-for-5, HBP  - 4-for-28 slide.

Brandon Thomas:  1-for-3, RBI

Bubba Jones:  1-for-3

John Murphy:  1-for-3

Yeicok Calderon: 2-for-4, 2 RS, BB

Kale Sumner:  0-for-2, RBI, RS, BB

Daniel Lopez:  1-for-3, 2B (3), 3 RBI, RS  (.250/.408/.357 in 21 games since joining Staten Island)

Giovanny Gallegos (L, 2-3):  3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR (3.03 ERA; 38.2 IP, 34 H, 14 R, 13 ER, 3 HR, 6 BB, 27 K)

Cale Cashow:  3 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K (3.42 ERA; 23.2 IP, 23 H, 19 R, 9 ER, 12 BB, 22 K, 1 HR)
Andy Beresford:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (2.77 ERA; 13 IP, 20 H, 9 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 11 K, 1 HR)

David Palladino:  4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 4 K (5.11 ERA; 24.2 IP, 34 H, 16 R, 14 ER, 3 HR, 14 BB, 25 K)

Kelvin Castro: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K (3.18 ERA; 17 IP, 16 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 HR, 6 BB, 22 K)

Yankees Minor League Report 7/28/13: Michael Pineda's Latest; Slade Heathcott Homers

Scranton:

JR Murphy:  2-for-5, 2B (13), 2 RS - Hitting .292.  Those 13 doubles have come in 130 AB since his promotion.  He has 23 doubles overall in 83 games to go along with his nine home runs.

Thomas Neal:  3-for-5, 2B (16), RS - Hitting .323 in 248 AB.

Jose Pirela:  1-for-4, RBI, RS - 7-for-23 since promotion.

Randy Ruiz:  1-for-5, HR (14), 3 RBI, RS - 14 HR in 40 games.

Ronnier Mustelier:  0-for-4, RS, BB

Adonis Garcia:  2-for-5, 2B (4), 2 RBI, RS - Hitting .324 in 74 AB for Scranton.  28-year old signed out of Cuba last year.

Michael Pineda:  4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K - Threw 55 pitches tonight.  I think the amount he throws is actually more important at this point than the results themselves.  

Dellin Betances:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (3.19 ERA; 67.2 IP, 44 H, 24 R, 24 ER, 2 HR, 36 BB, 83 K) - We are at the point where his relief work has been so overpowering that his overall numbers can stand by themselves.    But, we will still throw out this nugget:  58 K in 43.2 innings as a reliever.

Chase Whitley:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K - Has lowered his ERA to 3.19.  Has a 41/15 K/BB ratio over 42.1 innings and hasn't allowed a run in nine appearances.

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Trenton:  (Split DH with Binghamton.  1-0 win; 6-1 loss)

Slade Heathcott:  1-for-6, HR (7), RBI, RS

Ramon Flores:  1-for-6, 3B (4)

Andrew Clark:  2-for-6, 2B (12), RS 

Carmen Angelini: 1-for-6, 2B (8), RBI

Kyle Roller:  0-for-5

Fred Lewis:  3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K (1.98 ERA; 41 IP, 42 H, 12 R, 19 ER, 3 HR, 17 BB, 39 K) - Lewis is about as far under the radar as anyone you will find.  A 47th round pick in 2010 out of Tennessee Weselyan College.    The left-hander has thrown very well, however, with strong K rates throughout his career.   He is 26, and the odds remain long, but just getting to this point is an achievement in itself.  There is a reason why most players with a 47th round tag don't stick around very long.

Tom Kahnle (S, 13):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K (2.42 ERA; 44.2 IP, 23 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 4 HR, 30 BB, 52 K) - Like Dellin Betances, you are not looking at a future control specialist.  You are looking at a kid who will try to overpower his way through any chaos he creates.

Zach Nuding (L, 5-11):  4.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 1 K (4.23 ERA; 110.2 IP, 127 H, 67 R, 52 ER, 8 HR, 46 BB, 80 K) - He also threw 5.2 innings for Scranton earlier this year.    He threw 100 last year.  Nuding is a big guy (6'4", 260), so being a workhorse should be a part of who he is. Throws a low-90s (can hit the 95-96 range) heavy fastball with a slider and a change.  He screams "future reliever", because his breaking pitches are not completely refined.

Cesar Cabral: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

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Tampa (Lost to Charlotte, 8-2)

Gary Sanchez:  2-for-4, RS (.259/.317/.434) - As you can tell by his slash, Sanchez really needed a game like this one.    Has a .611 OPS since the ASB after posting an impressive .822 mark prior to the break.

Mason Williams: 0-for-4, BB (.276/.344/.378) - After an extended hot streak, he is now 1-for-13 in his last three games.  Obviously, that doesn't undo the fact that he was sizzling prior to the 1-for-13.

Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-4, RBI (.266/.384/.397 for Tampa; .281/.393/.409 overall) - 10 hits in last 35 AB (.286) with two doubles, two home runs, 10 RBI, and eight walks.  

Taylor Dugas:  1-for-3, RS, BB (.295/.398/.346 for Tampa; .263/.388/.318 overall with 44 walks and 31 strikeouts in 80 games)

Pete O'Brien: 0-for-4, 2 K (.279/.292/.496 for Tampa; .307/.355/.570 overall)

Jose Toussen:  2-for-4, RBI (.253/.313/.319 in 182 AB)

Scottie Allen: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 4 K (3.44 ERA; 102 IP, 97 H, 42 R, 39 ER, 9 HR, 30 BB, 65 K between Tampa/Trenton.  Only one appearance for Trenton)

Charley Short:  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (1.90 ERA; 47.1 IP, 31 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 69 K)

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Charleston (Lost to Greensboro, 8-3)

Greg Bird:  1-for-3, RS, BB - 17-for-36 in last 10 games with 11 walks and 8 strikeouts.   6-game hitting streak.   Has reached base via hit or walk in 15 straight games.

Jake Cave:  0-for-2, RS, BB - .273/.336/.403 in 326 AB.  .799 OPS since ASB.

Angelo Gumbs:  1-for-4 - 5-game hitting streak.

Cito Culver:  0-for-5, 4 K - That is an ugly day, to say the least.   1-for-16 slide.

Danny Oh: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB, SB (9) - 27th round pick in 2012 is having a decent season for Charleston.  

Ty Afenir: 1-for-3, 3B (1) - 39th round pick in this year's draft was 3-for-22 in the GCL before coming here.    Infielder who came out of Washington State as a shortstop, but played third tonight.

Reyond Nunez:  1-for-4, 2 RBI 

Dan Camarena (L, 3-5):  6 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 1 HR (4.83 ERA; 87.2 IP, 84 H, 54 R, 47 ER, 10 HR, 15 BB, 58 K) -  I am a results-oriented person, but even I know not to expect the moon from a 20-year old with 17.2 professional innings under his belt entering the season.  Most of Camarena's "bad" stuff came early on in the year.    Tonight represents a rare clunker since then.

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Staten Island finished a suspended game from earlier in the season, and were rained out in the regularly scheduled game.

Yankees Should Call Up JR Murphy

.629.

The number above is all we should need to know about the Yankees catching situation in 2013.  The number represents the team's OPS at that position this year, which ranks them 27th in baseball.   It would obviously be even worse if not for Francisco Cervelli's .877 number in 17 games earlier this season.   

The Yankees have been spending the past month or so looking for offensive upgrades anywhere they can find them.   Alfonso Soriano represented an upgrade to the lineup, so they went and traded for him (Of course, he didn't replace Vernon Wells, which would have made it an even bigger upgrade.  The fact that Wells is in the same lineup as Soriano shows you that more work needs to be done).

One of the places they may have a built-in, cheap upgrade is in the catcher spot - notably, JR Murphy.  I understand the hesitation of rushing any prospect to the show just for the sake of trying to squeeze out some offense, but it is my opinion that Murphy's situation is different.  This wouldn't be the Yankees rushing him - he is actually forcing their hand.

Entering today's action in Scranton (a day in which Murphy added two more hits to his ledger), Murphy was hitting .288/.366/.456 in 125 AB since joining Scranton and .276/.358/.435 when you factor in his stint in Trenton.   He has struck out 55 times in 308 AB with 39 walks.    This doesn't scream of a player that would be rushed - this screams of a player who is consistently answering every challenge the Yankees throw at him.

That doesn't mean he will instantly respond to the challenge of hitting in the major leagues.  However, I think you accomplish a few things here:

1.  If he comes up and hits, he instantly bolsters your lineup going forward - a lineup that should have Curtis Granderson in it down the stretch.  

2.  If he comes up and struggles, you at least accomplish allowing him to get his feet wet now at the major league level instead of waiting until April, 2014.   Also, it could give the Yankees a feel for how they should approach the position for 2014.   

There are a few ways to approach such a move - the easiest way from the organization's standpoint would be to simply swap Austin Romine for Murphy, put Murphy in the starting role, and letting Chris Stewart back him up.  One of the biggest pros of this approach is that Murphy can learn at the major league level from the grizzled veteran - a veteran who is used to being a bench player, which would make the transition easier.   For all of his faults (and he has many), Stewart truly is a solid defensive catcher with a good reputation for pitch framing.  If he can teach JR Murphy some of the finer points of framing pitches, it will enhance Murphy's value even more.  Also, this allows Romine to go to the minor leagues for a month to get consistent at-bats before rejoining the club in September.

