Post by $heriff Tom on Jan 5, 2012 8:18:22 GMT -5
1. Jesus Montero, c Born: Nov. 28, 1989 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 235
Signed: Venezuela '06. Signed by: Carlos Rios/Ricardo Finol
Background: Montero should be ready for the New York spotlight, because few prospects have received such scrutiny in the minor leagues. It started as soon as he signed out of Venezuela in 2006 for $2 million. His bonus later was reduced to $1.65 million, and the scout who signed him, Carlos Rios, was fired for receiving kickbacks on international deals. Montero rifled through the lower levels of the minor leagues and spent just 44 games at Double-A Trenton before spending the last two seasons at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Scouts thought he looked bored in 2011 before his first callup to the majors. He sizzled in September, slugging two homers against the Orioles in his fourth game and earning a spot on New York's postseason roster.
Scouting Report: No organization has produced offensive catchers like the Yankees, who have suited up the likes of Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra, Thurman Munson and Jorge Posada. Club officials admit they prioritize hitting ability in their catchers more than most organizations do. Montero fits New York's profile—as do fellow farmhands such as Gary Sanchez, J.R. Murphy and Greg Bird. One of the more accomplished righthanded hitting prospects to come around in years, Montero combines hand-eye coordination with an innate ability to get the fat part of the bat on the ball. He can square up pitches all over the strike zone, and while he's not a walk machine, he has gained a better feel for the strike zone with experience. His front-foot swing isn't for everyone, but his tremendous strength makes it work and he projects to hit .290-.300 with well above-average power. His natural swing path produces excellent pop to the opposite field, and he should be able to exploit the dimensions at Yankee Stadium. Defensively, Montero continues to work hard to overcome his huge frame, and his offensive production makes him more palatable behind the plate. Despite plenty of attention from catching coordinator Julio Mosquera, Montero never will grade better than below-average as a receiver. New York believes that will be acceptable, citing Posada's career. Montero did cut his passed balls from 15 in 2010 to seven last season, when his .997 fielding percentage led International League backstops. Despite solid arm strength, he threw out just 21 percent of the 93 basestealers who tested him in 2011. His long throwing stroke costs him consistency and accuracy. He's a well below-average runner who's prone to hitting into double plays.
The Future: According to the Yankees, Montero ended the season at 224 pounds and 13 percent body fat, a sign he's ready for the grind of the big leagues physically. His righthanded power fits well into a New York lineup that overly relies on the aging Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez from that side of the plate. Montero is ready to catch 50 or so games a year while also getting regular at-bats at DH. If the Yankees need him to catch more than that, his defense probably would be too much of a liability. He should get 400-500 big league plate appearances in 2012 and eventually follow Robinson Cano as New York's next homegrown all-star position player.
2. Manny Banuelos, lhp Born: March 13, 1991 B-T: L-L Ht.: 5-11 Wt.: 155
Signed: Mexico '08. Signed by: Lee Sigman.
Background: Signed out of Mexico as a command-oriented lefthander, Banuelos has seen his stuff evolve since, and it was on full display in big league camp in 2011. He struck out 14 in 13 innings while making a bid for a big league role. He instead spent the entire season in the minors, pitching a career-high 130 innings and reaching Triple-A but also leading the system with 71 walks.
Scouting Report: Banuelos beats hitters with three plus pitches when he's at his best, getting swings and misses in the strike zone like an ace. His fastball sits at 89-94 mph and touches 96. His curveball has some downer action and power, often parking at 79-80 mph, and he has good arm speed on his fading changeup. The Yankees believe Banuelos is still learning how to harness his quick arm and improved stuff, and he needs to be pitch-efficient rather than going for strikeouts. He struggles at times to locate his fastball to his glove side, which made him vulnerable against righthanders, who hit .285 against him in 2011.
The Future: Banuelos has shown frontline stuff and flashed true command, tantalizing yet failing to put it all together. He should make his big league debut in 2012. He has the upside to be New York's best homegrown pitcher since Andy Pettitte.
