FanGraphs Minor League Review of the Yankees’ Farm

Written by Greg Fertel | 12 November 2009

Marc Hulet continues his series of reviewing the farm system of every Major League team. In this entry, he runs down a few Yankee prospects:

The Graduate: Brett Gardner, OF Gardner wasn’t a star during his rookie season in New York but he showed that he can – at the very least – be a useful fourth outfielder on a good team. The 26-year-old outfielder hit .270/.345/.379 with a .109 ISO in 248 at-bats. Gardner was a force on the base paths and stole 26 bases in 31 attempts. Overall, he posted a 2.1 WAR on the year and the majority of his value came from his defensive prowess (15.4 UZR/150 in center field).

The Riser: D.J. Mitchell, RHP A 10th round draft pick out of Clemson University in ‘08, Mitchell did not make his pro debut until ‘09. The right-hander began the year in low-A ball and posted a 1.85 FIP in six starts. He then moved up to high-A where he allowed 93 hits in 103.1 innings of work. Mitchell showed good control with a walk rate of 3.31 BB/9 and his strikeout rate was solid at 7.23 K/9. He allowed just two home runs all year. His repertoire includes an 88-92 mph fastball, curveball and change-up. Right-handed batters hit just .197 against Mitchell, while left-handers hit .290.

Click through for the rest. I am a fan of Hulet's and think he generally does good work, but he messed up a bit in this entry. He pinned Brett Marshall as his sleeper for 2010. As we know, Marshall will miss a very large portion of 2010 after having Tommy John surgery this season.

It's a pretty sloppy mistake, but it can't be easy breaking down every system, especially when it comes to guys who aren't the team's top prospects. It's an avoidable mistake, Hulet could always contact someone who specifically follows the Yankee system for some input. There are plenty of us out there, and we all make ourselves available to any questions.

Anyway, good work from Hulet on the other picks, be sure to check them out. Now, I just ask that he goes back and gives us a new sleeper for 2010. It's always fun to get some sleeper guesses.