Another approach (which I initially thought I would favor; but now I am not so sure) would be to shop Stewart around.   One may think that is a silly thought - who in their right minds would trade anything of value for Stewart?   In all likelihood, you are right about that - he is not very good at the stuff that is commonly measured, while he is very good at doing things that are less commonly thought of.     However, the Yankees value the part of the game that Stewart brings to the table, and one would have to assume that other teams would value it as well.    At the end of the day, the return would seem to be quite minimal.   There is likely more value in Murphy learning from Stewart than there is in trading Stewart for a Grade-C prospect.

Of course, Murphy is not on the 40-man roster, so you have that consideration to think about.  But at this point, the 40-man roster isn't exactly overflowing with greatness.  Moves can be made to accommodate Murphy.

Sometimes, it pays to roll the dice to see what comes up.  In the case of Murphy, you aren't asking him to do much to be an upgrade.    I suggest giving him the job now and letting him run with it.  It is one of those situations where I think the pros greatly outweigh the cons.

Yankees Minor League Report 7/27/13: Robert Refsnyder Goes Yard; Greg Bird Continues to Hit

Scranton (Defeated Louisville, 4-3)

Ronnier Mustelier:  2-for-4, RBI, RS, BB - Third straight multi-hit game.  Up to .264 on the season in 201 AB for Scranton.    My opinion is this:  Take advantage of a player like this as he is starting to heat up.  There is no reason to leave him down here if he is starting to hit, especially with the awfulness that surrounds the Yankees' lineup.

Dan Johnson: 3-for-5, 2 2B (18), 2 RBI

JR Murphy:  0-for-3, BB - With all of the work he has received lately, he gets a bit of a pass for an 0-fer.    Hitting .288 since joining Scranton.

Thomas Neal:  2-for-4

Jose Pirela:  1-for-4, 2 RS, SB (1) - Now has 15 steals in 19 attempts for Trenton/Scranton.   If the Yankees did let Cano walk, one would think that Pirela would be in the competition if they didn't go outside the organization.  

Mark Montgomery:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K - First game at AAA since 6/17.  has a 2.88 ERA in 34.1 innings with a 41/22 K/BB ratio.  

Chase Whitley (S, 3):  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K (3.27 ERA; 41.1 IP, 36 H, 15 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 40 K) - 7th straight scoreless appearance.

-----------------------------------

Trenton:
Rained Out.

----------------------------------

Tampa (Lost to Charlotte, 11-6)

Robert Refsnyder:  2-for-3, HR (5), RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, E (17) - 6 hits in last 18 AB, which is obviously not much of a sample - but Refsnyder needs a hot streak, and perhaps he has started one.

Mason Williams:  1-for-5, RS - .279/.346/.383 in 337 AB; .901 OPS in 108 AB since ASB.

Gary Sanchez:  0-for-5 - Slump is getting deeper.  3 hits in last 28 AB.

Pete O'Brien: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB - Only his 4th walk in 31 games since promotion.

Taylor Dugas: 2-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI, RS - He must be exciting to watch.   The odds are against him, but he has done nothing but play well (and within his limitations) since the day he entered the organization.

Ali Castillo: 2-for-4, 2B (3), 3B (1), RBI - 14 hits in last 33 AB

Dietrich Enns:  4.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 0 HR - ERA has jumped to 4.22 since joining Tampa.  Still striking out his share (36 in 32 IP).   You are talking about a kid who didn't start much in college, didn't start after signing with the Yankees, then showing something in extended relief appearances that caused the Yankees to try him out in this role.   He remains one of the biggest surprises of the season (He has 105 K in 76.1 innings and is left-handed), but perhaps he is running into a bit of a wall.

Manny Barreda:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K - 3.77 ERA with 48/16 K/BB ratio over 43 IP.

-----------------------------

Charleston (Defeated Greensboro, 3-2)

Greg Bird:  1-for-3, 2B (26), RS, BB - .293/.417/.519 with 70 walks.  He has struck out 96 times in 93 games, if I want to find something that he hasn't been good at.    

Jake Cave:  2-for-4, CS (6) - 15 hits in last 41 AB.  

Dante Bichette: 1-for-3, RS, BB - Has his average up to .210.   Continues to trend upwards, but will it last?

Cito Culver:  0-for-4, RS - .230/.317/.362.  

Reymond Nunez:  2-for-4, RBI 

Brett Gerritse (W, 8-5):  5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K (4.03 ERA; 67 IP, 63 H, 32 R, 30 ER, 0 HR, 26 BB, 74 K) - Third start (24th appearance) of the year for the 22-year old RHP.  Gerritse has never really pitched poorly since he entered the organization in 2009.

Ty Webb (S, 1):  2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 1 HR - Struggling, but still maintaining a strong strikeout rate:  23 in 16 innings.

----------------------------

Staten Island (Lost to Brooklyn, 3-2)

Eric Jagielo: 1-for-3, BB, K - 20-for-67 with 12 walks and 14 Ks in 19 games since joining Staten Island.

Brandon Thomas:  2-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, CS (3) - Hitting .240 with 19 walks in 34 games.  Has also struck out 40 times.

Bubba Jones:  1-for-4, 3 K

Derek Toadvine:  1-for-3, SB (3)

Jose Rosario: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB

Yeicok Calderon: 0-for-4

Kale Sumner:  0-for-4 - 7 hits in last 39 AB.

Rookie Davis:  4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K (2.48 ERA; 32.2 IP, 36 H, 15 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 30 K) - One of the best things about Davis is that there isn't any (current) belief that his future is in the pen.  He is a big (6'3", 235), sturdy RHP with loads of upside.  Interestingly, he got sick in 2012 - lost 30 pounds in the process - but is fully recovered.

Yankees Minor League Report 7/26/13: Pete O'Brien Collects 4 Hits; Greg Bird Collects 2; Mason Williams' Hitting Streak Snapped

Scranton (Defeated Louisville, 6-5, in 10 innings - exactly half the number they played yesterday.  As you would expect, JR Murphy got the night off)

Ronnier Mustelier:  2-for-5, 2 2B (12), RBI, RS - Perhaps he is finally starting to heat up a tad.  5-for-13 over the last two nights.  I have said it many times this year:  Perhaps the unluckiest player in the whole system in 2013.

Randy Ruiz:  3-for-5, 2B (6), RBI, RS

Dan Johnson:  1-for-4, HR (16), 2 RBI, RS, BB - For those wondering if he could be an upgrade over Overbay or Hafner, Johnson has five hits in his last 38 at-bats.  In other words, he would indeed be an upgrade.

Jose Pirela:  2-for-4, BB - 5-for-15 since joining Scranton.  Pirela just hasn't stopped hitting since the beginning of June.

Brendan Harris:  0-for-4, RS, BB - Recently signed.

Jose Ramirez:  3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K - I agree with those who say there are bigger hurdles in the minors to climb than the Double-A to Triple-A hurdle.  By the same token, running into a bunch of AAAA-type players has to be a different look for prospects.  Ramirez has a 4.88 ERA since joining Scranton with a 28/21 K/BB ratio.   

Dellin Betances:  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K (3.24 ERA; 66.2 IP, 43 H, 24 R, 24 ER, 2 HR, 36 BB, 81 K) - For those worried a bit about his recent uptick in walks, I wouldn't be - Betances is never going to be a poster child for keeping walks down.  His value will be in his overpowering stuff that should limit players from making solid contact.   We'll see him in September, at the latest.

Yoshinori Tateyama:  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K - Does any current major leaguer feature a screwball?

Sam Demel (S, 2):  1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K 

--------------------------

Trenton:  (Split DH vs. Binghamton - both games were 4-1 affairs)

Slade Heathcott:  1-for-7, RS - Was 0-for-3 with 3 Ks in nightcap.  Rough day today, but still hitting well lately.  Let's hope today isn't a part of a downward trend.

Ramon Flores:  2-for-4, RS

Andrew Clark: 1-for-6, 2B (11), RBI, 2 RS, BB

Kyle Roller:  3-for-6, 2B (21), 2 RBI - Hitting .266 with 12 HR, 46 RBI in 89 games.

Carmen Angelini: 1-for-3, 2B (7)

Reegie Corona: 1-for-3, 2B (9), RS, 4 BB - Corona is pretty much done as any kind of prospect, but he has shown this walk ability in the past.    Missed the 2011 season.  Was released and didn't play in the states in 2012.  Resigned this past winter.

Jeremy Bleich:  2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 K (2.92 ERA; 52.1 IP, 44 H, 22 R, 17 ER, 1 HR, 34 BB, 42 K, 1.58 GO/AO) - Emergency start.   Solid ERA, solid with getting grounders and preventing home runs - but the walks are an eyesore and he is better vs. right-handed hitters than he is vs. left-handed hitters.

Rigoberto Arrebato:  2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K (2.93 ERA; 15.1 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 20 K) - 27-year old LHP signed out of Cuba.  

Danny Burawa (S, 3):  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (3.24 ERA; 50 IP, 35 H, 20 R, 18 ER, 1 HR, 34 BB, 50 K) -  Last 11 appearances:  17 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 14 K

Mikey O'Brien:  4.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 HR - Done in by a grand slam.    Has a 4.11 ERA in 72.1 innings for Trenton with a 53/33 K/BB ratio.   He only stands 5'11", so a move to the bullpen is possible.

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Tampa  (Swept 2 vs. Charlotte, 5-4 and 4-3.  One was the conclusion of last night's game)

Pete O'Brien:  4-for-7, 2 2B (8), RBI, 2 RS, SF, CS (1) - Snaps out of an 0-for-18 slide with a nice day at the plate here.  O'Brien has some athleticism which allows the Yankees to try him in different positions, but he should probably never attempt a stolen base (0-for-2 in his career).  Anyway, O'Brien is at .289/.297/.521 for Tampa, which gives you an idea of what he may want to work on a bit.

