Big Guy’s MINOR LEAGUE NOTES

WINTER LEAGUE NOTES: Robinson Cano was stopped from playing in the Dominican League playoffs by the Yankees this week. He was only scheduled to play in 6 games to test a late season leg injury, but played in 10 games. He hit .350 (14-40), 3 RBI, 2 doubles, 1 stolen base, with an OBP of .357...Alberto Gonzalez continues to hit well in the Venezuelan league. In his last 10 games he's hitting .410 with 5 RBI and 4 doubles. Overall he's at .336 (41-122), with 14 RBI, 4 HR, 6 doubles, 2 triples, and an OBP of .391...Jose Veras finished with at .000 ERA and 2 saves in 8.2 IP, allowing only 4 hits with 13 K's, 4 BB, and a BAA of .138...Wilson Betemit finished with .286 avg in 12 games, OBP .405, 7 rbi, 2 HR, but also had 13 K's ... Jonathan Albaladejo finished with 4 saves in 27 games, with 26IP, 23 hits allowed, 7 runs, 20 Ks, 8BB, and a BAA of .240.

J. BRENT COX UPDATE: The right handed reliever who had TJ surgery earlier this year is now throwing from the mound. He's expected to start pitching competitively at Tampa at the start of the season In 2006 Cox went 6-2 with a 1.75 ERA at AA Trenton.

SCOUNTING REPORT: Daniel McCutchen: 25 year old RHSP, 13th round 2006. Started at Tampa and ended at AA Trenton this year. At Tampa he was 11-2 in 16 games before being promoted to AA Trenton. He went 3-2 in 7 games at Trenton. Overall 2007 stats: 14-4, 2.47 ERA, 142 IP, 116 hits, 103 K---33 BB, BAA .227. He has great command of his 3 pitches. He throws a 4 seam fastball tops out in the mid 90's, a hard sinking 2-seamer and sinking splitter he uses as a changeup. As well as a hard sinking curve that he has great command of which is his out pitch. His name has been mentioned for a possible switch to the bullpen and could be a good setup guy. As a starter he’s rated mid to back of the rotation. Depending on rotation spots available at SWB, he could start the season at AA Trenton if he remains a starter. If switched to the bullpen, he should start at SWB.

NOTES: Yanks released 33 lower level minor leaguers last week including Gerardo Rodriquez who just turned 20 in Oct. career BA .274. He had nagging minor injury problems. RHP Johnny Cordoba, former Notre Dame pitcher Jon Axford, and Jeff Livek, a 2007 28th round draft pick who went 1-2 at Staten Island.

Baseball America print version recently rated the top Yankee Prospects:

(Thanks to Chad Jennings and River Ave. Blues for posting the list)

1. Joba Chamberlain, RHP
2. Austin Jackson, OF
3. Jose Tabata, OF
4. Ian Kennedy, RHP
5. Alan Horne, RHP
6. Jesus Montero, C
7. Jeff Marquez, RHP
8. Brett Gardner, OF
9. Ross Ohlendorf, RHP
10. Andrew Brackman, RHP

About a month ago Baseball Prospectus posted their list of the Yankees top eleven prospects and also gave them star ratings:

Five-Star Prospects
1. Joba Chamberlain, RHP
Four-Star Prospects
2. Ian Kennedy, RHP
3. Austin Jackson, OF
4. Jose Tabata, OF
5. Alan Horne, RHP
Three-Star Prospects
6. Dellin Betances, RHP
7. Jesus Montero, C
8. Andrew Brackman, RHP
9. Edwar Ramirez RHP
10. Kelvin DeLeon, OF
Two-Star Prospects
11. Humberto Sanchez , RHP

(as alway I thank "BigGuy" for his great contributions)