Yankees Newest Dynasty: The Baby Bombers
By Joey the Kid
The New York Yankees. 26 time World Champions, known mostly for their bloated payroll around the baseball front, giving little credit to what they've worked on the most for the past few years: their farm system.
The Yankee's farm system was depleted, and hardly recognized by anyone a few seasons ago. Keith Law of ESPN.com recently rated their farm in the top 10, which is quite an accomplishment. It all started when Robinson Cano, barely even considered a top prospect, was called up in May 2005. He put on a brilliant rookie campain posting a .297 average, along with 14 home runs. Among other call-ups included Chien-Ming Wang, who, although having some injury trouble, posted a good-enough rookie campaign along with the help of Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon to get the Yankees through to the playoffs.
The Yankee's farm system was depleted, and hardly recognized by anyone a few seasons ago. Keith Law of ESPN.com recently rated their farm in the top 10, which is quite an accomplishment. It all started when Robinson Cano, barely even considered a top prospect, was called up in May 2005. He put on a brilliant rookie campain posting a .297 average, along with 14 home runs. Among other call-ups included Chien-Ming Wang, who, although having some injury trouble, posted a good-enough rookie campaign along with the help of Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon to get the Yankees through to the playoffs.
Robinson Cano and Chien-Ming Wang are now young stars of the Yankees, after Wang established himself as Yankees' ace in 2006 and Robinson Cano a great young All-Star second basemen. Not to mention another great young prospect named Melky Cabrera.
Cabrera, also not mentioned as a "top prospect," was called up in 2005 only to hit .211 and miss some plays in the outfield where he was almost immediatly demoted. A year later, Hideki Matsui injured his wrist, and the crowds gasped in fear. Who was their option for left field?Bernie Williams could not do it for long. Melky was soon to be inserted in the lineup, where he had a great rookie campaign and doubted everyone wrong. The 21-year-old hit .280 with 7 home runs, including 1 game winner and 1 potential game winner. He also showed great discipline at the plate, walking 55 times and striking out 59.
Who will be the next to be called up?
Highly- touted prospect Phillip Hughes may be next, and is the most widely-known Yankee prospect. People ask me "how good is Hughes going to be?" Sir, Hughes is going to be great. But people must realize Hughes is not the only bright young star in the Yankees system.
Eric Duncan, who was rushed and paid the price, is looking to regain his 1st round pick form in '07. He still has amazing power potential, and will be the 1st base option, if not 3rd (if Alex Rodriguez does indeed opt out of his contract at the end of 07). Tyler Clippard is also a great 21-year-old prospect who can be counted on as a future starter, compiling a 12-10 record with a 3.35 ERA, with 175 strikeouts at Trenton (AA). Also, not to forget J.B. Cox, regarded as the set-up man/closer of the future, who compiled a 1.75 ERA with 3 saves also at Trenton (AA).
Along with Cabrera, another outfield prospect, possibly one of the best in the minors, must be mentioned in talk of a Yankees farm system. He goes by the name of Jose Tabata.Tabata, a 17-year-old prospect, is considered to have 30+ home run potential, before his 25th birthday by some scouts. Blessed with great contact, promising power, and decent speed, he may be the replacement for any outfielder in the Yankees future.
Speaking of outfield, one more must be said. Brett Gardner, who is regarded as possibly Damon's replacement for centerfield.Also blessed with great contact and amazing speed, he is the natural lead-off hitter you look for in an orginization's system. In trips to Tampa (A) and Trenton (AA), he hit a combined .298 with 58 stolen bases, with 134 hits in 449 at-bats.Next time you talk Yankees' system, look a little bit deeper into the blue.
Cabrera, also not mentioned as a "top prospect," was called up in 2005 only to hit .211 and miss some plays in the outfield where he was almost immediatly demoted. A year later, Hideki Matsui injured his wrist, and the crowds gasped in fear. Who was their option for left field?Bernie Williams could not do it for long. Melky was soon to be inserted in the lineup, where he had a great rookie campaign and doubted everyone wrong. The 21-year-old hit .280 with 7 home runs, including 1 game winner and 1 potential game winner. He also showed great discipline at the plate, walking 55 times and striking out 59.
Who will be the next to be called up?
Highly- touted prospect Phillip Hughes may be next, and is the most widely-known Yankee prospect. People ask me "how good is Hughes going to be?" Sir, Hughes is going to be great. But people must realize Hughes is not the only bright young star in the Yankees system.
Eric Duncan, who was rushed and paid the price, is looking to regain his 1st round pick form in '07. He still has amazing power potential, and will be the 1st base option, if not 3rd (if Alex Rodriguez does indeed opt out of his contract at the end of 07). Tyler Clippard is also a great 21-year-old prospect who can be counted on as a future starter, compiling a 12-10 record with a 3.35 ERA, with 175 strikeouts at Trenton (AA). Also, not to forget J.B. Cox, regarded as the set-up man/closer of the future, who compiled a 1.75 ERA with 3 saves also at Trenton (AA).
Along with Cabrera, another outfield prospect, possibly one of the best in the minors, must be mentioned in talk of a Yankees farm system. He goes by the name of Jose Tabata.Tabata, a 17-year-old prospect, is considered to have 30+ home run potential, before his 25th birthday by some scouts. Blessed with great contact, promising power, and decent speed, he may be the replacement for any outfielder in the Yankees future.
Speaking of outfield, one more must be said. Brett Gardner, who is regarded as possibly Damon's replacement for centerfield.Also blessed with great contact and amazing speed, he is the natural lead-off hitter you look for in an orginization's system. In trips to Tampa (A) and Trenton (AA), he hit a combined .298 with 58 stolen bases, with 134 hits in 449 at-bats.Next time you talk Yankees' system, look a little bit deeper into the blue.
Written 2/4/07 by J.M.
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