Mason Williams:  1-for-6, RBI, BB, SF, CS (9) - Hitting streak snapped at 15 games.   Average is at .280.

Gary Sanchez:  1-for-8, 4 K - Only 9 hits in last 42 AB, only one of which went for extra bases.  The Yankees should call him up, as he would blend right in.

Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-7 

Taylor Dugas:  1-for-7, RBI - .258/.383/.311 in 267 AB between Tampa/Charleston.

Ali Castillo:  5-for-7, 2B (2), RBI, 4 RS, CS (4) - 14 hits in last 36 AB.

Rafael DePaula:  5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 8 K (3.93 ERA; 87 IP, 71 H, 39 R, 38 ER, 5 HR, 33 BB, 119 K) - Decent outing after three straight tough starts in Tampa.  Has a 6.75 ERA since joining the team (23/10 K/BB ratio in 22.2 innings)

Branden Pinder:  3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K (4.40 ERA; 47 IP, 44 H, 26 R, 23 ER, 5 HR, 19 BB, 45 K) - Most of the "bad" in the ERA came from his 6.29 ERA in 19 games for Trenton.  Never fun when any prospect gets demoted.

Manny Barreda:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K (3.86 ERA; 42 IP, 36 H, 23 R, 18 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 46 K) - Barreda is a 5'11" RHP who throws very hard with a wicked change and an inconsistent slider.  He is 24 years old.

Jairo Heredia:  4.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 1 HR - Pitched to a 3.45 ERA in six rehab starts for Staten Island.  Heredia has big talent, but unfortunately, he missed 2012 due to shoulder surgery.  So he is now 23 and playing catch up.

Charley Short:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K - The Yankees discovered Short in an independent league in 2012, and he hasn't disappointed.  He has a 66/10 K/BB ratio in 45.1 IP for Charleston/Tampa.    There isn't much information about Short out there - the one interview I found doesn't discuss what types of pitches he throws, or which pitch he uses to generate his strikeout rates.

Taylor Garrison (S, 4):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K (41.1 IP, 21 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 41 K) - Another smallish (5'11") relief prospect in the Yankees system - they seem to like to go after these types, and it seems to work for them.    Limited information on him as well, but he throws a 92-94 MPH fastball with a cutter and a curve.  

-------------------------

Charleston (Defeated Greensboro, 2-1)

Greg Bird:  2-for-4 - Ho hum.  He is now at .293/.418/.518 in 338 AB.   He has a 1.082 OPS in 110 AB since the ASB.     Has a .963 OPS vs. RHP, but is no slouch vs. LHP (.837).  Very excited to see what he does in Tampa next year, if he doesn't get there this year.

Dante Bichette:  1-for-3, RBI, BB - .209/.288/.321, which won't excite anyone - but Bichette has been hitting better as of late.   (12-for-39).

Jake Cave:  1-for-3, RS, BB, SB (10) - 14 hits in last 39 AB.  

Cito Culver:  0-for-3, RS, BB - .754 OPS in 121 AB since ASB entering tonight's game.

Jose Campos:  4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K - 3.50 ERA in 72 IP with a 68/16 K/BB ratio.  Eighth straight appearance throwing exactly 4 innings.   In 7 starts since the ASB, he has allowed five runs in 28 innings with a 27/4 K/BB ratio.  The Yankees are smart to slow him down the year after he got hurt, but have also stretched him out to the point where he will get in a decent number of innings.

Eric Wooten:  3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K - 23-year old LHP.

--------------------

Staten Island (Lost to Brooklyn, 2-0)

Eric Jagielo:  1-for-3 - Broke 0-for-10 slide.  .297/.423/.391

Yeicok Calderon: 1-for-3

Jose Rosario:  1-for-4 - .296/.316/.366 for the 21-year old infielder.

Michael O'Neill: 0-for-3, K - Now has 47 K in 142 AB.  The next Estee Harris?

Bubba Jones:  0-for-3, K

Conner Kendrick:  5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 1 HR (5.71 ERA; 17.1 IP, 20 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 14 K) 

Dillon McNamara:   2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K - 2.12 ERA in 17 innings with a 16/10 K/BB ratio.

Nick Rumbelow:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K - In 10 innings, he has allowed only one hit.  He does have three unearned runs on his record, and has a 12/2 K/BB ratio.

Yankees Minor League Note: Corey Black Going to Cubs in Alfonso Soriano Trade

The Yankees filled a need for some right-handed pop by acquiring Alfonso Soriano from the Cubs in exchange for Corey Black, who was ranked #20 in my mid-season top prospects list.

Black can be likened to a lottery ticket.   The smallish (5'11") 21-year old right-hander with the big arm (consistently hits the mid-90s and has dialed it up to triple digits) was pitching in High-A Tampa, where he currently has a 3-8 record with a 4.25 (3.01 FIP) ERA in 19 starts.   As you would expect with a pitcher with his kind of deceptive power, he has a strong strikeout rate (9.6/9 this year; 9.2 over his career), but also has struggled with his control and command (4.0 BB/9 in his minor league career).  Many scouts project him as a future reliever, but there are also those who feel he has the real upside of a pitcher like Roy Oswalt.    In all likelihood, the scouts within the Yankees organization lean towards the former.     His fastball/curve combination has the potential to be devastating in a major league bullpen, but to reach his full potential as a starter, his changeup will need a lot of development and he will need to improve his stamina, which may not be easy given his frame.

If the Cubs were to convert Black into a reliever, he could move extremely quickly into a big league bullpen.  This is not a current area of need for the Yankees, however, and I suspect the Yankees would have continued to try him as a starter until he showed them he truly couldn't do it anymore.

This is the type of trade a rebuilding team like the Cubs have to make every chance they get.  Black is not just a throwaway like the Angels received for Vernon Wells.  He has a legitimate chance to make it to the major leagues.  Soriano was not going to help them in any way get to where they need to be.

For the Yankees, it is always a gamble when you give up a good arm for a player like Soriano.  However, they do need the right-handed power in their lineup, and Soriano provides that.  He is an upgrade over Vernon Wells (1.1 WAR vs. Wells' 0.1), though the likelihood is that both Soriano and Wells will be featured prominently in the lineup, especially against left-handed pitchers.   He does not put the Yankees over the top, but it can't be denied that he is an offensive upgrade on a team that needs it desperately.

Yankees Minor League Report 7/25/13: Scranton Wins 20-Inning Affair; Nik Turley Tosses 6 Shutout Innings; Dante Bichette and Cito Culver Hit Home Runs

Scranton:  (Defeated Toledo, 2-1, in 20 innings.   Scranton had 20 hits in the game)

JR Murphy:  2-for-5, 2B (12), 3 BB - 

Jose Pirela:  2-for-8

Ronnier Mustelier:  3-for-8, 2B (10), BB

Randy Ruiz: 4-for-9, 2B (5), HR (13), RBI, RS - HR was a walk-off in the 20th

Adonis Garcia:  3-for-9, RBI

Dan Johnson:  1-for-8, BB

David Huff:  7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K (3.36 ERA; 75 IP, 76 H, 32 R, 28 ER, 6 HR, 18 BB, 77 K) - He has thrown very well since joining the organization.  

Chase Whitley:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K (3.35 ERA; 40.1 IP, 36 H, 15 R, 15 ER, 15 BB, 40 K) - 7 straight scoreless appearances, and they were all two innings or more. (15.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 8 BB, 17 K)

Matt Daley:  2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K - 31-year old was signed in 2012, but missed the season due to shoulder surgery.  Has a 26/6 K/BB ratio over 20.1 innings, and that isn't really a fluke as he does own a 9.0 K/9 ratio in 80.1 major league innings.

Mike Zagurski:  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K - 2.25 ERA in 15 IP with a 25/5 K/BB ratio. 30-year old LHP has major league experience, but no sustained success.  To be exact, he can be labelled as having sustained failure.

Sam Demel: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K - 1.32 ERA in 34 IP with a 40/14 K/BB ratio. 

Yoshinori Tateyama:  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Josh Spence:  3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K - LHP has a 4.20 ERA over 40.2 innings with a 38/17 K/BB ratio.    Has 51 games of major league experience.

--------------------------------------

Trenton (Defeated Binghamton, 2-0)

Reegie Corona: 1-for-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, RS 

Ramon Flores:  1-for-4, RS

Slade Heathcott:  0-for-3, BB - .261/.322/.399.   Isn't it funny how just one little point changes your perspective?  .399 seems so pedestrian for a slugging percentage - but .400 gets you a bit more excited about a player's power potential.

Dan Fiorito: 0-for-3 - Double-A debut.   Of course, he has already played in Triple-A.  That's life as a "roaming" minor leaguer who fills in wherever the organization needs him.

Andrew Clark: 0-for-3

Nik Turley (W, 8-5):  6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 8 K (4.08 ERA; 106 IP, 88 H, 51 R, 48 ER, 10 HR, 54 BB, 108 K) - Overall, a solid season for Turley - but the uptick in walks in a bit of a concern.  

Tom Kahnle (S, 12):  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K (2.47 ERA; 43.2 IP, 24 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 29 BB, 50 K) - Yankees seem very comfortable just letting him be a short reliever, with a few multi-inning outings mixed in.

-------------------------------------------

Tampa (Game Suspended - Tied 4-4)

Mason Williams did collect a hit, which would extend his hitting streak to 15.

----------------------------------------------

Charleston (Lost to Greensboro, 8-4)

Dante Bichette:  1-for-3, HR (9), 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB - 12 hits in last 40 AB, four of which have gone for home runs.  

Cito Culver:  1-for-4, HR (8), RBI, RS - Remember, his previous high for home runs in a season was two.    Nobody likes to get too excited over a player repeating a level, but he still is only 20 years old.

