This weekend I posted my lists for the Yankees' farm systems top 25 hitters, pitchers and overall. Before I completely turn the page, there are 5 prospects I think will have good years and will therefore elevate their positions on the list. In order of current ranking:
Aaron Judge, OF (rank: 7) - Judge is the classic boom or bust candidate...the kind of guy you can feel comfortable taking early when you have three first round picks. The rumors linking Judge to the Yankees started early and at first I was concerned. This is a guy who was supposed to be a power hitter but only had 6 HR in his first two college seasons. His 6'7 frame suggests he probably won't be able to stick for long in CF, the position he played at Fresno State. But he hit and played very well in 2013, (.369/.461./655 with 12 HR in 206 AB). And just the fact he played CF makes me think his defense will be at least above average for some time when he eventually moves to one of the corners. I have a feeling he'll play very well this year, probably in Charleston, and make all the big Top 100 lists next year.
Ty Hensley, SP (rank: 16) - Ty has everything you're looking for in an elite pitching prospect: frame (6'4, 220 lbs), repertoire (92-95 MPH fastball with big 12-to-6 curve and developing change-up), and accolades (ESPN and Gatorade Oklahoma player of the year in 2012). Add to that being the son of former professional pitcher Mike Hensley and you get a very entriguing prospect. He did very well in the 12 IP following the 2012 draft (3.00 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 10.50 K/9) and this time last year I was eagerly anticipating Ty getting assigned to Charleston. Well unfortunately that assignment never came due to injuries that required surgeries on both hips. Missing all of 2013 has led to Ty being sorta forgotten the way I see it. I predict he'll have an excellent season and distinguish himself as the top pitching prospect in the system and put himself in the conversation of Top 100 overall.
Luis Torrens, C (rank: 18) - I've really been intrigued by Torrens since 2012 when Baseball America ranked him the second best IFA prospect that year. He hit ok, despite the slash line (.248/.348/.299 in 174 AB), especially considering he was just 17 years old). Miguel Andujar went through a similar situation the year before and last year he was outstanding (.323/.368/.496 in 133 AB). I expect the same thing for Torrens. Plus, Keith Law mentioned recently that Luis has shown the ability to be excellent defensively behind the plate, something I was not aware of. He should be a top 10 system prospect next year.
Peter O'Brien, C/3B/1B (rank: 20) - POWER, POWER, POWER. He's a huge man with pop to spare. Squating down for 150 or so pitches every day probably not easy on a 6'3" dude, which is what I'm telling myself as I hear about them moving him around the diamond. Fact is when you can hit 22 HR in a year it doesn't really matter where you play. And a .265 career average is more than acceptable when your OPS is .819. The Yankees really believed in O'Brien when they took him in the second round and gave a college Senior a $460,000 bonus. And the way he's moving through the system, you can tell their opinions haven't changed. If he keeps posting a .265/.321/.498 line with HR to spare.
Leonardo Molina, OF (rank: not ranked) - Ok, this kid's about as far away from the bigs as you can get. Hasn't even played one professional game yet. Doesn't turn 17 until August. But he's a big bonus baby with good bat speed and plus defense. He was ranked 4th best July 2 prospect by Baseball America last year and scouts who have seen him in working in Tampa are gushing. He'll be top 25 easy next year.
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