Five Prospects to Keep Your Eye On

Here are some some under the radar Yankees prospects that I think you should keep your eye on.

David Adams - 22, 2B, Trenton

.318/.392/.515, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 3 SB (2 CS)

Initially thought of as a reach and a project, Adams has proven to be a solid middle infield prospect for the Yankees. While he does not project to hit for a great deal of power, Adams has demonstrated gap-power, driving the ball to all fields. Adams has worked hard to become a solid defender at second base, as well - he's unlikely to be a Gold Glover, but he won't cost the team too many runs, either. Adams reminds me a bit of Michael Young, in that he's a solid all-around player that could start for most teams, but isn't likely to set the world on fire.

Eduardo Nunez - 22, SS, Scranton/WIlkes-Barre

.377/.449/.507, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 7 SB (1 CS)

Nunez has been one of the most frustrating players in the Yankees system over the past five years, showing flashes of potential with the bat and glove mixed in with underwhelming returns. Last year was his best all-around year in the sytem, with the bat and the glove, and he appears to be building off of that so far in 2010. While it's very early, Nunez is seeing more pitches, taking more walks (about 10% in 2010 versus about 5% for his career), and continuing to improve as a baserunner. Early reports also indicate that his glovework at short has improved, though he has seen some time at 2B and 3B this year. I, for one, am keeping my eye on him - he's still young, he has a fair amount of potential, and he's the only real SS prospect in the system.

Jose Ramirez - 20, RHP, Charleston

23.1 IP, 19 H, 7 BB, 29 K, 1.93 ERA, 0.72 G/F

Imagine Edwar Ramirez coupling his excellent change-up with a fastball that sits between 92-94 MPH, topping out at 96... and that's Jose Ramirez. His curveball is a work in progress and, by most accounts, remains a fairly subpar offering. Coupled with his slight frame (he's 6'1" and 150 pounds) and durability question, his future may be in the bullpen. At his age, though, he should have an extended opportunity to start... and if he can add a fringe-average curveball to his repertoire, he could be a fine starter - or dominant reliever.

Graham Stoneburner - 22, RHP, Charleston

25.0 IP, 19 H, 6 BB, 30 K, 2.16 ERA, 2.15 G/F

In addition to having the coolest name in the system, Stoneburner also has one of the best fastballs, to boot - his heater sits at 94 MPH (touching 98) and bores in on righthanded hitters. His secondary stuff is unpolished, likely due to his losing time to injury in college, but scouts believe that his curve and change will end up as average offerings as he gets more reps. Baseball America, for one, indicated that his change-up had plus potential. Stoneburner has had difficulty with locating his pitches in the past, but this has also been chalked up to a lack of reps in college. His delivery is easy and repeatable, both of which bode well for consistency and health.

Adam Warren - 22, RHP, Tampa

23.1 IP, 17 H, 5 BB, 16 K, 1.16 ERA, 2.77 G/F

Warren was nominated for the Lowe's Senior Class Award last year, given annually to a student that displays excellence in the classroom, in the community, and in his character - while he didn't win, it remains impressive nonetheless. His ability to garner groundballs out and demonstrate easy 93 MPH velocity with his fastball is equally impressive. While his secondary stuff leaves much to be desired, his slider has been compared to Joba Chamberlain's in terms of break and speed, and it has the makings of a strikeout pitch - it remains a work-in-progress, but there's a great deal to be excited about here.