Greg Bird:  1-for-2, RS, 3 BB - Now has 69 walks in 91 games to go along with the 43 XBH.  16 hits in last 38 AB.   Impressive is an understatement.

Jake Cave:  2-for-5 - .271/.330/.404 in 317 AB.

Nick McCoy:  2-for-2, 2B (2), RBI, 2 BB - 26-year old organizational guy.

Evan Rutckyj: 3 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K (4.67 ERA; 90.2 IP, 106 H, 56 R, 47 ER, 40 BB, 82 K) - Not jumping for joy over his season, but it is passable for the 21-year old LHP.

Luis Niebla: 3 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K (5.34 ERA; 64 IP, 84 H, 48 R, 38 ER, 8 HR, 16 BB, 52 K)

------------------------------------------------

Yankees Minor League Report 7/24/13: Brett Marshall Throws Well; Mason Williams Extends Streak to 14

Scranton (Defeated Toledo, 4-1)

Randy Ruiz: 1-for-3, HR (12), 3 RBI, RS - .276/.317/.575 in 134 AB.  That's a lot of home runs in 134 AB, no matter how old and what level it is you are playing in.

Jose Pirela:  1-for-3 - Triple-A debut for Pirela, who hit .257/.354/.393 for Trenton and was red hot since the beginning of June.  I assume he was called up here due to the promotion of David Adams, but he also earned it.

Adonis Garcia: 1-for-3, RS

JR Murphy:  0-for-3 - Hitting .291/.354/.462 in 117 AB for Scranton.  I am a bit surprised he played today, after playing in both ends of the double header yesterday (one as DH)

Ronnier Mustelier:  1-for-4, RS - 3 hits in last 35 AB.

Brett Marshall (W, 5-8):  8 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K (5.35 ERA; 102.2 IP, 107 H, 69 R, 61 ER, 15 HR, 59 BB, 83 K, 1.57 GO/AO) - Still getting a lot of grounders, but the HR rate isn't all that good.    Entering this game, his HR/OFB percentage was 17.9, by far the highest number of his career.    Should also be noted that he has a 3.94 ERA in last 10 starts.

Dellin Betances (S, 4):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K (3.34 ERA; 64.2 IP, 41 H, 24 R, 24 ER, 2 HR, 34 BB, 77 K) - This is about as "shaky" as he has looked since entering the bullpen, and it wasn't exactly a terrible outing.  

---------------------------------------

Trenton (Lost to Altoona, 4-2)

Slade Heathcott:  1-for-4, 3B (6), RBI - .264/.323/.403.  Nice to see the SLG over .400.   .934 OPS in July.

Ramon Flores:  1-for-4 - .240/.337/.326 in 383 AB.

Jose Gil:  1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI

Andrew Clark:  0-for-3, BB - .293/.339/.457 in 116 AB

Kyle Roller:  0-for-3, BB

Carmen Angelini:  0-for-4 - 3-for-34 mega-slide.

Shane Greene (L, 3-3):  6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR - 3.40 ERA in 113.2 IP between Tampa/Trenton with a 97/19 K/BB ratio.   Greene has been very solid all season long.

Cesar Cabral:  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K - Last 10 games:  12.1 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 15 K.  8 consecutive scoreless appearances.  He seems to be getting stronger and stronger.

Danny Burawa:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K - Rare for Burawa to have a line of zeroes.  (3.35 ERA; 48.1 IP, 35 H, 20 R, 18 ER, 1 HR, 34 BB, 47 K)

----------------------------------

Tampa (Lost to Palm Beach, 4-2)

Mason Williams:  1-for-3, CS (8) - Not his best performance in the last two weeks, but it does extend the hitting streak to 14.  

Taylor Dugas:  2-for-3, 2 RS, BB - .297 with a 11/5 BB/K ratio in 18 games since joining Tampa.  He has 43 walks and only 29 Ks in 260 AB overall.

Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-3, BB

Pete O'Brien:  0-for-4 - Hitless string has reached 18 AB.

Gary Sanchez:  0-for-4 - First game back since "tweaking" something a few days ago.

Tyson Blaser:  3-for-4, 3B (1), RBI - Organizational type catcher.  Should be noted that a player can make a decent minor league living as an organizational catcher.   

Bryan Mitchell (L, 4-9):  6 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 3 K (4.75 ERA; 108 IP, 119 H, 68 R, 57 ER, 5 HR, 43 BB, 92 K) - Similar to what he did in Charleston last year - ho-hum type of season, but the potential is for something so much better.   Interesting prospect who just hasn't put it together from a numbers perspective.

--------------------------------

Staten Island:  (Lost to Connecticut, 7-6)

Brandon Thomas:  3-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, BB - He definitely needed a game like this.    Raised his average to .237.  17-for-77 in July.

Bubba Jones:  3-for-3, 2B (9), 2 RBI, 2 RS - Raised his average 21 points to .290.  13 hits in last 34 AB.

Michael O'Neill: 1-for-4, 2B (10), RBI, RS, BB, SB (7)

Eric Jagielo:  0-for-3, 2 BB - 0-for-10 mini-slump.   Now has 11 walks in 17 games.

Jose Rosario:  2-for-4, RBI, RS, BB

Yeicok Calderon:  0-for-4, RS, BB

Derek Toadvine:  0-fo-2, 2 BB

Caleb Smith:  4.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K - 2.92 ERA with 29/7 K/BB ratio over 24.2 innings.   Came out of college with a solid fastball/change combination, which is a good start.  But he needs some refinement, as he doesn't have a solid breaking pitch.  Could be a reliever long-term.

Kelvin Castro:  1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 2 HR - Well, at least all three outs were by strikeout. 

Yankees Minor League Report 7/23/13: Slade Heathcott Homers; Mason Williams & Robert Refsnyder Light Up the Scoreboard for Tampa

Greg Bird was given the night off tonight.

Scranton:  (Lost both ends of DH to Toledo, 4-1 and 3-1)

JR Murphy:  2-for-8, 2 2B (11) - .Just trucking along.    Hitting .298 for Scranton.  8-game hitting streak.

David Adams:  1-for-3, RS, 2 BB

Adonis Garcia:  2-for-7, BB

Randy Ruiz:  1-for-6, BB

Dan Johnson:  0-for-6, RBI

Ronnier Mustelier:  0-for-7 - 1-for-27 since coming back from DL.

Bobby Wilson: 1-for-2, HR (5), RBI, RS - You're still here?

Michael Pineda:  3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K - According to Brian Cashman, he was pulled due to an innings restriction, not due to injury.

Caleb Cotham:  3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Sam Demel:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K - Activated off of the DL.    Has a 1.36 ERA with 39/12 K/BB ratio over 33 innings.  If you remember, the Yankees were deciding between Claiborne and Demel on who would get called up a few months back.

Mike Zagurski:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K - Veteran left-hander has a 2.34 ERA with a 60/14 K/BB ratio over 34.2 innings.    Awesome K rate, but has never found major league success (6.84 ERA in 88 career major league games)

Yoshinori Tateyama:  1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 HR - Guess his screwball didn't screw.

Jim Miller:  1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K - Veteran has a 3.97 ERA on the season with 69/19 K/BB ratio over 47.2 innings.  

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Trenton:  (Swept DH vs. Altoona, 3-1 and 3-2)

Slade Heathcott:  3-for-7, 2B (18), HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB (11) - Now hitting .264.    Not taking many walks, but given where he was earlier in the year, he has come on strong.

Jose Pirela:  1-for-6, 3B (5), RBI, RS

Ramon Flores:  1-for-5, 2 BB - Nice to see the walks, at least.    He does have 56 on the season.  But everything else is still quite disappointing, overall.

Kyle Roller: 1-for-3, HR (12), 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB, SF - 4-for-30 slide entering double-header, so this is nice to see.

Andrew Clark:  2-for-6

Carmen Angelini:  0-for-6, SB (6) - Average all the way down to .191 for Trenton.

David Phelps:  3.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 1 HR - Rehab appearance

Francisco Rondon:  2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K - 4.71 ERA with 55/36 K/BB ratio over 57 innings.  The Yankees will have a few bullpen slots to fill in 2014, and if Boone Logan is allowed to walk, that gives Rondon even more of a shot at making it.

Zach Nuding (W, 5-10):  7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K - Nice 7-inning minor league CG for Nuding.  He now has a 3.98 ERA over 106.1 innings for Trenton with a 79/42 K/BB ratio.  

--------------------------------------------------

Tampa:  (Defeated Palm Beach, 9-5)

Robert Refsnyder:  3-for-5, 2B (21), HR (4), 6 RBI, RS, BB, CS (4) - All year long, Refsnyder has been a streaky hitter.   He now has a mini 4-game hitting streak.

Mason Williams:  4-for-6, 2B (20), 3B (3), RBI, 3 RS - All of a sudden, Williams is hitting .282.    He is 35-for-90 (.389) since the ASB.   He also has a 13-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 17 of his last 18 games.    He is looking like the prospect he was supposed to be entering the season.

Taylor Dugas:  2-for-4, CS (1)

Pete O'Brien:  0-for-5 - 0-for-14 slump.

Fu-Lin Kuo:  2-for-5, 2 RBI, RS - 11-for-63.

Ali Castillo: 3-for-4, RS

Corey Black: 5 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 HR (4.25 ERA; 82.2 IP, 79 H, 54 R, 39 ER, 2 HR, 45 BB, 88 K) - As I have alluded to, if the Yankees put him in the bullpen right now, he may just jump to the top of the Yankees relief prospects list.   But I am still hoping he can stick in the rotation, as that is a bigger need (and obviously, much more valuable)

--------------------------------------------------

Charleston (Defeated Hickory, 5-1)

Jake Cave:  2-for-4, 2B (26), RBI, RS, SB (9) - Four two-hit games in his last five games played.  Average up to .269. 

