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Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America
2012 (6) | 2011 (5) | 2010 (22) | 2009 (15) | 2008 (5)

2012 Affiliate Records
MLB: [95-67] AL East
AAA: [84-60] International League – Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
AA: [79-63] Eastern League – Trenton
A+: [65-70] Florida State League – Tampa
A: [73-63] South Atlantic League – Charleston
A(ss):  [30-45] New York-Penn League — Staten Island

Graduated Prospects
Cody Eppley (RHP)

The Run Down
It was an interesting 2012 for this Yankees system, as high-impact bats (see Austin and Williams) took huge steps forward, while a slew of promising pitching prospects (see Campos, Banuelos, Hensley) were held up because of injury, or risk thereof.  The Yankees also watched helplessly as the wheels completely fell off of the once highly-touted RHP, Dellin Betances.  What’s left is a system that appears out of balance in favor of hitting.  But that’s not to suggest there’s no hope for the arms — both Jose Campos and Manny Banuelos bring front-of-the-rotation potential if they’re able to stay on the field.  Sure, the health factor makes the pitching depth incredibly uncertain here, but there are plenty of systems who are worse off with regard to starting pitching.  And even if all these dudes have their arms fall off this summer, Yankees fans can rest assured that big league acquisitions will keep New York at (or near) the top of the AL East.

Top Ten Prospects
1.  Gary Sanchez, C:
  Sanchez brings extreme high-impact potential to the fantasy game if he can stay at catcher, and I think he can.  As a 19-year-old, he hit .290/.344/.485 with 18 homers and 15 stolen bases between Low- and High-A.  Sanchez should return to High-A for a stint before arriving at Double-A at age 20.  His potential at the plate is for real, and he’s well ahead of the age curve in terms of development.  There’s a reason the Yankees were comfortable trading Jesus Montero, and that reason is Gary SanchezETA:  2015

2.  Tyler Austin, OF:  After an impressive season between Low- and High-A (.322/.400/.559, 16 HR, 23 SB), Austin will begin 2013 at Double-A Trenton at age 21.  A plus-plus hit tool will allow him to post an AVG in the .320 range at the big league level.  He also features enough pop to hit 20 homers annually.  ETA:  2014

3.  Mason Williams, OF:  Toolsy outfielder brings loads of potential both defensively and at the plate.  Williams batted .298/.346/.474 with 11 homers and 20 stolen bases between Low- and High-A in 2012.  The 21-year-old should reach the upper levels at some point in 2013, on track for 2015 arrival.  Williams has a very bright future as the Yankees’ future center fielder, but as it stands right now, it seems he’ll bring a bit more impact to real-life baseball than to the fantasy game.  Without fantasy spin, he likely ranks #1 in this system.  ETA:  2015

4.  Angelo Gumbs, 2B:  Gumbs is a bat-first 2B with excellent speed.  If his power stroke continues to improve, he could make for a top-tier fantasy second baseman.  The 20-year-old will begin 2013 at High-A Tampa.  ETA:  2015

5.  Slade Heathcott, OF:  Heathcott had a bit of a breakout in Arizona Fall League play, posting a 1.106 OPS in 18 games.  At age 22, the Yankees would like to see him a bit further along, but injuries have slowed down his development thus far.  He’ll look to ride the momentum from his AFL campaign as he steps into the upper levels in 2013.  ETA:  2015

6.  Jose Campos, RHP:  A pitcher!  Campos was acquired via Seattle in the Jesus Montero swap.  An elbow injury ended his 2012 season after only five starts with Low-A.  His projectable frame (6-4, 195) and three above average offerings (fastball, curve, change) give the 20-year-old front-end potential.  Most important at this point, however, Campos needs to stay healthy in 2013, as he returns to Charleston.  ETA:  2016

7.  Manny Banuelos, LHP:  After Tommy John surgery last October, Banuelos won’t pitch in 2013.  That’s a shame for the 21-year-old, and for the Yankees, as southpaw is the most promising arm in the organization.  Bouncing back after TJ is almost routine these days, so expect a full recovery from Banuelos.  Still, the injury sets him back developmentally, and it’s unlikely we’ll see him in Yankee Stadium before the second half of 2014.  ETA:  2015

8.  Mark Montgomery, RHP:  Montgomery features a mid-90s fastball and an absolutely filthy slider.  Thanks to that combo, the 22-year-old has been able to post silly strikeout figures (career 14.6 K/9) out of bullpens at every stop.   He’s built for the late innings, and he could be earning saves as soon as this season if there’s an opportunity.  ETA:  2013

9.  Ty Hensley, RHP:  Drafted out of high school 30th overall last June, Hensley is yet to pitch outside of the complex leagues.  At 6-4, 220, he’s extremely projectable, but there are long-term concerns with the throwing shoulder, as revealed by a post-draft physical.  His fastball-curve combo is already an impressive weapon, but his changeup is lagging behind at the moment.  The Yankees could challenge Hensley with a full-season assignment at Charleston in April, but a more conservative approach might be in line given the health risk.  ETA:  2016

10.  Brett Marshall, RHP:  Safer and healthier than any other arm in this organization, Marshall will wait in Triple-A for an opportunity.  Plus command of so-so stuff has him looking like a back-end innings eater.  There’s really not much potential to surpass that projection, unfortunately.  ETA:  2013