3. Dellin Betances, rhp Born: March 23, 1988 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-8 Wt.: 260
Drafted: Grand Street HS, New York, 2006 (8th round). Signed by: Cesar Presbott/Brian Barber.
Background: In late September, Betances became the 10th player from the Yankees' 2006 draft class to appear in the majors. He signed for $1 million, a record for the eighth round at the time. He has developed slowly and had surgery to reinforce an elbow ligament in 2009, but he has matured into a physical power pitcher with swing-and-miss stuff.
Scouting Report: Betances works at 91-95 mph with his fastball and can get it up to 97, delivering it on a steep downhill plane. At times he throws his four-seamer with natural cutting action. He throws a fair amount of strikes with his heater but has a harder time harnessing his power curveball, which sits in the low 80s. New York always has believed in Betances' changeup, a solid pitch that flashed above average less frequently in 2011 than it had in 2010. His stiff delivery and modest athleticism prevent him from repeating his delivery and throwing consistent quality strikes.
The Future: Betances threw a career-best 136 innings in 2011, and his lack of command was exposed a bit at higher levels. His stuff is so good, he could still be effective merely with average control, much like A.J. Burnett. Betances will return to Triple-A to start 2012.
4. Gary Sanchez, c Born: Dec. 2, 1992 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 220
Signed: Dominican Republic '09. Signed by: Raymon Sanchez/Victor Mata.
Background: Signed for $3 million, Sanchez ranked as the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League's No. 1 prospect in a banner 2010 pro debut, then led low Class A Charleston with 17 homers in 82 games in 2011. He was suspended for two weeks in late May for insubordination and missed the final three weeks of the season with a sprained left thumb.
Scouting Report: Sanchez has a purer swing and more patience at the plate than Jesus Montero, to whom he's often compared. Sanchez has similar raw power, too, and scouts project him as a plus hitter in terms of both average and pop. He's willing to go deep into counts looking for a pitch to drive, which can lead to strikeouts. He struggles to handle breaking balls offensively and defensively, and some scouts reported that he stopped calling for them behind the plate. Sanchez led the South Atlantic League with 26 passed balls in just 60 games, and some scouts believe he's a lost cause as a receiver. He does have plus arm strength and threw out 31 percent of basestealers. He's a well below-average runner, like many catchers.
The Future: A combination of money, immaturity and hype didn't help Sanchez, but he was one of the SAL's youngest players. He'll probably return to Charleston in 2012. If he doesn't improve defensively, he'll have to hit like Montero to remain a catcher long-term.
5. Mason Williams, of Born: Aug. 21, 1991 B-T: L-R Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 150
Drafted: West Orange HS, Winter Garden, Fla., 2010 (4th round). Signed by: Jeff Deardorff.
Background: Williams got the highest bonus in the Yankees' 2010 draft class, signing for $1.45 million in the fourth round to turn down his commitment to South Carolina. In his first extended taste of pro ball last summer, he led the short-season New York-Penn League in steals (28) and ranked second in batting (.349) to spark Staten Island to its sixth championship in 13 years. He ranked as the NY-P's top prospect.
Scouting Report: While he's not overly physical, Williams has the system's best all-around tools. He has a lively body with athleticism to spare and surprising strength. While at times he's a slasher, he has good natural timing and barrels balls consistently. His bat is quick enough for him to hit quality velocity. As Williams quiets his hands and uses his legs better, he could develop average power because his swing path has a little bit of loft. He's a prototypical center fielder with raw 80 speed on the 20-80 scouting scale, easy range and an average throwing arm. He still must add polish to his baserunning, basestealing and route-running in addition to his swing.
The Future: Williams could be the Yankees' next great homegrown center fielder. He'll get his first full-season test in Charleston in 2012. He's on the verge of passing Slade Heathcott within the system but will have to watch Ravel Santana coming up behind him.
6. Dante Bichette, 3b Born: Sept. 26, 1992 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-1 Wt.: 215
Drafted: Orangewood Christian HS, Orlando, 2011 (1.5 round). Signed by: Jeff Deardorff.