Cito Culver:  2-for-5, RBI - Has recorded at least one hit in seven of his last eight contests.  Average up to .239.

Dante Bichette:  1-for-4, 2 RS, BB - Average has inched its way up to .207.  Out of the "interstate" danger zone, for now.  6-game hitting streak.

Cesar Vargas (W, 4-3):  7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K - 2.96 ERA with 75/31 K/BB ratio over 91.1 innings.    The 21-year old RHP has been in the system since 2009, slowly but surely working his way up from the DSL to here.

John Brebbia:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K - 4.20 ERA with 16/3 K/BB ratio over 15 innings for Charleston.  Drafted in 30th round in 2011 out of Elon; pitched well at this level last year, but is already 23 years old.

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Staten Island (Lost to Connecticut, 6-4)

Yeicok Calderon: 3-for-4, 2B (8), RBI - There are a few contenders for "best name in the organization", and Calderon is in the running.     Hitting well at this level, but that isn't a surprise.

Michael O'Neill: 1-for-5, RS

Brandon Thomas:  0-for-5, K

Derek Toadvine:  2-for-4, RS

Bubba Jones:  1-for-3

Mike Ford:  1-for-4, RS - Professional debut for Ford.  Yankees signed him as an undrafted FA out of Princeton.

Kale Sumner:  0-for-4

Jose Rosario: 1-for-5, 2B (5), RS - Hit well in the GCL a few years ago, but has done very little since at the plate.  He is on the radar because he does play up-the-middle (Played SS tonight; also plays 2B)

Giovanny Gallegos:  3.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K -  2.52 ERA in 35.2 innings with a 27/6 K/BB ratio.   He doesn't struggle like this often.

Stefan Lopez:  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K - 0.89 ERA in 20.1 innings with a 22/4 K/BB ratio.  22-year old RHP.

Yankees Minor League Report 7/22/13: Greg Bird Crushing Low-A Pitching

Scranton & Trenton were both rained out.

Tampa (Defeated Palm Beach, 2-1)

Mason Williams: 1-for-4 - 12-game hitting streak.  Hitting .274/.345/.375.  .909 OPS since ASB (88 AB)

Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-4, CS (3) - .261/.381/.378 in 283 AB for Tampa.  17-for-20 stealing bases between Charleston/Tampa

Pete O'Brien:  0-for-4 - .295/.306/.543 in 105 AB for Tampa.

Saxon Butler:  3-for-4, 2 RS - .264/.333/.396 in 182 AB; 24-for-75 (.320) since ASB.

Ali Castillo:  2-for-4, 2 RBI - .229/.292/.260 in 131 AB for Tampa.

Scottie Allen (W, 8-4):  6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K (3.63 ERA: 96.2 IP, 93 H, 40 R, 39 ER, 9 HR, 26 BB, 61 K) - Not much to get excited about, but he is having a solid campaign.  Just turned 22.

Taylor Garrison (S, 3):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (1.12 ERA; 40.1 IP, 21 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 41 K) - Just another reliever to put firmly on your radar.  Doesn't come with some of the hype of a few other guys, but when it comes to performance, he has been rock solid.

-------------------------------

Charleston:  (Defeated Hickory, 8-4)

Greg Bird:  3-for-5, 2B (25), HR (15), 2 RBI, 2 RS - Hitting .289 with 43 XBH and 66 walks in 90 games.  18 hits in his last 40 AB (.450) with 7 HR and 19 RBI.   OPS has increased each month of the season (.743 in April; .919 in May; .936 in June; 1.101 in July entering tonight).  

Jake Cave:  2-for-5, 2B (25), HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 RS - The home run total isn't high, but there is power potential here.  Regardless, as I have said before, he's had a nice season - especially when you consider he had one professional AB before 2013.

Angelo Gumbs:  1-for-4, HR (4), 3 RBI, RS - 22-for-72 with four home runs in July.

Dante Bichette:  2-for-5, RS - He's been able to get his average up to .206.

Cito Culver:  0-for-5, K - Snaps 6-game hitting streak.

Dan Camarena (W, 3-4):   6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K - Nice to see a strong strikeout effort.  (4.63 ERA; 81.2 IP, 77 H, 49 R, 42 ER, 8 HR, 15 BB, 56 K).    He has been very good since a very slow start to the season.  20-year old LHP, so he has youth on his side.

Ty Webb:  1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K - Going through some growing pains after an awesome start to his career.   Has now allowed 8 runs (7 earned) in 9 IP since joining Charleston.  Five of those runs came in his last outing.

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Staten Island (Lost to Mahoning Valley, 8-2)

Michael O'Neill: 2-for-4 - .268/.319/.354.  When it comes to college bats, you expect some instant success, but this is not a terrible start to his career, other than the high K rate.

Brandon Thomas:  1-for-4 - .229/.354/.339. 

Eric Jagielo:  0-for-4, 2 K - 1-for-12 slump. 

Bubba Jones:  1-for-4, RS - .267/.348/.376.  .306/.413/.452 in 62 July AB.

Yeicok Calderon: 1-for-3, BB

John Murphy:  1-for-4, RBI - .516 OPS in 91 AB

Derek Toadvine:  1-for-4, 2B (2)

Isaias Tejada:  1-for-3, 2B (3), RS, BB

David Palladino:  2.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 HR - 5.66 ERA in 20.2 innings with a 21/10 K/BB ratio.

Cale Coshow:  3.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K - 3.05 ERA with 20/10 K/BB ratio over 20.2 innings.  

Sam Agnew-Wieland:  2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K - 3.86 ERA with 16/8 K/BB ratio over 14 innings.  

Yankees Minor League Report 7/21/13: Dellin Betances Dominant (Again); Greg Bird Collects Three Hits; Brandon Thomas Homers

Supposedly, Gary Sanchez left Saturday's game after a collision at home plate (he was the runner, not the catcher).  No word on the extent of the injury, but he didn't play today.

------------------------

Scranton (Lost to Louisville, 4-1)

JR Murphy:  1-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, BB - OPS for Scranton (.841) is 68 points higher than it was in Trenton (.773).     The Yankees have challenged Murphy every step of the way, and he just continues to respond.

David Adams:  0-for-3, RS, BB - .308/.406/.496.  This from a kid who couldn't buy a walk in his first several MLB plate appearances.

Ronnier Mustelier:   1-for-4, 2B (9) - First hit since coming off of the DL.    Hitting .260/.297/.382 in 173 AB.

Adonis Garcia:  1-for-3, 2B (3) - 14-for-40 since joining Scranton.

Cody Grice:  1-for-4 - Grice has moved all over the organization.  Back in Scranton due to promotions of Neal & Mesa.

Jose Ramirez (L, 1-3):  5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 HR - 4.45 ERA in seven starts since his promotion with a 25/20 K/BB ratio over 28.1 innings.    Overall, he has a 3.44 ERA with a 75/35 K/BB ratio over 70.2 innings.

Dellin Betances:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K (3.39 ERA; 63.2 IP, 41 H, 24 R, 24 ER, 2 HR, 32 BB, 77 K) - Most importantly, he has a 1.82 ERA in 21 games as a reliever with a 52/16 K/BB ratio over 39.2 innings.

--------------------------------

Trenton (Crushed New Hampshire, 8-2)

Andrew Clark:  3-for-4, 3 2B (10), RBI - Hitting .299/.342/.477 in 107 AB. 

Ramon Flores:  1-for-5, 2B (15), RBI, RS - .241/.336/.329 in 374 AB.  I guess the best spin I can put on his season is that at least he is healthy and getting his playing time in.

Jose Pirela:  1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB - .258/.357/.391 in 325 AB.    Hitting .322 since June 1st with 10 doubles, 3 HR, and 28 runs batted in.

Kyle Roller:  0-for-3, RS, BB

Reegie Corona:  1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, BB - Now 26 years old, and no longer a prospect.

Mikeson Oliberto:  2-for-4, 2 RS - 22-year old OF (played center tonight) hit .279/.342/.477 in 172 AB for the GCL squad last year.    Was only 8-for-46 for Staten Island before being called up to Trenton, but the call-up was out of necessity, not based on performance.

Fred Lewis:  4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K - Since joining Trenton, the 26-year old LHP has posted a 2.17 ERA over 37.1 innings with a 33/16 K/BB ratio.  Not typically a starter, though he has been asked to make three starts since joining the squad (the first three starts of his career)

Danny Burawa:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K - 3.42 ERA with a 47/34 K/BB ratio over 47.1 innings.

Tom Kahnle:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K - 2.55 ERA with a 48/28 K/BB ratio over 42.1 innings.

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Tampa (Lost to Palm Beach, 9-4)

Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-3, 2B (20), 2 RBI, 2 BB - Streaky infielder has shown some signs of getting back on track.  

Mason Williams:  1-for-5, RBI, RS - 11-game hitting streak.  11-game hitting streak has raised his average to .275.

Taylor Dugas:  1-for-3, 2B (3), 2 BB - He actually hit third today.  Given the type of hitter he is, that is a bit funny.

Pete O'Brien: 0-for-5, 2 K

Dan Fiorito:  2-for-4, RS

Dietrich Enns (L, 0-3):  4 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 2 HR - One of the few true clunkers from Enns this season.    In 72 innings this year, he has allowed 24 runs (12 earned) on 44 hits with a 98/25 K/BB ratio.    These 2 HR allowed are the first two HRs he has allowed in his career.

