12/5 Winter Ball Report

Mexican League:

- Ramiro Pena (Culiacan) went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. He's now hitting .271 for Culiacan.

- Walter Ibarra (Hermosillo) went 0-for-1.

(all other leagues were off yesterday)

- The Arizona Fall League's Top Prospect team was announced yesterday, and Yankees outfielder Austin Jackson made the team.

- MiLB.com also came out with their list of the top 50 prospects. Two Yankees made the list; Austin Jackson was no. 27, and Jesus Montero was no. 40.

Here's what they had to say about Jackson:

Statistically speaking: Jackson was named the Eastern League postseason MVP, largely based on his performance in the championship series. Jackson went 6-for-16 (.375) with a homer and five RBIs.

Scouting report: He is an athletic outfielder, who used to be basketball standout, and is still refining game. He's working on a more consistent approach at the plate, but needs to cut down on strikeouts a bit. There's potential to have decent power at some point down the line. He has speed with some ability to steal a few bases and is good defensively in center with above-average range and a good arm.

Upside potential: Everyday center fielder in the Bronx that will hit for average and develop more power as he matures.

They said it: "He has made steady, solid progress. He's very athletic and is highly motivated. He's an athlete, with tools and plus makeup who's performing as he moves through the system." -- Mark Newman, Yankees Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations

He said it: "I'd love to be in New York next year. It's something to work toward, but there is still some stuff in the Minor Leagues that I have to accomplish. I don't want to get called up and have any weaknesses exposed.

And Montero:

Statistically speaking: A teenager in his first full season, Montero hit .309 with a .348 on-base percentage and .453 slugging percentage in the first half and was even better down the stretch -- a good sign for a young hitter. He hit .344 after the South Atlantic League All-Star break, raising his OPS 140 points, thanks to big increases in OBP (.407) and SLG (.534). He led the SAL in hits and was second in batting average.

Scouting report: A big teenaged backstop who has big-time offensive skills, he should hit for average and power. His defensive skills have improved but lag behind the bat. Specifically, he's worked on the lower-half flexibility needed to be a quality receiver.

Upside potential: The long-term replacement for Jorge Posada down the line, an offensive-minded catcher at the big-league level. At worst, his bat will play at first.

They said it: "The things that were impressive about him were the fact that he's 18 years old and put up exceptional numbers in a full-season environment. That's pretty good. How fast he moves will be more a function of his defensive development." -- Mark Newman, Yankees Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations

He said it: "[I like] being the leader, being in charge, being able to run a pitching staff. I like to be one of the guys who runs the game."

Here's a full list of Yankees playing in the Venezuelan, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Dominican winter leagues:

Dominican League: Robinson Cano is playing for Estrellas de Oriente. Melky Cabrera, and Wilkins Arias are playing for Aguilas Cibaenas. And Oneli Perez and Amaury Sanit are playing for Tigres del Licey.

Puerto Rican League: Ian Kennedy and Jonathan Albaladejo are on Indios de Mayaguez.

Mexican League: Justin Christian is playing for Caneros de los Mochis. Ramiro Pena is playing for Tomateros de Culiacan. And Walter Ibarra is on Naranjeros de Hermosillo.

Venezuelan League: Francisco Cervelli, Edwar Gonzalez and Carlos Mendoza are playing for Cardenales de Lara. Reegie Corona is on Navegantes del Magallanes. And Edgar Soto is on Aguilas del Zulia.

You can check out all of their Winter Ball stats here.