New York Yankees: The Team May Have a New "Core 4" on the Way

The "Core Four" has slowly begun to dissolve over the past several seasons.

First, it was Andy Pettitte.

He's come back since then, but this will likely be his final season before permanently announcing his retirement.

Next, it was Jorge Posada.

He retired this offseason, and it seems as if he's going to stay retired.

This season, the next member of the "Core Four" to retire will likely be Mariano Rivera, as he hinted at a possible retirement during the spring.

Derek Jeter seems to be the one who will last the longest, as he's performing at an exceptionally high level right now. Many expected him to retire after his current contract expires, but he could realistically try and sign another one or two-year deal.

All four players came through the Yankees' system together, leading to great chemistry and a great knowledge of how to win.

With the remaining members' time slowly dwindling, it's time to look into the core of the next great Yankees dynasty.

It may be stretch to tab them as such at this point in their young careers, but the young players on the Charleston River Dogs (Single-A) could eventually become the future leaders of the Yankees.

Mason Williams

Mason Williams (pictured on the cover slide) is arguably the Yankees' top offensive prospect now that Jesus Montero has been shipped out to Seattle.

He is a key member of the Charleston RiverDogs and is one of the main reasons that the team is currently 15-3 and tied for the best record in the minors.

The center fielder made his professional debut in 2010 in the Gulf Coast League, playing in just five games and posting a line of .222/.263/.222.

Any qualms about his abilities were soon silenced in 2011 with the Staten Island Yankees, as Williams proved himself to be one of the more exciting prospects in the Yankees' system.

In 68 games, Williams hit three home runs, drove in 31 runs, hit six triples and put together a line of .349/.395/.468.

Oh yeah, and he stole 28 bases.

He's picked up right where he left off thus far in 2012, launching his first home run just a few days ago. He has racked up six RBI and two triples already, along with a line of .347/.375/.507. He already has eight stolen bases.

If Williams isn't traded away in a blockbuster deal sometime in the future, expect him to be a key contributor to the Yankees soon after he makes his pinstripe debut.

Jose Campos

An "add-on" in the Michael Pineda trade, Jose Campos is quickly proving that he may end up being the best player traded in the deal.

Campos has been nearly unhittable in four games this season. He owns a 3-0 record, a 1.23 ERA and a WHIP of 0.818 through 22 innings.

His K/BB ration of 23/5 has been equally impressive.

Campos possesses great upside. His fastball sits from 92-96, and he owns a devastating up-and-down curveball.

He knows if he wants to be a long-term starter that he needs a third pitch, so he's been working on a changeup in the early stages of his professional career.

Worst case scenario is that he ends up as a closer, but that may not necessarily be a bad thing.

He has great strikeout stuff and great command, and would likely provide consistency at the back end of the Yankee bullpen.

Tyler Austin

Tyler Austin is currently ranked as the Yankees' No. 15 prospect (via MiLB.com).

His first full professional season came in 2011. He posted a ridiculous line of .354/.418/.579 with six home runs and 36 RBI in 47 games split between the Gulf Coast League and Low-A ball. He sprinkled in 18 steals as well.

He has picked up right where he left off in 2012. Through 16 games, Austin owns a line of .354/.391/.800 with four triples, five homers and 13 RBI. He's also perfect in stolen base chances, stealing two bags in as many chances.

Austin is just 20 years old, so he may even be able to develop more power as he continues to grow. At 6' 2", 200 pounds, he's already pretty big for his age.

He has experience at third base and first base, but he has played mostly right field so far this season. His versatility could prove to be a valuable asset for the Yankees in the future.

Ben Gamel

Outfielder Ben Gamel may be just 19 years old, but he has shown great promise in his limited professional career.

Last season with Staten Island (Low-A), Gamel posted a solid line of .289/.373/.432 with two homers and 30 RBI. He also stroked 19 doubles.

He's struggled a bit with the bat early on this season. The jump to Single-A may see him take more time to adjust, but his line of .262/.310/.308 really isn't terrible.

He's collected eight RBI, one triple and one double.

Much like his brother, Mat, Gamel is a pure-hitter with the natural ability to drive the gaps. He has the potential to develop more power as he continues to grow—he's currently 5'11", 170 pounds.

He projects as a corner outfielder in the future.

Conclusion

The Yankees have many talented prospects in their system right now, but the ones playing together at Single-A Charleston right now have the potential to form the next great core of Yankees.

Mason Williams put it best: "...we've all been together since the first day we got drafted."

That camaraderie will lead to great things in the future, especially as each player continues to grow into the future star that they will be.

The young prospects also have experience winning together, an important part of building great chemistry.

Most of the members of the RiverDogs were a part of championship squads last season, whether it be the New York-Penn League for the Staten Island Yankees or the Gulf Coast League for the Yankees' rookie ball team.

Several other prospects could easily put themselves in the core discussion. Cito Culver, Angelo Gumbs and Dante Bichette Jr. are all RiverDogs with the potential to be great major leagues.

We'll have to wait a few years to see them, but I know that I'm willing to wait.