Background: The son of the former all-star outfielder of the same name, Dante Jr. is a baseball rat who became the Yankees' top 2011 draft pick (51st overall). He signed quickly for $750,000 and adjusted on the fly after a slow start to pro ball, lowering his hands and quickening his swing. He earned top-prospect and MVP honors in the Gulf Coast League and led his team to the championship.
Scouting Report: Like his father, Bichette combines righthanded power and underrated athletic ability. He's an advanced hitter with good hand-eye coordination, present strength and above-average bat speed. He doesn't sell out for power, uses the whole field and has a mature two-strike approach. While scouts considered Bichette a lock to move to the outfield while he was an amateur, he impressed New York with his agility, arm strength and aptitude at third base. He's an average runner. He should have the makeup to handle the Big Apple.
The Future: Bichette's passion for the game and work ethic helped him make a name for himself with his strong debut. He could move quickly, and if J.R. Murphy remains a catcher, the Yankees don't have another third-base prospect ahead of him. Bichette is ready to advance to low Class A in 2012.
7. Ravel Santana, of Born: May 1, 1992 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 160
Signed: Dominican Republic '08. Signed by: Victor Mata/Juan Rosario.
Background: Signed for just $150,000 in November 2008, Santana hit .322/.440/.533 in 2010 in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League, leading it with 10 home runs. For an encore, he ranked right behind Dante Bichette as the No. 2 prospect in the Gulf Coast League, ranking third in the league in slugging (.568) and fourth in homers (nine) despite missing the final two weeks after breaking his ankle in two places and damaging ligaments on Aug. 13.
Scouting Report: Wiry, lean and athletic, Santana could wind up with above-average or better tools across the board. His best present tool is his arm, which rates at least a 70 and earns some 80 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale. He's at least a plus runner and he plays an above-average center field. Santana's offensive ceiling is considerable, thanks to excellent bat speed, strength and loft in his swing and a willingness to use the whole field. He showed plus power as the season went along, gaining confidence as his pitch recognition improved. He does have problems making contact against good breaking balls, though he made encouraging adjustments.
The Future: Santana is one level behind Mason Williams and could move to right field if they wind up on the same roster. His recovery from his ankle injury could complicate matters but the Yankees expect Santana will be healed for an assignment to Staten Island in June.
8. Austin Romine, c Born: Nov. 22, 1988 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 220
Drafted: El Toro HS, Lake Forest, Calif., 2007 (2nd round). Signed by: David Keith.
Background: Romine became the third member of his family to reach the majors, following dad Kevin and older brother Andrew. He debuted in front of his parents and against his brother's team, the Angels, in September. It was a positive end to a challenging season in which he missed time with a June concussion and an August back injury.
Scouting Report: In an organization full of bat-first catchers, Romine sticks out for his athletic ability and solid defensive tools. Flexible and agile, he's a sound receiver who has added polish with experience. While he has plus arm strength, his inconsistent throwing accuracy led to him nabbing just 23 percent of basestealers in each of the last two seasons. Like his arm, Romine's raw power rates as above-average but doesn't play that well in games. His high leg kick results in streaky offensive production. He has become a poor runner and seemed to play with less energy in 2011.
The Future: Some scouts thought Romine got stale repeating a level in 2011 and will watch to see if he responds to a promotion in 2012. His defense still could make him New York's long-term future catcher, with the offensive upside of a .270 hitter with 10-15 homers.
9. J.R. Murphy, c/3b Born: May 13, 1991 B-T: B-R Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 190
Drafted: Pendleton School, Bradenton, Fla., 2009 (2nd round). Signed by: Jeff Deardorff/Brian Barber.
Background: The Yankees love offensive-minded catchers, and they paid Murphy $1.25 million in the second round of the 2009 draft to keep him from attending Miami. He outplayed Gary Sanchez offensively and defensively while sharing time with him at catcher in Charleston in 2011, earning a promotion to high Class A Tampa. His season ended shortly afterward in July when he fouled a ball off his left foot, breaking a bone.
