New York Yankees: Breaking Down the Top 5 Prospects in the Yankees' Farm System

The New York Yankees have had an unusual offseason, at least by their standards. Instead of spending big money to fix a problem, they decided to trade one of the best hitting prospects in baseball for one of the best young pitchers in baseball. 

Dealing Jesus Montero could not have been easy, but when you have the chance to acquire a potential ace like Michael Pineda and another potential front-line starter  in Jose Campos, you can do things that you wouldn't normally want to. 

It also helps that Montero was a one-dimensional player, even though that one dimension was fantastic, and they had plenty of options to plug into the designated hitter role. 

The Yankees have set themselves up nicely with a good mix of hitting and pitching down on the farm and won't have to spend top dollar on aging players when they can dig into their system to plug holes. 

Here are the top prospects that will light up the Bronx in the not-too-distant future. 

1. Manny Banuelos, LHP, 20

There was an outcry of support from New York fans last year to put Banuelos into the rotation out of spring training. It didn't happen, and he went back to Double-A before receiving a bump up to Triple-A late in the year. His overall performance regressed some—his ERA went from 2.51 in 2010 to 3.75 last season—but he was still very young for that level and the stuff was as sharp as it ever was. 

Strengths: He has a strong arsenal of pitches in his pocket, led by a low- to mid-90s fastball, hard breaking curveball and a good changeup. His body is getting stronger, as evidenced by the fact he was able to throw more than twice as many innings last year (129.2) as he did in 2010 (64.2).

Weaknesses: As good as the stuff looks, Banuelos has always struggled to control it. His 4.9 BB/9 IP last year was the highest of his career. He needs to find consistency with his release point, manage counts better and not be afraid to let hitters put the ball in play. He tries to nibble, which is what gets him in trouble. 

Report: He has the potential to be a No. 2 starter if he can figure out his command and control. He has to be willing to learn to pitch, instead of just throwing the ball. Stuff can only get you so far, and it doesn't mean anything if you don't know where it is going. 

ETA: 2013

2. Mason Williams, OF, 20

The Yankees have increased their draft spending in recent years, which has led to a greater infusion of high-upside athletes like Williams into the system. He is still incredibly raw and has only played 73 games over the last two seasons, but he has the highest ceiling of any Yankees farmhand. 

Strengths: He is one of the fastest players in the minors. His defense in center is already plus thanks to his range and a good, accurate throwing arm. The jury is still out on how much power he will have, but he has good bat speed and uses his lower half well to drive the ball. He has a good feel for the strike zone and should hit for a high average. 

Weaknesses: It is easy to project Williams to be a star because of his raw tools, but he is still very young and has not played for a full-season team yet. He will make his presence felt in low Class A this year, at which point we will have a much better read on where his development is at. He has to get better at reading the bat off the ball and learn to read pitchers in order to steal bases.  

Report: Williams is the best, most exciting player in the system. He has All-Star potential as a center fielder. He is a long way from contributing in the majors and will have to make adjustments as he moves up the ladder, but the tools are there. 

ETA: 2015

3. Gary Sanchez, C, 19

While Jesus Montero was the most hyped catching prospect in the system for years before he was traded, Sanchez was quietly putting up outstanding offensive numbers in low Class A last season. He does have some personal issues off the field to work through, but he is electric with the bat. 

Strengths: Sanchez has a great approach at the plate. He works deep counts, will take walks and has terrific bat speed and quick wrists that allow him to hit for a high average and generate power. He had 17 home runs in 82 games last year, despite being 18 years old in low Class A. He has a strong throwing arm behind the plate.

Weaknesses: He has an attitude problem that led to him being suspended last season. He loses his focus behind the plate and has regressed as a receiver. He had 26 passed balls last year, up from 16 in 2010. He must dedicate himself to being a better player and teammate. 

Report: When he is focused on the game, Sanchez is one of the best catching prospects in baseball. He doesn't endear himself to other players due to his attitude, but the bat makes it hard to dismiss what he is capable of. 

ETA: 2015

4. Jose Campos, RHP, 19

Campos flew under the radar in the Montero-Pineda deal, but he has the stuff and makeup to be a top-of-the-rotation starter in time. He has more upside than Banuelos, but he is still raw and trying to refine his offspeed pitches. 

Strengths: He has an electric arm with a cleaned-up delivery that helped him improve his command last season. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, and he has a great feel for all of his pitches. Though he has only pitched in rookie ball and short-season, his numbers and stuff have improved in each of the last three years. 

Weaknesses: Despite an advanced feel for his pitches, he doesn't show good command with his offspeed stuff. His curveball and changeup can be effective at times, but he is still working on making them more consistent. 

Report: Campos already has great stuff. The fact that he was able to clean up his delivery to help him get a better feel for his pitches says a lot about his commitment and dedication. He could end up as a No. 1 starter when all is said and done. 

ETA: 2015

5. Dellin Betances, RHP, 23

Yankees fans got a very small taste of Betances last season, and the results were less than stellar. He walked six in just 2.2 innings across one start and one relief appearance. He will be better than that, but where his future lies remains in doubt. 

Strengths: Betances has power stuff, with a low- to mid-90s fastball, hard curveball and changeup. He has shown the ability to miss bats in the minors, averaging 10.4 strikeouts/9 IP over six seasons. At 6'8", 260 pounds, he has the size and strength to be a workhorse starter. 

Weaknesses: Command has never been one of Betances' strengths. He doesn't have a smooth delivery, which leads to inconsistencies with his release point and leaves him vulnerable against advanced hitters. 

Report: On stuff alone, Betances is probably a No. 2 or 3 starter. But when you factor in the command issues he has always had, he ceiling drops to a No. 4 or 5. It is also possible that ends up in the bullpen. 

ETA: 2013

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