01. Jesus Montero, CWhile Nunez and Laird had excellent seasons within the Yankees organization, I'm not quite as enthusiastic about their potential as Baseball America appears to be, given their fairly ambitious rankings.
02. Gary Sanchez, C
03. Dellin Betances, RHP
04. Manny Banuelos, LHP
05. Andrew Brackman, RHP
06. Austin Romine, C
07. Hector Noesi, RHP
08. Eduardo Nunez, SS
09. Slade Heathcott, CF
10. Brandon Laird, 3B/LF
So far as I can tell, Baseball America is far higher on Nunez's gloverwork than any other scout(s), going so far as to label him as the best defensive shortstop in the International League - that praise seemed a bit over the top when taken in kind with his defensive numbers and his (admittedly limited) action with the Yankees. I think Nunez can be successful as a slap-hitter, getting on-base at a decent clip and stealing some basis - but he'll only go as far as his glove can carry him.
With regards to Laird, I just don't see him as being a terrific prospect. I think his ceiling is similar to Lyle Overbay. That is, a useful player with some pop, but not the type of player most teams would want at first, third, or a corner outfield position - especially when taken in conjunction with his modest fielding ability. To me, Graham Stoneburner, Adam Warren, Melky Mesa, David Adams, Jose Ramirez, and J.R. Murphy are superior prospects than either Nunez or Laird.
With that in mind, I must say that the other eight prospects are all but set in stone within the Yankees top ten. Hector Noesi may fluctuate from the eight through twelve range, but that's really nitpicking. Regardless, it's great to see such depth both behind the plate and on the mound.
