While the New York Yankees are now a team composed of hired guns, in the early going, it’s been working.  They’ve also been besieged by injuries and have gotten contributions by organizational players such as Yangervis Solarte, Dean Anna, and Shawn Kelly.  In fact, Solarte’s popularity is soaring in New York; reminiscent of when New York Knicks, Jeremy Lin was introduced to the basketball world.  However, Solarte and Anna are ultimately utility players and Kelly is a middle reliever.  Unfortunately, the Yankees don’t have any impact talent in the upper-minor that is close to being ready to help the big club.  There is talent, but it’s been very slow to develop.

1. Next in Line Infield Prospects

• Austin Romine (C, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Russ Canzler (SS/2B, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low

Notes: The weak area on the New York Yankees is their infield and there is little in the upper-minors to help.  Austin Romine was overlooked when Francisco Cerville hit the DL and profiles as a back-up catcher.  Russ Canzler has average power but profiles as an utility player.

2. Next in Line Outfield Prospects

• Zolio Almonte (OF, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Tyler Austin (OF, Double-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium
• Mason Williams (OF, Double-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium
• Slade Heathcott (OF, Injured) – Fantasy relevance: Medium

Notes: Dynasty League owners have been waiting for the trio of Tyler Austin, Mason Williams, and Slade Heathcott to make their way to New York for the past two years.  While there’s talent, injuries and under performance have slowed their arrival and now the Medium fantasy relevance that we have established might be a best case rating.  Williams has the highest potential but is struggling in Double-A in the early going.  Zolio Almonte is on the 40-man and played ok in his 109 at-bats last year.  He’s the logical next-in-line player and could hit 15-20 home runs with full-time at-bats.

3. Next in Line Pitching Prospects

• Bryan Mitchell (RHP, Double-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Manny Banuelos (RHP, High-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium

Notes: There is no impact starting pitching talent in Triple-A.  Bryan Mitchell has played well in Double-A with a 90-93 MPH fastball and a curve that flashes above-average.  The command is not good and he’ll catch too much of the plate which leads to big innings.  He profiles as a back-of-the-rotation starter.  Manny Banuelos is the impact talent but the Yankees are being very careful in his recovery from Tommy John Surgery.  He’s been limited to three inning outings to-date but has yet to be scored upon with 11 strikeouts and one walk.  Banuelos could see New York in the second half and could have impact.

4. Next in Line Relief Prospects

• Mark Montgomery (RHP, Triple-A)  – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Preston Claiborne (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low

Notes: Mark Montgomery has good stuff and has been closing during his minor league career.  We don’t expect him to see save opportunities in New York this year, but in 2015 and beyond, he could be an option.