Scouting Report: New York is trying to find a place for Murphy's bat, as he offers a balanced swing and consistent line-drive, gap-to-gap power. He projects to hit 10-15 homers annually with his present swing, which has a fairly flat path. A solid athlete and average runner, Murphy has improved defensively. He has gained average arm strength through better mechanics and a long-toss program and quickened his release. He threw out 24 percent of basestealers in 2011. He's a fringy receiver and blocker but has made enough progress to stay in the catching conversation. He also saw time at third base in 2011, and his fringy speed also makes the outfield corners a possibility.
The Future: Murphy's total package resembles that of 16-year big leaguer Todd Zeile. He's ticketed for a return to Tampa, where he'll catch while also playing third and the outfield.
10. Slade Heathcott, of Born: Sept. 28, 1990 B-T: L-L Ht.: 6-1 Wt.: 190
Drafted: Texas HS, Texarkana, Texas, 2009 (1st round). Signed by: Mark Batchko/Tim Kelly.
Background: Heathcott had alcohol issues and a troubled family life, yet he also was a two-sport prep star who overcame a football-related knee injury to lead Texas High to a state 4-A championship in 2009. The Yankees selected him 29th overall that June and signed him for $2.2 million. He has sought treatment for his alcohol use, but his career has been slowed by two surgeries on his throwing shoulder.
Scouting Report: Heathcott reminds New York of Brett Gardner, with the potential to hit for more power if he can become more patient and work himself into more hitter's counts. His injuries have cost him development time needed to improve his pitch selection. He's an explosive athlete whose energy level ingratiates him to teammates, managers and scouts. Heathcott's best present tools are his plus-plus speed and his defense, as he plays center field like a free safety. He's still an unrefined basestealer and needs to tame his aggressiveness in several phases of the game. His second shoulder operation, to reattach part of his previously repaired labrum, likely will cost him some of his formerly above-average arm strength.
The Future: As Heathcott has gotten his life in order, the Yankees see his makeup as a plus. He'll report to Tampa in 2012 and see if his shoulder can hold up over a full season.
Signed: Venezuela '06. Signed by: Carlos Rios/Ricardo Finol
Background: Montero should be ready for the New York spotlight, because few prospects have received such scrutiny in the minor leagues. It started as soon as he signed out of Venezuela in 2006 for $2 million. His bonus later was reduced to $1.65 million, and the scout who signed him, Carlos Rios, was fired for receiving kickbacks on international deals. Montero rifled through the lower levels of the minor leagues and spent just 44 games at Double-A Trenton before spending the last two seasons at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Scouts thought he looked bored in 2011 before his first callup to the majors. He sizzled in September, slugging two homers against the Orioles in his fourth game and earning a spot on New York's postseason roster.
Scouting Report: No organization has produced offensive catchers like the Yankees, who have suited up the likes of Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra, Thurman Munson and Jorge Posada. Club officials admit they prioritize hitting ability in their catchers more than most organizations do. Montero fits New York's profile—as do fellow farmhands such as Gary Sanchez, J.R. Murphy and Greg Bird. One of the more accomplished righthanded hitting prospects to come around in years, Montero combines hand-eye coordination with an innate ability to get the fat part of the bat on the ball. He can square up pitches all over the strike zone, and while he's not a walk machine, he has gained a better feel for the strike zone with experience. His front-foot swing isn't for everyone, but his tremendous strength makes it work and he projects to hit .290-.300 with well above-average power. His natural swing path produces excellent pop to the opposite field, and he should be able to exploit the dimensions at Yankee Stadium. Defensively, Montero continues to work hard to overcome his huge frame, and his offensive production makes him more palatable behind the plate. Despite plenty of attention from catching coordinator Julio Mosquera, Montero never will grade better than below-average as a receiver. New York believes that will be acceptable, citing Posada's career. Montero did cut his passed balls from 15 in 2010 to seven last season, when his .997 fielding percentage led International League backstops. Despite solid arm strength, he threw out just 21 percent of the 93 basestealers who tested him in 2011. His long throwing stroke costs him consistency and accuracy. He's a well below-average runner who's prone to hitting into double plays.
