Yankees Prospects Impressing

The spotlight in Yankees camp has been the arrival of Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda, as well as the competition for the remaining spots in the Yanks starting rotation. Since Pineda will be starting the season on the DL, the Yankees have their five starters out of camp and the rotation puzzle can be set aside for the time being. Now, attention can be turned to the Yankees wealth of prospects that have been impressive this spring.

2011 draft pick Dante Bichette Jr. has played well this spring despite limited playing time. In an away game against the Astros, Bichette Jr. traveled with the team because his family lives 20 minutes away from the Astros spring training complex in Kissimmee, Florida. With his parents and brother in attendance, Bichette Jr. belted two home runs in two at-bats after coming in as a defensive replacement at third base. Although he is hitting well in insignificant exhibition play, professional success isn't foreign to Bichette Jr. After being drafted by the Yanks in the second round last year, he hit .342 including a 16-game hitting streak, helping him win the Gulf Coast League MVP. Bichette Jr. looks to join a promising Class A team this year featuring other top prospects such as catcher Gary Sanchez, outfielder Mason Williams, shortstop Cito Culver, and pitchers Jose Campos and Bryan Mitchell.

Some AAA players have also impressed this spring. Dellin Betances pitched three scorless innings in a relief appearance against the Red Sox, striking out four. Betances is yet to allow a run this spring over 8 innings pitched. Banuelos also had a nice outing against the Braves, striking out three in two scorless innings of work. Banuelos looks to improve upon a subpar spring, sporting a 7.20 ERA over 5 innings. David Phelps pitched well against the Red Sox, allowing one run over 2 2/3 innings pitched. He also struck out five. Over 16 innings pitched, Phelps has a solid 2.25 ERA. All three of these pitchers look to contribute to the Yankees in the near future; possibly even this year.

With Hal Steinbrenner's motives to cut payroll, these prospects will have to be the future of the Yankees so the organization can avoid signing hefty paychecks to big-name free agents. The dynasty of the late '90s was built on success from within, when the Yankees farm cultivated future stars, such as Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera. If the Yankees can field more homegrown talent, they will be able to win without dipping as deeply into their pockets.