Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Mason Williams Tops BA's NYPL Top-20

Despite being drafted in the fourth round, many believed that Williams was the best pick of the Yankees 2010 draft class. Williams' best tool is his plus-plus speed, and there seems to be a consensus that he will be an excellent defender in center (with an average to slightly above-average arm) and a dynamic baserunner, though he does need refinement in both areas. While he is something of a slap hitter at this juncture, his impressive bat speed should lend itself to average power down the road.

Four other Yankees made the cut, as well:

01. Mason Williams, CF - .349/.395/.468, 3 HR, 28 SB, 149 wRC+
06. Cito Culver, SS - .250/.323/.337, 2 HR, 10 SB, 98 wRC+
08. Tyler Austin, 3B - .323/.402/.542, 3 HR, 7 SB, 177 wRC+
14. Angelo Gumbs, 2B - .263/.332/.404, 3 HR, 11 SB, 109 wRC+
19. Branden Pinder, RHP - 31 IP, 16 H, 5 BB, 38 K, 1.16 ERA, 1.94 FIP

Culver's glovework at short continues to impress, but he has a great deal of work to do with the bat (though, he does quite well against left-handed pitching). A converted catcher, Austin has above-average power and bat speed, and he uses the entire field pretty well - many think he'll end up at 1B, however. Gumbs is incredibly toolsy, not unlike Williams, but he's far less polished. And Pinder has an above-average fastball and strong command, while flashing a solid slider.

You can find the list in its entirety here.

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