The Future: According to the Yankees, Montero ended the season at 224 pounds and 13 percent body fat, a sign he's ready for the grind of the big leagues physically. His righthanded power fits well into a New York lineup that overly relies on the aging Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez from that side of the plate. Montero is ready to catch 50 or so games a year while also getting regular at-bats at DH. If the Yankees need him to catch more than that, his defense probably would be too much of a liability. He should get 400-500 big league plate appearances in 2012 and eventually follow Robinson Cano as New York's next homegrown all-star position player.
2. Manny Banuelos, lhp Born: March 13, 1991 B-T: L-L Ht.: 5-11 Wt.: 155
Signed: Mexico '08. Signed by: Lee Sigman.
Background: Signed out of Mexico as a command-oriented lefthander, Banuelos has seen his stuff evolve since, and it was on full display in big league camp in 2011. He struck out 14 in 13 innings while making a bid for a big league role. He instead spent the entire season in the minors, pitching a career-high 130 innings and reaching Triple-A but also leading the system with 71 walks.
Scouting Report: Banuelos beats hitters with three plus pitches when he's at his best, getting swings and misses in the strike zone like an ace. His fastball sits at 89-94 mph and touches 96. His curveball has some downer action and power, often parking at 79-80 mph, and he has good arm speed on his fading changeup. The Yankees believe Banuelos is still learning how to harness his quick arm and improved stuff, and he needs to be pitch-efficient rather than going for strikeouts. He struggles at times to locate his fastball to his glove side, which made him vulnerable against righthanders, who hit .285 against him in 2011.
The Future: Banuelos has shown frontline stuff and flashed true command, tantalizing yet failing to put it all together. He should make his big league debut in 2012. He has the upside to be New York's best homegrown pitcher since Andy Pettitte.
3. Dellin Betances, rhp Born: March 23, 1988 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-8 Wt.: 260
Drafted: Grand Street HS, New York, 2006 (8th round). Signed by: Cesar Presbott/Brian Barber.
Background: In late September, Betances became the 10th player from the Yankees' 2006 draft class to appear in the majors. He signed for $1 million, a record for the eighth round at the time. He has developed slowly and had surgery to reinforce an elbow ligament in 2009, but he has matured into a physical power pitcher with swing-and-miss stuff.
Scouting Report: Betances works at 91-95 mph with his fastball and can get it up to 97, delivering it on a steep downhill plane. At times he throws his four-seamer with natural cutting action. He throws a fair amount of strikes with his heater but has a harder time harnessing his power curveball, which sits in the low 80s. New York always has believed in Betances' changeup, a solid pitch that flashed above average less frequently in 2011 than it had in 2010. His stiff delivery and modest athleticism prevent him from repeating his delivery and throwing consistent quality strikes.
The Future: Betances threw a career-best 136 innings in 2011, and his lack of command was exposed a bit at higher levels. His stuff is so good, he could still be effective merely with average control, much like A.J. Burnett. Betances will return to Triple-A to start 2012.
4. Gary Sanchez, c Born: Dec. 2, 1992 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 220
Signed: Dominican Republic '09. Signed by: Raymon Sanchez/Victor Mata.
Background: Signed for $3 million, Sanchez ranked as the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League's No. 1 prospect in a banner 2010 pro debut, then led low Class A Charleston with 17 homers in 82 games in 2011. He was suspended for two weeks in late May for insubordination and missed the final three weeks of the season with a sprained left thumb.
Scouting Report: Sanchez has a purer swing and more patience at the plate than Jesus Montero, to whom he's often compared. Sanchez has similar raw power, too, and scouts project him as a plus hitter in terms of both average and pop. He's willing to go deep into counts looking for a pitch to drive, which can lead to strikeouts. He struggles to handle breaking balls offensively and defensively, and some scouts reported that he stopped calling for them behind the plate. Sanchez led the South Atlantic League with 26 passed balls in just 60 games, and some scouts believe he's a lost cause as a receiver. He does have plus arm strength and threw out 31 percent of basestealers. He's a well below-average runner, like many catchers.
