Written by Greg Fertel | 03 March 2009

According to Victor Wang of Hardball Times, Austin Jackson and Jesus Montero aren't as good as we fans think. Wang decided to rank farm systems based on top prospects, and the Yankees were tied for 20th (with the Mets of course):

20. New York Yankees, NPV: $56.56 million
Top 100 Prospects: Austin Jackson (38), Jesus Montero (44)
The Yankees roster construction provides an interesting case with opportunity costs and roster spots. With the number of long-term contracts they've signed, there isn't much flexibility with roster spots. This might be something to look at in the future when dealing with long-term contracts, as I briefly explored in the past. While Montero is blocked at first base for the near future, the DH spot should be cleared up by the time he is ready. This would provide an interesting dilemma for the Yankees if Montero were closer to the majors.

These lists are always subjective, so there's nothing really to get worked about, but to say a combination of Ben Revere and Wilson Ramos > Jackson and Montero is a bit of a stretch. Anyway, Wang does bring up some good points when talking about Montero's future with the Yankees. Now that Teixiera will man first base for the next 8 years, there is no way that Montero can make the big leagues at that position. In addition, since the majority of Yankees fans (myself included) believe that Montero won't make it as a catcher, DH is conceivably the only spot for him. I actually think that would be great. He could be our righthanded David Ortiz. Now that would be cool.

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