I'm a little upset right now since the post I just wrote was deleted by my computer's stupidity. Time to re-write it.
Yankee prospects, Jesus Montero and Austin Jackson are starting to hit for power in they're respective leagues.
Montero is only 19 years old and was recently promoted to Double-A Trenton for his outstanding hitting ability. I was wondering how long would it take for Montero to hit his first home run in Double-A ball. In case some of you don't already know Single-A to Double-A is said to be the biggest transition in the minor leagues, because the talent pool in Double-A is a lot better. It took 18 games for Montero to his first home run and it looks like he's starting to heat up. Montero hit 2 home runs in yesterday's game! Montero has always been known for his outstanding hitting ability, so this doesn't surprise me at all. When the Yankees signed Montero in 2006, a lot of scouts said Montero was the best prospect to come out of Venezuela since Miguel Cabrera. Believe the hype, that's all I've got to say. Here is Montero's stat line:
Catcher-Jesus Montero
High-A Ball: 48 Games/.356BA/.406OBP/.583SLG/8HR/37RBI
Double-A Ball: 19 Games/.304/.377OBP/.478SLG/3HR/11RBI
Jesus Montero might be playing in Triple-A Scranton next season at only 20 years old! The only mock on Montero is his ability behind the plate. Montero hasn't been a good defensive catcher thus far, but that can change as he continues to improve. Montero is a big guy, which makes it hard for him to maneuver defensively, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him playing a different position when he makes it to the big leagues. I think Montero will likely be the right or left fielder for the Yankees in the future. With his bat-potential there is no way the Yankees will trade him. This guy is the future franchise player for the Yankees, that's how good he is. I would expect him to be in the big leagues by 2011, so don't get too excited.
Now it's time to talk about Austin Jackson. Jackson has been highly criticized for the way he has played this season. Critics will say through thorough statistical analysis that Jackson's batting average is more of a tribute to luck. Now as much as stats mean to baseball, when it comes to minor league prospects I would rather listen to people that watch them on an everyday basis. Jackson's critics are way to pessimistic for my taste.
I've read a lot of news on how Jackson has played this season, particularly on what his teammates and coaches have to say about him. From their stand point, it sounds like he is playing very well, spraying the ball to all fields, strong defense, and a great personality. Jackson is 22 years old in Triple-A and the main worry fans have about him is his power shortage this season. Let me repeat that, Jackson is 22 years old! The last tool to come to young players is usually power. In Jackson's last few games it looks like his power has started to come, no one should be surprised. The Yankees minor league ball-parks are all said to be pitcher' stadiums, which has probably attributed to Jackson's lack of power. He still has the potential to hit 10-15 home runs in the majors. The most alarming statistic this season for Austin Jackson is his strike-out total. He has struck-out 74 times in only 72 games. This leads me to believe that Jackson will likely need more seasoning in the minors. I would expect Jackson to be the starting centerfielder by the middle of the 2010 season for the Yankees. Granted if he continues to hit for power and can cut down on his strike-out totals a bit this season, then he will likely be the starting centerfielder on Opening Day. Here is Jackson's stat line this season:
Centerfielder-Austin Jackson
Triple-A Ball: 72 Games/.320BA/.386OBP/.444SLG/3HR(all this month and 2 in last 3 games)/29RBI/13SB/0CS
Did I mention that Jackson is probably a better defender than Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera? The future is exciting for these two Yankee prospects.
Later today I will write about what prospects are the Yankees pursuing in this years international market. Tomorrow is the day that international prospects can sign with teams, should be pretty interesting to see who the Yankees get, because they have been linked to the most players.
Enjoy the post!
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