The Future: A combination of money, immaturity and hype didn't help Sanchez, but he was one of the SAL's youngest players. He'll probably return to Charleston in 2012. If he doesn't improve defensively, he'll have to hit like Montero to remain a catcher long-term.
5. Mason Williams, of Born: Aug. 21, 1991 B-T: L-R Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 150
Drafted: West Orange HS, Winter Garden, Fla., 2010 (4th round). Signed by: Jeff Deardorff.
Background: Williams got the highest bonus in the Yankees' 2010 draft class, signing for $1.45 million in the fourth round to turn down his commitment to South Carolina. In his first extended taste of pro ball last summer, he led the short-season New York-Penn League in steals (28) and ranked second in batting (.349) to spark Staten Island to its sixth championship in 13 years. He ranked as the NY-P's top prospect.
Scouting Report: While he's not overly physical, Williams has the system's best all-around tools. He has a lively body with athleticism to spare and surprising strength. While at times he's a slasher, he has good natural timing and barrels balls consistently. His bat is quick enough for him to hit quality velocity. As Williams quiets his hands and uses his legs better, he could develop average power because his swing path has a little bit of loft. He's a prototypical center fielder with raw 80 speed on the 20-80 scouting scale, easy range and an average throwing arm. He still must add polish to his baserunning, basestealing and route-running in addition to his swing.
The Future: Williams could be the Yankees' next great homegrown center fielder. He'll get his first full-season test in Charleston in 2012. He's on the verge of passing Slade Heathcott within the system but will have to watch Ravel Santana coming up behind him.
6. Dante Bichette, 3b Born: Sept. 26, 1992 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-1 Wt.: 215
Drafted: Orangewood Christian HS, Orlando, 2011 (1.5 round). Signed by: Jeff Deardorff.
Background: The son of the former all-star outfielder of the same name, Dante Jr. is a baseball rat who became the Yankees' top 2011 draft pick (51st overall). He signed quickly for $750,000 and adjusted on the fly after a slow start to pro ball, lowering his hands and quickening his swing. He earned top-prospect and MVP honors in the Gulf Coast League and led his team to the championship.
Scouting Report: Like his father, Bichette combines righthanded power and underrated athletic ability. He's an advanced hitter with good hand-eye coordination, present strength and above-average bat speed. He doesn't sell out for power, uses the whole field and has a mature two-strike approach. While scouts considered Bichette a lock to move to the outfield while he was an amateur, he impressed New York with his agility, arm strength and aptitude at third base. He's an average runner. He should have the makeup to handle the Big Apple.
The Future: Bichette's passion for the game and work ethic helped him make a name for himself with his strong debut. He could move quickly, and if J.R. Murphy remains a catcher, the Yankees don't have another third-base prospect ahead of him. Bichette is ready to advance to low Class A in 2012.
7. Ravel Santana, of Born: May 1, 1992 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 160
Signed: Dominican Republic '08. Signed by: Victor Mata/Juan Rosario.
Background: Signed for just $150,000 in November 2008, Santana hit .322/.440/.533 in 2010 in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League, leading it with 10 home runs. For an encore, he ranked right behind Dante Bichette as the No. 2 prospect in the Gulf Coast League, ranking third in the league in slugging (.568) and fourth in homers (nine) despite missing the final two weeks after breaking his ankle in two places and damaging ligaments on Aug. 13.
Scouting Report: Wiry, lean and athletic, Santana could wind up with above-average or better tools across the board. His best present tool is his arm, which rates at least a 70 and earns some 80 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale. He's at least a plus runner and he plays an above-average center field. Santana's offensive ceiling is considerable, thanks to excellent bat speed, strength and loft in his swing and a willingness to use the whole field. He showed plus power as the season went along, gaining confidence as his pitch recognition improved. He does have problems making contact against good breaking balls, though he made encouraging adjustments.
