New York Yankees Prospects Make a Big Impact at Spring Training
The New York Yankees have now played more than half of their Spring Training schedule, and cuts are now beginning to come aplenty. Most of the people leaving town have been rookies who are either overwhelmed or simply not ready to contributed at the MLB level, but a handful of players have done enough to stick around.
I have identified these five prospects who have impressed the most for the Yankees, and who still could make the 25-man roster.
5. Mark Montgomery
5. Mark Montgomery
Mark Montgomery has long been hailed as a future staple in the bullpen for the Yankees, and he has shown why this spring. In four appearances and three innings pitched, he has not let a single runner on base, struck out two batters, and picked up one save. Montgomery has already mastered all levels of minor league ball, and his mix of a disappearing slider and low-90s fastball has him knocking on the Yankees door this spring.
4. Zoilo Almonte
4. Zoilo Almonte
Zoilo Almonte is faces an uphill battle to make the Yankees' roster because of a logjam in the outfield, but he certainly is making a compelling case. In 10 games played, Almonte has compiled a slash line of .429/.455/.714 with one home run, three doubles and five runs scored. The 24 year old has a live bat that can consistently hit balls from gap to gap, and his ability to play all three outfield positions makes him an intriguing bench option.
3. Manuel Banuelos
3. Manuel Banuelos
Manny Banuelos hasn't impressed at all on the stat sheet, as in two games pitched, he has let up four hits and seven runs, good for a 63.00 ERA. What is more important though is that Banuelos is on the mound after missing nearly two seasons to deal with Tommy John Surgery. Furthermore, he has been sitting in the low to mid 90 mph range with his fastball and shown the world class changeup that will have him in the Bronx before long.
2. Dellin Betances
2. Dellin Betances
Dellin Betances was a huge disappointment during a brief cameo in the Bronx last September, but he has looked like a rejuvenated man this spring. Through five games and eight innings pitched, he has only allowed allowed two hits and walked four batters, and has struck out seven hitters. Standing 6-foot-8, 260 pounds, and possessing a mid-90s fastball and put away curveball, the 25 year old should be a middle inning staple this year.
1. Masahiro Tanaka
1. Masahiro Tanaka
Masahiro Tanaka is only a prospect by technicality, but he has thoroughly impressed during his first spring in the U.S. The 25 year old has allowed only one run over two appearances and five innings pitched, and has generally shown the mix of control and great stuff that made him such a coveted asset during the offseason. Tanaka will start out as the Yankees' No. 5 starter, and very well could become an All-Star this year.