The trade deadline has come and passed, with the Yankees making plenty of trades to bolster their roster. You think their roster's set, though? Not even close.
With rosters expanding in September here are 10 minor leaguers that can make an impact at the big league level. (* Technically Hughes is on the DL but he's pretty much a minor leaguer as of now).
1. Phillip Hughes, SP: A former top prospect and the youngest pitcher in the major leagues when camp broke, Hughes struggled early on in 2008, putting up as many walks as strikeouts (13 in 22 IP) to go along with an earned run an inning. I'm still confident he will be back to his old self again when he gets back. With a new pair of Oakley glasses Hughes is set to be the next wild thing. (No joke, see Phil's blog).
There have been rumors Hughes will come back in the bullpen but with the success of Veras, Robertson, and others the rotation seems to be a bigger need. I think Hughes' five seasons of outstanding minor league service (312/67 K/BB rate, 2.07 era, .86 Whip) outweigh bad couple of weeks in the majors, lets just hope I'm right.
2. Ian Kennedy, SP: Like Hughes, Kennedy started the year as a top prospect before failing to meet expectations and subsequently going down with an injury. Also like Hughes, I believe Kennedy will be back to his own self. In a couple of professional season Kennedy put up 208 strikeouts in a little under 200 IP to go along with 67 walks. Kennedy has also succeed so far this season in the minor leagues.
He has a 32/12 K/BB rate in 39 triple A innings along with a 2.03 era and .89 whip, similar numbers to those he put up in 2007. Kennedy also had a no-hitter going through 6 2/3 innings at Scranton-Wilkes Barre, furthering his status as one of the Yankees' top prospects. With both Darrell Rasner and Sidney Ponson struggling lately, Kennedy is a good bet to be back up by September.
3. Mark Melancon, RP/SP: This guy is the first real prospect on this list, as Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy have both made a impact at the big league level. Melancon wasn't considered for most top 10 or even 20 Yankees prospects list coming into the season, however Brian Cashman's favorite minor leaguer has broken out big time.
With 47 strikeouts to only 12 walks in 49 double-A innings Melancon was able to post a 1.81 era and .89 whip. He also posted an undefeated 6-0 record for what that's worth. His chance of making an impact this year got even greater when Brian Cashman called him untouchable in trade talks, then promoted him to triple-A Scranton Wilkes Barre.
He's been used primarily as a reliever this year, however he is considered a decent starting prospect as well. If he makes an impact this year though it will probably be in the bullpen.
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