The Future: Santana is one level behind Mason Williams and could move to right field if they wind up on the same roster. His recovery from his ankle injury could complicate matters but the Yankees expect Santana will be healed for an assignment to Staten Island in June.
8. Austin Romine, c Born: Nov. 22, 1988 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 220
Drafted: El Toro HS, Lake Forest, Calif., 2007 (2nd round). Signed by: David Keith.
Background: Romine became the third member of his family to reach the majors, following dad Kevin and older brother Andrew. He debuted in front of his parents and against his brother's team, the Angels, in September. It was a positive end to a challenging season in which he missed time with a June concussion and an August back injury.
Scouting Report: In an organization full of bat-first catchers, Romine sticks out for his athletic ability and solid defensive tools. Flexible and agile, he's a sound receiver who has added polish with experience. While he has plus arm strength, his inconsistent throwing accuracy led to him nabbing just 23 percent of basestealers in each of the last two seasons. Like his arm, Romine's raw power rates as above-average but doesn't play that well in games. His high leg kick results in streaky offensive production. He has become a poor runner and seemed to play with less energy in 2011.
The Future: Some scouts thought Romine got stale repeating a level in 2011 and will watch to see if he responds to a promotion in 2012. His defense still could make him New York's long-term future catcher, with the offensive upside of a .270 hitter with 10-15 homers.
9. J.R. Murphy, c/3b Born: May 13, 1991 B-T: B-R Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 190
Drafted: Pendleton School, Bradenton, Fla., 2009 (2nd round). Signed by: Jeff Deardorff/Brian Barber.
Background: The Yankees love offensive-minded catchers, and they paid Murphy $1.25 million in the second round of the 2009 draft to keep him from attending Miami. He outplayed Gary Sanchez offensively and defensively while sharing time with him at catcher in Charleston in 2011, earning a promotion to high Class A Tampa. His season ended shortly afterward in July when he fouled a ball off his left foot, breaking a bone.
Scouting Report: New York is trying to find a place for Murphy's bat, as he offers a balanced swing and consistent line-drive, gap-to-gap power. He projects to hit 10-15 homers annually with his present swing, which has a fairly flat path. A solid athlete and average runner, Murphy has improved defensively. He has gained average arm strength through better mechanics and a long-toss program and quickened his release. He threw out 24 percent of basestealers in 2011. He's a fringy receiver and blocker but has made enough progress to stay in the catching conversation. He also saw time at third base in 2011, and his fringy speed also makes the outfield corners a possibility.
The Future: Murphy's total package resembles that of 16-year big leaguer Todd Zeile. He's ticketed for a return to Tampa, where he'll catch while also playing third and the outfield.
10. Slade Heathcott, of Born: Sept. 28, 1990 B-T: L-L Ht.: 6-1 Wt.: 190
Drafted: Texas HS, Texarkana, Texas, 2009 (1st round). Signed by: Mark Batchko/Tim Kelly.
Background: Heathcott had alcohol issues and a troubled family life, yet he also was a two-sport prep star who overcame a football-related knee injury to lead Texas High to a state 4-A championship in 2009. The Yankees selected him 29th overall that June and signed him for $2.2 million. He has sought treatment for his alcohol use, but his career has been slowed by two surgeries on his throwing shoulder.
Scouting Report: Heathcott reminds New York of Brett Gardner, with the potential to hit for more power if he can become more patient and work himself into more hitter's counts. His injuries have cost him development time needed to improve his pitch selection. He's an explosive athlete whose energy level ingratiates him to teammates, managers and scouts. Heathcott's best present tools are his plus-plus speed and his defense, as he plays center field like a free safety. He's still an unrefined basestealer and needs to tame his aggressiveness in several phases of the game. His second shoulder operation, to reattach part of his previously repaired labrum, likely will cost him some of his formerly above-average arm strength.
The Future: As Heathcott has gotten his life in order, the Yankees see his makeup as a plus. He'll report to Tampa in 2012 and see if his shoulder can hold up over a full season.