Brandon Pinder:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K - Has thrown better since his demotion, though obviously, you don't like to see a player get demoted.

-------------------------

Charleston (Defeated Hickory, 3-0)

Greg Bird:  3-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, BB - .Up to .284 and has his OBP up over .400.    Has driven in 65 runs in 89 games and is 15 for his last 37.

Angelo Gumbs:  2-for-4, BB, SB (8) - 27-for-100 since his demotion.  Four two-hit performances in his last five games.

Cito Culver:  1-for-5 - 6-game hitting streak (8-for-22)

Dante Bichette:  1-for-5 - Hitting .210 in the second half (21-for-100)

Reymond Nunez:  1-for-4, 2 RBI 

Jake Cave:  0-for-4, RS, HBP - Snaps 5-game hitting streak.  Hitting .264.

Ericson Leonora:  3-for-4, 2 SB (2) - 20-year old outfielder.  Hit .227/.306/.384 in 198 AB for the GCL squad in 2012.

Brett Gerritse (W, 7-5):  5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K - A lot of decisions, but has only made two starts.   (4.21 ERA; 62 IP, 59 H, 31 R, 29 ER, 0 HR, 24 BB, 71 K).  22-year old RHP was 12th round pick in 2009, and has bounced around between the bullpen and rotation.

Ben Paullus (S, 8):  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K - 2.63 ERA with 51/24 K/BB ratio over 51.1 innings. 19th round pick out of Memphis in 2011 posted a 6.65 ERA at this level last year.

--------------------------------

Staten Island (Split DH with Mahoning Valley.  Won 3-0; lost 7-3)

Eric Jagielo:  1-for-5, BB - 18-for-54 since joining Staten Island.  

Brandon Thomas:  3-for-7, HR (3), 2 RBI, RS - .229/.357/.343 in 105 AB.   A lot of people are interested to see what the Yankees have in Thomas, who  was drafted in the 4th round in the 2012 draft, didn't sign, then had a battle with mono in 2013.   He was an 8th round pick this year, and represents a solid value pick.

Bubba Jones:  2-for-5, 2B (8), 2 RBI, 2 RS - .268/.351/.381.  7th round pick in 2011.

Yeicok Calderon:  1-for-2, BB

Daniel Lopez:  0-for-2, RS, BB - Hitting .302 with 13 walks in 16 games.   21-year old outfielder supposedly has a lot of speed (39-for-42 stealing bases in 132 games between 2011-2013) and has shown off some plate discipline.  

John Murphy:  0-for-2 - Hitting .195 in 87 AB.

Michael O'Neill: 0-for-4 - .260/.313/.350 in 123 AB.

Jerison Lopez:  1-for-3, RS - 21-year old IF hit .321/.385/.415 in 159 AB for the GCL squad last year.  Ever notice how well so many players hit in the GCL?

Conner Kendrick:  3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K - Has a 7.30 ERA in 12.1 innings with a 8/8 K/BB ratio.  20-year old LHP.

Kelvin Castro (S, 2):  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K - Converted IF has a 2.45 ERA in 14.2 innings with a 16/3 K/BB ratio.

Rookie Davis:  4 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 6 K - 2.89 ERA in 28 innings.  He has allowed 33 hits with a 25/8 K/BB ratio.

Andury Acevedo:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K - Like Kelvin Castro, converting from a position player to a pitcher.  Has a 4.50 ERA in 10 innings with a 13/12 K/BB ratio.

 

Yankees Minor League Report 7/20/13: Slade Heathcott Continues to Hit; Pete O'Brien Continues to Mash; Jose Campos Strong Again

From Tampa:  Gary Sanchez was pulled after two AB tonight.  I have not yet heard anything as to why.  The Yankees would obviously be very cautious with their top prospect, so any kind of small thing would probably lead to them pulling him from a game.   Let us hope that is all it is.

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Scranton (Lost to Louisville, 2-1, in 10 innings)

Randy Ruiz:  2-for-4, 2B (4), HR (11), RBI, RS - 11 HR in 122 AB.    I still just love the fact that he is grinding out a minor league career at the age of 35.

David Adams:  1-for-5

Adonis Garcia:  1-for-4, 2B (2) - 13-for-37 since joining Scranton.   The Yankees have signed a few "lesser known" Cuban players over the last few years - seemingly for minor league depth more than anything.  

Ronnier Mustelier:  0-for-4 - 0-for-12 in three games since rejoining Scranton.  There is no prospect in the system that I feel worse for than Mustelier - if he maintained his health, he would have received a lot of major league playing time, I believe.

Dan Johnson:  1-for-4

Alex Rodriguez:  0-for-4, 3 K - Cap'n Clutch!

David Huff:  6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K - The 28-year old has a 42/8 K/BB ratio over 43.2 innings since joining Scranton.  Can the Yankees can lucky here?  

----------------------------------

Trenton (Lost to New Hampshire, 7-4)

Slade Heathcott:  2-for-5, 2B (17), 3B (5), RBI, RS - Now hitting .260.   25-for-72 in July.   He has turned a lost season into an encouraging one.

Ramon Flores:  0-for-4, BB -  He has the talent to go off at any time, but the calendar is getting later and later...

Jose Pirela:  1-for-4, RBI, BB - He has slowed down a tad after an ultra-hot stretch.  Still 20-for-59 in July.

Andrew Clark:  1-for-3, RS, BB

Kyle Roller:  0-for-5

Nik Turley:   5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 0 K (100 IP, 87 H, 51 R, 48 ER, 10 HR, 49 BB, 100 K) - As I said in my Top 20 report, I remain bullish - but I would also like to see him close out the season strong.

Francisco Rondon:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K - Back after making an emergency start for Scranton.  He has been jerked around a lot this year - moving from Trenton to Scranton, moving from rotation to bullpen, and even had a DFA mixed in.  I still think we may see him in the Bronx in 2014.  Has 59 Ks in 63.2 innings this year, though he has also walked 38.

---------------------------------

Tampa (Lost to Jupiter, 9-4)

Pete O'Brien:  3-for-4, HR (6), RBI, 2 RS - Now hitting .323 with 13 XBH in 24 games since joining Tampa.  Has 47 XBH in 77 games overall.    A very impressive season for O'Brien, who is mashing his way into the picture for the Yankees.   He did make three errors tonight, however, playing third.

Gary Sanchez:  0-for-2 - Pulled from the game.  Uh oh.

Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-2, RS, 2 BB - .261/.379/.377 in Tampa.  .279/.390/.394 overall.   Doesn't have an XBH in the month of July, but the two walks are at least a glimmer of hope that he is breaking out of his slump.

Mason Williams:  1-for-5 - .276/.348/.380.  10-game hitting streak. (18-for-44).  29-for-75 since ASB.  Also had an OF assist tonight.

Taylor Dugas:  2-for-5, RS - He screams organizational player, but keeps doing things to keep him on my radar.  .256/.382/.309.   That is pretty much always going to be Taylor Dugas; he doesn't have any power potential in his bat.

Rafael DePaula:  3 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 K - Has a 7.13 ERA in 17.2 innings for Tampa since his promotion with a 15/9 K/BB ratio.  Overall, his ERA sits at 3.84 with a 111/32 K/BB ratio over 82 innings.  Hopefully, he will start getting comfortable and close out the season strong.

Taylor Garrison:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K - 1.14 ERA with a 39/9 K/BB ratio over 39.1 innings.  Strong season for the under-the-radar reliever.

----------------------------------------

Charleston (Defeated Hickory, 9-5)

Dante Bichette:  2-for-4, 2 2B (12), 4 RBI, 2 RS, BB -  Now hitting .203.  Has 9 XBH (5 doubles, 4 HR) in 95 AB since the ASB.

Cito Culver:  1-for-3, 2 RS, 3 BB - Now hitting .236.    Has 44 walks in 82 games, along with 27 XBH.  He did strike out for the 100th time, but Culver is showing that he may not quite be dead just yet.

Jake Cave:  2-for-5, RS, BB - Raised average to .268.  28-for-99 since ASB (.283).  

Greg Bird:  0-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB - Very advanced strike zone judgment to go along with his developing power.  He has 65 walks in 88 games.  

Angelo Gumbs:  2-for-5, 2B (6), 2 RBI - Three 2-hit games in his last four played.

Reymond Nunez:  3-for-4, RS, BB

Jose Campos:  4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K - Now has a 3.58 ERA over 68 innings with a 66/13 K/BB ratio.    First walk allowed since June 14th.  He is getting stronger, and although his innings will end up low this year, the most important thing is that he is getting his work in.   

Luis Niebla (W, 4-5):  3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K - Lowered his ERA to 5.46 over 61 innings.     Had a 6.62 ERA in May and a 6.39 ERA in June, so we just have to hope he continues to show progress.

James Pazos:  1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K - Left-hander has a 4.60 ERA over 15.2 innings since joining Charleston.    Drafted in the 13th round last year

Yankees Call Up Melky Mesa & Thomas Neal

The Yankees promoted Melky Mesa and Thomas Neal today.  One will replace Zoilo Almonte.  It is still uncertain on the other player they are demoting.  In all likelihood, you would think it is Alberto Gonzalez, unless there is another injury we aren't aware of.

Both should be familiar to Yankees fans - Neal had a brief cup of coffee earlier this season, while Melky Mesa missed third base on a key play late in the 2012 season in his most memorable moment thus far as a Yankee.

Mesa has been around the Yankees for a while, showing off an impressive speed/power/defense combination that any team would strive to have on their bench.   He had his first true breakout in 2010, when he hit .260/.338/.475 with 31 steals in 40 attempts for High-A Tampa.    He was 23 years old at the time, a bit old for a prospect at that level, but not outrageously so.

