1. Jesus Montero, C, 20
This one should surprise no one. Jesus is the Yankees' best hitting prospect since Derek Jeter and should rank within the top three prospects in all of baseball this year. Montero's been described as having "the best bat in the minor leagues" and this year, he'll be taking it to the show. While Jesus is a clear number one, it begins to get a bit cloudy from here on out.
2. Manny Banuelos, LHP, 19
ManBan started in the Arizona Fall League Showcase and received a glowing report from Keith Law for his performance. Banuelos ranges from the low to high 90s with his fastball, and compliments it with a nasty change and good curveball. What really sets him apart though is his demeanor and his free and easy delivery. Though there have been questions about his height (only 5'10"), the kid's only 19 and is a lefty. He has future-ace written all over him.
3. Gary Sanchez, C, 17
The second coming of the second coming, Sanchez has been repeatedly compared to Jesus Montero due to his insane bat and not-so-stellar defense. What has been more un-noticed though is that some people actually think Sanchez could be better then Montero. Gary hit .353/.419/.597 in the Gulf Coast League as a 17-year-old. He was then promoted to Staten Island where he had a .759 OPS. Bottom line: kid can mash. Plus he has the potential to improve behind the dish. Lookout.
4. Dellin Betances, RHP, 22
It's all there physically for Betances. He's got a plus, plus fastball and nasty secondary pitches. The huge (6'8") Brooklyn native definitely looks the part of an ace and the only thing holding him back is his injury history. Dellin is a Tommy John survivor, but returned last year to put up career highs in 3 very essential categories: IP (85.1), K/9 (11.4), and BB/9 (2.3). If he can stay healthy and retain good control, he's definitely going to be a number one.
5. Austin Romine, C, 21
The last of the Yankees big-time catching prospects and the battery mate to Banuelos in the AFL showcase game, Romine's got the stuff to catch in the bigs. Austin's bat isn't other-worldly like those of Jesus Montero and Gary Sanchez, but he can still hit pretty good. Unlike Montero and Sanchez though, the kid's above-average behind the dish. A lot of people view him as either the Yankees' future starting catcher, or very good trade bait.
6. Andrew Brackman, RHP, 26
The final Killer B of this list, Brackman had never put up great numbers for the Yanks before '10. However in 2010, Andrew shot off the line and pitched so well that he earned himself a promotion to the show during September. While Girardi (annoyingly) never put Brackman in a game, it was a good reward for a kid who's worked hard. Brackman's got the stuff to be a solid #2 or #3 starter in the show as long as he can retain his command.
7. Slade Heathcott, CF, 21
The 2009 first-round pick by the Yankees put up decent numbers in his first season in pro-ball, but the Yankees project him much higher then that. Physically, he very much resembles Brett Gardner. Unlike Gardner however, Slade's predicted to develop much more power and could turn into a good 5-tool outfielder.
8. Hector Noesi, RHP, 24
The lone Yankee rep on the Futures World team, Noesi has great fastball command, however he is lacking a real put-away secondary pitch. He's struggled a lot with his curveball, but it definitely could be improved. A lot of people view him sort of as an Alfredo Aceves type pitcher or trade bait.
9. Adam Warren, RHP, 23
Kid has great control to go along with rising velocity. Highlight of the 2010 season came when he struck out 15 (!!) in one game for AA Trenton. Posted a 2.66 FIP in A Tampa and Trenton combined. Possible 2 or 3 starter but a sleeper prospect for sure.
10. Brandon Laird, 3B/LF, 23
Laird is an interesting case because he is learning to play multiple positions. As a third basemen, he holds almost no value to the Yankees other than maybe a power bat off the bench. However, he is trying to learn to play the outfield in order to make himself more versatile and claim a solid bench job for the Yanks. Plus, dude can rake! Laird won the Eastern League MVP despite getting bumped up to triple-A near the end of the season. He hit .281/.336/.482 with 25 HRs and 102 RBIs overall. Named the Yankees' Minor League MVP by River Ave. Blues.
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