For the 14th time,
USA came out with their list of 100 names you need to know for the upcoming baseball season. They describe the players on the list as
the next wave of players heading into the major leagues who, in our view, could make the biggest impact in 2010.
These aren't necessarily baseball's 100 best prospects because many top prospects are too far down in the minor leagues to contribute in the majors this season. Others are stuck behind established major leaguers.
Not all of the players on our list have rookie status, either, but our standard for inclusion is that a player must have had more innings (for pitchers) or at-bats (for hitters) in the minor leagues in 2009 than he has had during all of his major league time.
The Yankees who made the list include Mark Melancon (#52), Zach McAllister (#56) Jamie Hoffman (#58), and Jesus Montero (#66). Here's what they had to say about each:
Melancon:
Next in line to continue the run of success the Yankees had last season with young pitchers setting up in front of closer Mariano Rivera, Melancon, 24, should fill one of the openings. He's a hard thrower with a sharp-breaking curve. Groomed as a reliever since turning pro in 2006, he has bounced back well from missing 2007 after Tommy John elbow surgery.
McAllister:
He's a sinkerballer who induces plenty of ground balls and can pitch himself into the mix as a 22-year-old this spring. Major league bullpen work is a possibility, but McAllister would be among the first to be considered if there's a need for a major league starter. His chances would improve if the Yankees decide to keep Phil Hughes in the bullpen.
Hoffman:
Hoffman, 25, is a strong defender who can play all three outfield positions, has plenty of speed and is a consistent contact hitter. That's why the Yankees believe he someday will be an everyday player. In the meantime, Hoffman must be good enough to make the roster because he was a Rule 5 draft selection from the Dodgers and must be offered back to Los Angeles before he can be sent to the minors.
Montero:
His power is his biggest asset, but the fact that he's a catcher and there's no other obvious successor to Jorge Posada could have Montero, just 20, in the major leagues this season. Barring an emergency, his initial stay won't be long because he has had only a half-season at Class AA and needs to continue developing his defensive game.
Former Yankees prospects, Austin Jackson (#19) and Jose Tabata (#86) also made the list.