After a bit of a down year upon going to Trenton in 2011, he came back strong in 2012, hitting .264/.325/.480 with 23 home runs and 22 stolen bases between Trenton and Scranton.  He earned himself a promotion to the major leagues.

He has regressed in 2013, however.    He hit .249/.277/.424 for Scranton with a whopping 94 strikeouts in 245 AB.  Whenever he does get on base, he can still steal at a high rate (7-for-8), but getting on base has been a problem.  He's never been an OBP savant, but this year he has taken it to new lows.    The power/speed/defense still exist, however, and if he can get hot, he can provide the Yankees with an offensive boost.  This season, he has shown a reverse split (.784 OPS vs. RHP/.466 in 63 AB vs. LHP).    This is not a fluke, as he historically has been better hitting right-handed pitchers.

Neal is a bit more iffy.  He doesn't really possess great defensive skill, or much of a skill to steal bases.    The power is also (mostly) non-existent, which turns him into more of a singles-hitting corner outfielder who can take a few more walks than Mesa.    For Scranton, he has put up a .314/.387/.402 line in 239 AB.   He hits right-handed and left-handed pitching similarly.  

I wouldn't expect either to cure the Yankees' offensive woes, but at this point, I think most fans would take any production they can get.  Maybe they can squeeze something out of these two.

Yankees Minor League Report 7/19/13: Greg Bird Hits 3 HR, Drives in All 7 Runs in Charleston Win

Scranton (Lost to Louisville, 2-1)

David Adams:  1-for-3, HR (4), RBI, RS - 9-for-28 in July with five XBH.

JR Murphy:  1-for-4 - 31-for-103 since promotion (.301) with 10 walks and 19 Ks.

Dan Johnson:  0-for-3, BB

Ronnier Mustelier:  0-for-4

Thomas Neal:  0-for-3, 2 K

Melky Mesa:  0-for-3, K

Adonis Garcia:  2-for-4

Brett Marshall (L, 4-8):  6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 4 K (5.70 ERA; 94.2 IP, 102 H, 68 R, 60 ER, 58 BB, 81 K) - Bit of a bounce back after two straight clunkers.

Chase Whitley:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K (3.52 ERA; 38.1 IP, 36 H, 15 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 37 K) - 6th consecutive scoreless outing (13.1 IP).  

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Trenton (Lost to New Hampshire, 4-3, in 10 innings)

Kyle Roller:  2-for-4, 2B (20) - Hitting .270 in 296 AB with 32 XBH.

Slade Heathcott:  0-for-5 - Hitting .258 in 329 AB.  23-for-67 in July.

Carmen Angelini:  1-for-3, RBI, RS

Ramon Flores:  1-for-5, 3B (3), RS

Andrew Clark: 0-for-3, BB

Shane Greene:  5.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K (107.2 IP, 120 H, 51 R, 41 ER, 7 HR, 17 BB, 94 K) - Continues to limit the walks.  Has a 3.03 ERA since being promoted to Trenton.

Mikey O'Brien:  2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR - Perhaps he is being shifted to the bullpen?  Second consecutive outing out of the pen (94.2 IP, 98 H, 51 R, 42 ER, 5 HR, 39 BB, 83 K)

-----------------------------

Tampa (Lost to Jupiter, 6-5)

Mason Williams:  2-for-5, 2 2B (19), RBI, RS, CS (7) - .277/.350/.383 in 303 AB.   Hitting .392/.430/.568 in 74 AB since ASB.   All of a sudden, Williams is making a push for a late-season promotion.

Gary Sanchez:  1-for-5, 2B (21), RBI, RS - .269/.330/.456 - 7-game hitting streak.

Pete O'Brien:  2-for-5, 2B (6), RBI, RS - Just cruising along at the plate.  Has 12 XBH in 92 AB since his promotion.

Taylor Dugas:  2-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, RS, BB - 12-for-45 with eight walks and four strikeouts since promotion.  Has a 40/28 BB/K ratio overall.

Saxon Butler:  2-for-4, RBI

Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-4, K - Just a horrendous slump.  Down to .259 with Tampa.  5 hits in last 45 AB.

Dan Fiorito:  2-for-4

Bryan Mitchell:  5 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K (4.68 ERA; 102 IP, 110 H, 64 R, 53 ER, 5 HR, 43 BB, 89 K) - Has he been great? Not even close.  But at least he is building up his innings.

-------------------------------

Charleston:  (Defeated Greensboro, 7-5)

Greg Bird:  4-for-5, 3 HR (14), 7 RBI, 3 RS - Talk about a one-man wrecking crew.   He now has six HR in his last seven games.

Cito Culver:  3-for-5, 2 RS, SB (13) - 28-for-99 (.283) since ASB.

Jake Cave:  2-for-4, 2 RS, CS (5) - 26-for-94 (.277) since ASB.  Hitting .265 overall.

Dante Bichette:  1-for-4, BB

Angelo Gumbs:  0-for-5, 4 K

Danny Oh:  3-for-5, 2 2B (8), SB (8) - 23-year old was drafted in the 27th round in the 2012 draft.  Left-handed hitting OF.   

Evan Rutckyj (W, 8-6):  5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K (4.72 ERA; 87.2 IP, 102 H, 52 R, 46 ER, 39 BB, 78 K) -  He has pitched fairly well as late, a 7-run outing on 6/25 notwithstanding.

-----------------------

Staten Island (Lost to Batavia, 3-2)

Brandon Thomas:  1-for-4, 3 K - .214/.353/.296 in 98 AB.   Drawing his walks, but also striking out (34 times).  

Michael O'Neill: 1-for-4, 2B (9), 2 K - Getting some hits (.269) but also striking out a lot (42 times in 119 AB)

Eric Jagielo:  0-for-3, BB, 2 K

Yeicok Calderon:  1-for-4, 2 RS, 2 K - Hitting .273 in 110 AB for Staten Island.

Isaias Tejada:  1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, BB

John Murphy:  0-for-4

Kale Sumner:  1-for-4

Caleb Smith:  3 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K (3.15 ERA; 20 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 7 BB, 24 K)

Nick Rumbelow:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K - Hasn't allowed an earned run (has allowed three unearned) in eight innings.  Only one hit allowed with a 8/2 K/BB ratio.

Yankees Minor League Note: Greg Bird Has 3 Home Runs Tonight

He has a solo shot, a two-run shot, and a three-run shot.  He is guaranteed at least one more at-bat.

This is the second time this season that Bird has hit three home runs in one game.

Yankees Minor League Report 7/18/13: Michael Pineda Dominates; Slade Heathcott Has Huge Night; Dante Bichette Suddenly Hitting Home Runs

Scranton (Defeated Louisville, 8-0)

David Adams:  2-for-4, 2B (9), RBI, 2 RS - 8-for-24 since his demotion.  At least it appears he isn't sulking.

Dan Johnson: 1-for-4, HR (15), RBI, RS, BB - 5 hits in last 33 AB.

Brent Lillibridge:  3-for-5, 2B (7), HR (7), 3 RBI, RS

Alex Rodriguez:  1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS - Most importantly, no signs of needle marks on his body.

JR Murphy:  1-for-5, 2B (8), RS - 30-for-99.  His first 100 Triple-A AB will be solid.  (Now watch as he falls down the stairs at his hotel tonight, forcing him to miss the rest of the season just shy of 100 ABs!)

Melky Mesa:  3-for-5 - Only 1 K in 12 AB since coming off the DL.  Trust me, that is amazing (93 in 242 AB this season)

Ronnier Mustelier:  0-for-4, RS - First game back after a rehab stint in the GCL.

Michael Pineda:  4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K - Fire the manager!  How dare he not let Pineda get one more out for the win?    82 pitches?  Back in Dwight Gooden's day, he could easily throw 120 in any minor league game!

Dellin Betances:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K -  Last 19 IP:  8 H, 0 R, 8 BB, 26 K.   Has lowered his season ERA all the way down to 3.50.   Amazing how quickly he has transitioned.

--------------------------------

Trenton (Defeated New Hampshire, 9-2)

Slade Heathcott:  3-for-5, HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 RS, SB (10) - Talk about a productive night.  Heathcott is flying.  Now hitting .262 and is 23-for-62 in the month of July.  

Ramon Flores:  1-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, SB (6) - Small sign of life in July (15-for-55).  He has six steals, but also has been caught six times. 

Jose Pirela:  1-for-5, 2 RBI - 44-for-136 since the beginning of June.  

Kyle Roller:  1-for-4, 2B (19), RS, BB - Upside isn't much, but the Yankees can probably squeeze some production out of his left-handed bat as early as 2014.

Yeral Sanchez:  2-for-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 RS - 5-for-7 in two games since promotion.

Andrew Clark: 1-for-4, RS

Zach Nuding (W, 4-10):  5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3 K - Talk about a bend-don't-break performance.  (4.17 ERA; 99.1 IP, 117 H, 61 R, 46 ER, 41 BB, 76 K, 8 HR)
Tom Kahnle:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K - This guy is a roller-coaster ride.  2.61 ERA with a 47/28 K/BB ratio over 41.1 innings.  

Danny Burawa:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K - 3.50 ERA with a 45/34 K/BB ratio over 46.1 innings.  Imagine Kahnle and Burawa in your major league bullpen at the same time!

------------------------------

Tampa (Lost to Jupiter, 6-1)

Mason Williams:  1-for-3, BB - .275/.349/.376.  8-game hitting streak.  .391/.432/.551 in 69 AB since ASB.

Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-4, RBI - His overall slash with Charleston/Tampa has fallen to .281/.391/.398.  Not exactly terrible, just a big drop-off from where he once was this season.

