Jesus Montero, who should open 2012 as the New York Yankees' designated hitter and part-time catcher, is the only prospect in the New York organization to get an 'A' grade from John Sickels of Minor League Ball. Sickels released his annual look at the Yankees' Top 20 prospects on Saturday.
Montero, long touted as the organization's top power-hitting prospect, excited fans by hitting .328 with four home runs and 12 RBI in 61 at-bats during a September call-up in 2011. Sickels opines that Montero's performance "was not a fluke," something that should have Yankees fans looking forward to seeing what the 22-year-old can do over a full season in the big leagues.
Here is how Sickels rates the Yankees' best prospects heading into the 2011 season:
- Montero
- C, Gary Sanchez
- LHP, Manny Banuelos
- RHP, Dellin Betances
- OF, Mason Williams
- 3B, Dante Bichette Jr.
- RHP, David Phelps
- OF, Ravel Santana
- 3B, Tyler Austin
- RHP, Adam Warren
- 11. C, Austin Romine
- C, J.R. Murphy
- SS, Cito Culver
- RHP, Brett Marshall
- OF, Slade Heathcott
- 2B, Angelo Gumbs
- LHP, Nik Turley
- OF, Daniel Lopez
- 2B, David Adams
- OF, Ramon Flores