In the current print edition of Baseball America, they list the “Best Tools” for players in the majors, Triple-A, Double-A and A-ball. Here’s the Yankees “minor league” players who made the cut:
International League (AAA) Best Strike Zone Judgment: Brett Garnder, Scranton/WB
International League (AAA) Best Baserunner: Brett Garnder, Scranton/WB
International League (AAA) Best Reliever: David Robertson, Scranton/WB
Eastern League (AA) Best Defensive Shortstop: Ramiro Pena, Trenton
Eastern League (AA) Best Defensive Outfielder: Austin Jackson, Trenton
South Atlantic League (Low A) Best Reliever: Jonathan Ortiz, Charleston
South Atlantic League (Low A) Best Defensive Third Baseman: Bradley Suttle, Charleston
For pitchers on these lists, players are listed for “best” fastball, breaking ball, change-up, and control – as well as best reliever and best overall pitching prospect. So, there are six different ways for a pitcher to make the cut in each minor league classification.
But, only one Yankees pitching prospect managed to crack the charts: Robertson.
Isn’t the Yankees minor league system supposed to be filled with pitching prospects?
13 Responses to “Farm Tools”
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August 19th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Isn’t the Yankees minor league system supposed to be filled with pitching prospects?
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An entire minor league system will be negatively judged because individual players didn’t make a league-wide “best of” list? Furthermore, do these “best of” lists really mater?
August 19th, 2008 at 10:01 am
“Furthermore, do these “best of” lists really mater?”
only when it gives WW the chance to bash Cashman.
August 19th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Joba was on the list last year in multiple spots, FWIW; best fastball, best slider, etc.
August 19th, 2008 at 10:07 am
this is from the site that labelled DJ as the best defensive shortstop last year!
August 19th, 2008 at 10:34 am
That’s why I ignored the big league rankings this year. FWIW, they had A-Rod has one of the best infield arms – which is a joke.
But, IIRC, these lists are complied via feedback from managers, scouts, etc. So, I think the minor league ones are more “true” than the popular vote thing that happens at the MLB level. (See: Gold Glove Awards.)
August 19th, 2008 at 10:46 am
“think the minor league ones are more “true” than the popular vote thing that happens at the MLB level. (See: Gold Glove Awards.)”
that doesnt make them perfect, either.
all of these “best of” lists are completely subjective, based on the point of view of those being questioned, what organization they come from, what prospects they see on a regular basis, etc.
its fun for conversation and baseball discussion, but these best of’s are like Rolling Stone saying that Nirvana’s Teen Spirit is the #1 Rock song of all time. good pick, and its a place to start, but debateable to say the least.
August 19th, 2008 at 10:59 am
“think the minor league ones are more “true” than the popular vote thing that happens at the MLB level.”
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I dunno, I would think they’d be the same.
August 19th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Why?
August 19th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Because you’re dealing with the same set of people, making the same judgments using the same set of data.
August 19th, 2008 at 11:57 am
But, FWIW, the minor staffs are more used to looking at skills and tools, rather than stats, and therefore are better suited to comment on the best in that area…whereas big league guys…well…think Joe Torre or Dusty Baker really do a lot of homework before answering these types of polls?
August 19th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Why is it a joke that A-Rod has one of the ‘best infield arms’? He absolutely does, at least in strength.
August 19th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
But, FWIW, the minor staffs are more used to looking at skills and tools, rather than stats, and therefore are better suited to comment on the best in that area…whereas big league guys…well…think Joe Torre or Dusty Baker really do a lot of homework before answering these types of polls?
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Scouts are just as guilty as Torre & Baker (two “old school” managers) when it comes to falling back on their experiences (playing, coaching, managing, etc).
August 19th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
~~Why is it a joke that A-Rod has one of the ‘best infield arms’? He absolutely does, at least in strength.~~
Ask Larry Bowa.