Written by Greg Fertel | 28 March 2009

Age: 23
Height: 6'1
Weight: 190 lbs.
Position: 2nd Base

2008 Stats: .263/.364/.375 in only 42 games for High A Tampa last year. 2 homers, 3 triples, 6 doubles, 24 walks, and 44 strikeouts in 160 at-bats last year.

Scouting Report: Sublett won't ever bat cleanup for any team in the future. But to his credit, he does have some pop in his bat, smashing 8 homeruns in 68 games at Staten Island 2 years ago. That's the only reason why he cracks the list: because of his offensive potential. He's above average in the speed department and likes to take pitches. However, due to his patient approach, he does strike out a lot. Then again, with a batting stance like that, I can't see why he would want to swing at pitches in the first place. His unconventional batting stance reminds me of a toned down version of Craig Counsel. In the field, he's got a strong arm which should be no surprise as he used to pitch in college, but he's not stud with his glove, committing 12 errors in limited time last year.

Health: The reason he isn't pitching in the pros is the same reason why he was limited to just 42 games last season: injuries. Ever since college, Sublett has had a myriad of injuries and so rolling his ankle and completely tearing two ligaments last year did not help. It would be real nice to see Sublett play this season with a clean bill of health, although I am a bit skeptical.

Outlook: Damon will almost certainly start off yet again at High A Tampa, where he should do fairly well. However, considering the fact that the Yankees farm system isn't loaded with 2nd base prospects, I believe that Sublett is just an excellent month of April and/or May away from being promoted to Double A. The Yankees brass won't hesitate to move Sublett up if he's deserves it. After all, there isn't anybody blocking him, Kevin Russo will be playing at Triple A this year, and he's being groomed to be a utility player. Ramiro Pena is probably destined for Triple A as well. All Sublett's got to do is stay healthy.

Comparison: Just like I mentioned before, he reminds me of Craig Counsell. More strikeout prone, about the same pop, average defense. Not your everyday Dustin Pedroia, but if reaches Counsell's potential, he'll be in the big leagues for sure.

My Take: It's no secret that the Yankees lack legit 2nd base prospects. None of the guys we have in the system aren't remotely good enough to replace Robinson Cano. The fact is we may never see Sublett in pinstripes. However, Sublett has some value because of his offensive upside. Now if he can stay healthy, Sublett will produce and find himself at Double A in no time. But if he falls victim to injury yet again, things won't be looking too good for his future, and I'm pretty confident that you won't find him on any prospect lists in the future.  

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