Here is the list. Let’s specifically look at the New York prospects and weigh in on their rankings.
29 Manny Banuelos lhp, Yankees Age: 21. ETA: 2012.
Yankees player-development boss Mark Newman compared his poise to Whitey Ford—when Banuelos was 18.
This ranking is in line with most in the industry. Manny is a Top 30 prospect, even with his control/nibbling issues that cropped up last season. Once he begins to attack hitters and do a better job against right-handed batters, watch out.
35 Zack Wheeler rhp, Mets Age: 21. ETA: 2013.
Will have to pay Paul DePodesta to dress up like Dick Tidrow now that he’s a Met.
The strikeout potential is huge, and many feel his ceiling is just a bit higher than fellow farmhand Matt Harvey. I’m looking forward to seeing how he does at Double-A this year.
54 Matt Harvey rhp, Mets Age: 23. ETA: 2012.
He has the stuff to outperform recent Tar Heels alumni in a major league rotation, with the bullpen a good fallback option.
I think this ranking is too low. Harvey should at least be 15-20 spots higher in this list. His ceiling may not be quite as high as Wheeler’s, but it’s very close. I also think he has a higher floor.
63 Dellin Betances rhp, Yankees Age: 24. ETA: 2013.
Last year he became the 10th member of New York’s 2006 draft class to reach the majors.
I discussed Betances earlier today here on the blog. This is a make or break season for him.
81 Gary Sanchez c, Yankees Age: 19. ETA: 2014.
Took hits for his defensive ability and makeup in his first full season, but dished them out with his bat.
Another ranking that looks just a bit too low, but there is some risk here, so I can understand it. Sanchez has good power and extremely high upside, and could shoot up this list with a strong 2012 campaign.
85 Mason Williams of, Yankees Age: 20. ETA: 2014.
Heads up a deep, athletic group of Yankees prospects headed to low Class A Charleston.
Huge upside and great tools. This is a conservative ranking, and Williams is in the same situation as Sanchez in regards to growth potential.