Ben Gamel:  0-for-3, BB - .280/.350/.412.  10-for-45 in July.

Pete O'Brien:  0-for-4, K - .299/.312/.552 since his promotion.

Taylor Dugas:  0-for-3, RS, BB

Corey Black (L, 3-8):  2 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 2 K (4.29 ERA; 77.2 IP, 75 H, 50 R, 37 ER, 1 HR, 43 BB, 86 K) - Still a lot to like here, even if the overall season has been a bit uneven.

--------------------------

Charleston (Defeated Greensboro, 8-5)

Angelo Gumbs:  2-for-5, HR (3), 3 RBI, RS, SB (7), CS (5) - I just want to see him go on a surge that can potentially land him back in Tampa to close the season.  That isn't a necessity - just something I would like to personally see.

Dante Bichette:  1-for-5, HR (8), 2 RBI, RS, 3 K - Hard to get excited over that big .199 that stares you in the face, but he does have 3 HR in his last four games.

Cito Culver:  1-for-4, 2B (18), RS, BB - Continues to hit those doubles (9 in 94 AB since ASB).  

Greg Bird:  1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB - .273/.398/.473.   

Reymond Nunez:  1-for-4, HR (11), RBI, RS - New season high in HR.    At 22, he can still blossom into the power threat everyone thought he can be - but it isn't likely.

Jake Cave:  1-for-2, RS, 2 BB - .262/.321/.390 in 290 AB.

Cesar Vargas:  3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K - Not sure why he was pulled after three innings.  Has a 3.09 ERA with a 71/31 K/BB ratio over 84.1 IP.

Ty Webb:  2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 2 HR - Welcome to professional baseball, son!   Webb was off to a flying start...until this outing.

----------------------

Staten Island (Lost to Batavia, 8-2)

Eric Jagielo:  1-for-2, 2B (3), 2 BB - Continues his hot start to his career.

Michael O'Neill:  0-for-5, K - 0-for-10 in his last two games.  Ouch.  Hitting .270/.325/.357 overall since signing.

Bubba Jones:  0-for-3, BB, 3 K - See, I don't mind this - a guy who is named Bubba should be striking out 200 times a season...it's the fact that he isn't showing the power to hit 60 home runs that makes me mad.

Yeicok Calderon:  0-for-4, 3 K - Well, this is a depressing night in Staten Island, eh?

Kale Sumner:  0-for-3, RS, BB

Derek Toadvine:  0-for-5, RBI

Giovanny Gallegos:  4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K - His control finally escaped him, so he decided to simply be unhittable instead.    Has a 2.53 ERA with a 24/4 K/BB ratio over 32 innings.

Yankees: Top 20 Prospects

I have received a few e-mails about why I don't put together any type of "Top 10/20/30/500" list for Yankees prospects.   Honestly, I don't find lists to be extremely useful; more of a fun exercise than an actual science.  The next great Yankees star may not appear anywhere on a "Top 20" list right now. Prospects constantly change.  Pitchers add velocity, change their off-speed offerings, and mature in general.  Hitters learn to adjust to their new levels, and things that were so difficult in the first half of the season suddenly become easy again.  It is a part of the process.

That said, since I have been asked, I am going to take my first crack ever at a Top 20 list.  This should be considered a mid-season list, even though the minor league teams are beyond that point.

1.  Gary Sanchez, 20, C (High-A Tampa)  - If there is any one slam dunk on this list, it is Sanchez.  

2.  Rafael DePaula, 22, RHP (High-A Tampa) - Many people saw DePaula as a breakout candidate heading into 2013, and they have not been disappointed.    A true power pitcher with two big offerings (fastball/slider) to go along with a developing change.

3.  Slade Heathcott, 22, CF (Double-A Trenton)  - Heathcott's overall performance (.257/.321/.370) may not inspire you, but he has been red-hot since the calendar turned to July (.351/.393/.439)..    This is all about potential - Heathcott can stick in center field, which means that even if he doesn't reach his full offensive potential, he can still be an above-average major league player for his position.  

4.  Mason Williams, 21, CF (High-A Tampa)  - A few weeks ago, I would have been tempted to put Williams much lower on the list - but something has clicked.  He is hitting .275/.349/.376 but has 26 hits in 65 AB (.400) since the High-A ASB.  Maturity is a concern, but I always put talent ahead of maturity in hopes that the maturity eventually shines through as a player gets older.  Perhaps next spring, Derek Jeter can take him to the side for a little 1-on-1 counseling.

5.  Eric Jagielo, 21, 3B (Short-Season Staten Island) - It is still way too early to tell, but the bat looks legit right now.   The Yankees are desperate for infield help, so I fully expect them to keep him at third base.   Early reports indicate he is handling the position fine.

6.  JR Murphy, 22, C (Triple-A Scranton) - The Yankees have been very aggressive with Murphy, and he never has disappointed.   Offensively, I see a player with a good chance to be better than major league average behind the plate.  Defensively, he may not be the most gifted catcher in the system - but he likely doesn't need to be moved away from the position, either.

7.  Ian Clarkin, 18, LHP (No Level) - Clarkin has yet to make his debut, which makes it hard to say much about him beyond the potential he has.   The biggest hurdle he probably has to clear is fastball command, as the scouting reports I read rate it as a bit below-average coming out of the draft.  But he is a high-school pitcher who already throws in the low-90s with two developing off-speed offerings (curve/change).    

8.  Greg Bird, 20, 1B (Low-A Charleston) -  Try to find a player in the system who is having a bigger offensive season than Bird.  He is hitting .273/.398/.476 in 311 AB.   He can easily jump up this list if he continues to hit - one of the issues I have with him is that he seems to be planted at first base long-term.   Defensively, he will be fine there - but first base is an offensive position, so his margin for error is a bit small.

9.  Tyler Austin, 21, OF (Double-A Trenton)  - Some may think I am being a bit harsh on Austin by putting him at #9, especially given the recent news of his wrist injury.  It is actually the injury that has pushed him down a few pegs, in my opinion.  Wrist injuries can be very tricky, and can ruin the career of a hitter depending on the severity.  I still think Austin is a fine prospect, and a very important one given his potential for right-handed power from a corner OF spot.   For now, I am tempering my own expectations.

10.  Jose Ramirez, 23, RHP (Triple-A Scranton)  - Just a few short years ago, the Yankees rushed Ramirez to High-A Tampa, and he was smoked.   It was tough to follow, given all that we heard about his potential.  Some prospects may have crumbled at that point, but Ramirez dusted himself off and now finds himself in Scranton, a phone call away from the Bronx.  Of course, tough to answer that call when you are on the disabled list.  

11.  Manny Banuelos, 22, LHP (No Level) - Banuelos is out for the 2013 season.  I am a bit concerned because in 2011, his velocity increased...leading to a decrease in his command.  Missing essentially two years of development time to iron that out is disappointing, but he is still young and should be good to go next spring.

12.  Aaron Judge, 21, OF (No Level) - Instantly became the most intriguing player in the system after he was drafted.   Massive boom/bust potential here.

13.  Jose Campos, 20, RHP (Low-A Charleston) - Yankees have handled him with kid gloves all season, and it is starting to pay off.  Campos has been tremendous as of late.   The potential for big things is still there - but there has to be some hesitation until they loosen the leash a bit.

14.  Ty Hensley, 19, RHP (No Level) - Out for the 2013 season.  Since his injury was not arm related, I expect him to come back strong in 2014.  He has the potential to zoom up this list.

15.  Ramon Flores, 21, OF (Double-A Trenton) - Sometimes, we do forget that the outfielders playing for Trenton are still very young.  I am disappointed in Flores because I think (thought?) he had a very mature approach at the plate.  There is also the fact that he is already labeled as a tweener - someone who cannot cover center field on an everyday basis, but may not have the power for a corner.

16.  Nik Turley, 23, LHP (Double-A Trenton) - I expected Turley's strikeout numbers to start declining a tad as he moved up the chain.  That has not happened (100 Ks in 95 IP this season).  But his walk rate has increased, and his ERA is pedestrian (4.26).  All that said, he is a left-handed pitching prospect in a system that cherishes them.   I remain bullish.

17.  Pete O'Brien, 23, C/3B (High-A Tampa) - O'Brien doesn't have the upside of many other prospects, but he can mash.  The biggest question is how his tendency to strike out will translate in the upper minors.  Always a chance he can cut back on that a bit.  He's also not a young prospect, which also brings down his grade.

18.  Bryan Mitchell, 22, RHP (High-A Tampa) - In terms of pure power stuff, hardly anyone in this system can match Mitchell - he throws extremely hard (mid-to-upper 90s) with an above-average curve and solid change.  So, how can a pitcher with this much talent be rated #18?  Because his performance has simply not matched up with the potential. 

19.  Angelo Gumbs, 20, 2B (Low-A Charleston) - Injuries have impacted his progress a bit, and he had a rough go of it in Tampa earlier this year.   That said, his talent is immense and he is considered one of the best overall athletes in the system.  Perhaps he is a bit like Austin Jackson in that he needs to grow into an actual baseball player.  But make no mistake about it:  Gumbs can blossom at any time, just like Jackson did.   He has the ability to play different positions, but the Yankees seem content with him at second.

20.  Corey Black, 21, RHP (High-A Tampa) - Black has struggled a bit in Tampa (4.29 ERA in 18 starts), but the smallish (5'11") right-hander with the big arm continues to show signs that perhaps he can stick in the rotation.   He has the pitches to do so - it is all about the stamina.   He could move quickly as a reliever, but the Yankees are smart to not go down that path at this time.