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November 29, 2007

Future Shock

Yankees Top 11 Prospects

by Kevin Goldstein

Five-Star Prospects
1. Joba Chamberlain, RHP
Four-Star Prospects
2. Ian Kennedy, RHP
3. Austin Jackson, OF
4. Jose Tabata, OF
5. Alan Horne, RHP
Three-Star Prospects
6. Dellin Betances, RHP
7. Jesus Montero, C
8. Andrew Brackman, RHP
9. Edwar Ramirez, RHP
10. Kelvin DeLeon, OF
Two-Star Prospects
11. Humberto Sanchez, RHP

Just Missing: Frank Cervelli, C; Jeff Marquez, RHP; Ross Ohlendorf, RHP; Brad Suttle, 3B

1. Joba Chamberlain, RHP
DOB: 9/23/85
Height/Weight: 6-2/230
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted: 1^st round, 2006, University of Nebraska
2007 Stats: 2.03 ERA at High-A (40-25-11-51); 3.35 ERA at Double-A (40.1-32-15-66); 0.00 ERA at Triple-A (8-5-1-18); 0.38 ERA at MLB (24-12-6-34)

Year In Review: The big right-hander proved that last year’s showing in Hawaii was no fluke, as he rolled through the Yankees minor league system and electrified the big league bullpen over the last six weeks of the season.
The Good: Chamberlain combines the stuff of a pure power pitcher with the command and control of a finesse specialist. He’s a big, intimidating presence on the mound who gets tremendous leg drive, firing mid-90s fastballs that touch 98-99. He backs them up with a plus-plus slider that features plenty of two-plane break despite the fact that he throws it extremely hard, in the upper 80s. While he rarely used them in the majors, he also has a curveball and changeup, both of which are decent offerings.
The Bad: As great as Chamberlain was in 2007, there are still some concerns about his injury history, as well as his conditioning. His changeup is the pitch that needs the most improvement, and he lost months of development on it during his relief stint. Some feel he might need to keep his emotions more in check as a starter.
Fun Fact: During the regular season, big league hitters facing Chamberlain with runners in scoring position went 0-for-16 with nine strikeouts.
Perfect World Projection: A dominating frontline starter.
Timetable: While Chamberlain could easily close right now in the majors, the Yankees correctly see more value in him as a starter and have already penciled him into the rotation for 2008. He’ll be very good there immediately.

2. Ian Kennedy, RHP
DOB: 12/19/84
Height/Weight: 6-0/190
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted: 1^st round, 2006, University of Southern California
2007 Stats: 1.29 ERA at High-A (63-39-22-72); 2.59 at Double-A (48.2-27-17-57); 2.08 ERA at Triple-A (34.2-25-11-34); 1.89 ERA at MLB (19-13-9-15)