Having a strong minor-league system can fuel an organization for years to come. Quality young talent can propel an organization to new heights—see the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays.

This time, we'll look at the five best prospects in the New York Yankees minor-league system. The Yankees used their minor league pipeline to supply themselves with several players who were integral to their 1990s dominance.

Players like Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, and Mariano Rivera were developed by the Yankees and each were vital to the team winning four of five World Series between 1996 and 2000.

New York Yankees 2009 Top-Five Prospects 

1. Jesus Montero, C, 11/28/1989 -  Montero, signed out of Venezuela in 2006, is an imposing figure. The soon-to-be 19-year-old clocks in at 6'4"/225lbs, but it's that size that have many believing that his future is somewhere other than behind the plate, possibly at first base or designated hitter. He might become too big to catch, if he hasn't already.

Montero showed promise while playing in the Gulf Coast League in 2007, but he really emerged in 2008. Over 525 at-bats for Low-A Charleston, he hit .325 with a .376 on base percentage and a .491 slugging percentage. He smacked 34 doubles, drilled 17 home runs, walked 37 times, and struck out 83 times.

He was especially good after the All Star break, raising his average from .309 to .344, his OPS from 801 to 944, and he hit three more homers in 31 fewer at-bats. He also showed an improving eye at the plate, picking up nine more walks in those 31 fewer at bats.

We may not have seen the best of Montero yet, but those in the Florida State League might, as that's where he'll likely begin 2009 while playing for the High-A Tampa. He's still two or three years away from the Bronx.

2. Zach McAllister, RHP, 12/8/1987 - The Chillicothe, IL native was selected in the third round of the 2006 draft and has gradually picked up steam as time has gone on.

He split last season between Charleston and Tampa and was impressive at both stops. Between the two, he made 25 appearances (24 starts), threw 151 innings and surrendered 133 hits. More impressive was the fact that he walked just 21 batters all year—outstanding control for a 20 year old pitcher. He also struck out 115, but he struck them out at a lesser rate for Tampa.

McAllister isn't going to blow the ball by you, but he knows what he's doing out there  and won't put himself into trouble. Look for him to start 2009 in AA-Trenton and eventually develop into a strong middle of the rotation pitcher. He won't be an ace, but he'll be better than someone who just eats innings.

3. Austin Jackson, OF, 2/1/1987 - Jackson was drafted in the eighth round of the 2005 draft and bypassed a basketball scholarship from Georgia Tech so he could sign with Yankees for $800,000.

Jackson is one of the most athletic prospects in the Yankees system, has good speed, and he's a plus in the outfield with good range and a good arm.

He spent the entire season playing for Trenton and had a respectable season: .285, 33 2B, 5 3B, 9 HR, 56 BB, 113 K, 19 SB, .354 OBP/.419 SLG.

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