Written by Greg Fertel
|
26 June 2008
The rosters for the
US and
World teams for the 2008 Futures Game at Yankee stadium were announced today. The US team changed some things around this year, taking players who are looking to play on the Olympic team this summer. Since the Yankees didn't want any of their prospects pitching in the Olympics, Austin Jackson is not on the US roster (I imagine he would have made it otherwise). As always, the US team has some serious talent, including sinkerballer Trevor Cahill, centerfielder Andrew McCutchen, closer Casey Weathers, and slugging outfielder/first baseman Matt LaPorta. The World team, which will be managed by Tino Martinez is no slouch, featuring top prospects such as Angel Villalona, Phillippe Aumont, Fernando Martinez, and Jaime Garcia.
Jesus Montero is the only Yankee on either team, and as one of only 3 catchers on the World team, should get some playing time. It should be fun to watch, even if Montero is the only Yankee. I'm looking forward to seeing him play (on TV, that is).
In other news, Chad Jennings
interviewed Mark Newman today, and he shared some information on a number of prospects. It's definitely worth reading in full. Newman was very impressed with improvements in Brett Gardener's swing, as Brett has worked hard to produce the numbers he is putting up in Scranton. He also believes that Alfredo Aceves' performance is not a flash in the pan, and that he can be an effective major league pitcher very soon. He also says that Humberto Sanchez will be in the GCL for the near future, and they will take it slowly with him.
The real news is that Newman stated that
Mark Melancon is likely to spend the rest of the season in AA, while David Robertson and JB Cox both have a shot to make it to the majors at some point. It is somewhat surprising that they are taking it slow with Melancon, given all the news we have heard about him being on the fast track. I think it is the right move. He has already thrown 54 innings (as a result of 3 inning outings), and I think he still might have things to work on in the minors, after coming back so well from surgery. Besides, the Yankees have enough relievers ahead of Melancon, including Robertson, Cox, Scott Patterson, Chris Britton and Brian Bruney (when they come off the DL), and they could also use Daniel McCutchen or Alan Horne out of the bullpen as needed. While Melancon could help the team out this year, it would be better for his long-term development if he stays in the minors to polish his secondary offerings and mechanics.
