TOP 5 YANKEE PROSPECTS OF 2012: #3

#3. Dellin Betances

RHP (4-9, 3.70 ERA, 126.1 IP, 10.1 K/9. 5.0 BB/9, 7.3 H/9, 1.361 WHIP, 21 games at AA Trenton, 4 at AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre)

Another name you'll usually see ranked a bit higher, and if not, it's typically because Gary Sanchez is put ahead of him. However, as high as his ceiling may be, I find the security provided by my next pick makes him marginally more valuable.

Health has usually been an issue with Betances, but I'm happy to report that he made it through the 2011 season without any issue beyond a blister that caused him to miss a very brief amount of time.

Betances is what he is: a flame-throwing (think 93-97), towering right-handed pitcher with a filthy curveball, an improving change-up, and below-average command and control. Those who only briefly saw his somewhat embarrassing Major League debut in which he walked 4, hit one batter, and ultimately gave up 2 runs in 0.2 innings of work saw what Betances could potentially become: a disaster. However, rest assured Yankees fans, he is not doomed to break Javy Vazquez's record for hit batters in a row. For one brief, glorious 2010 season, Betances walked only 2.3 BB/9 while still striking out 11.4 per 9. The stuff is there; you'd be hard pressed to find many minor leaguers with better raw stuff than Betances. His control and command may have taken a step backwards this year, but he's shown that he can harness his abilities.
Remember, this is a big kid at 6'8”, and tall pitchers with power stuff, while generally having an advantage, can struggle to make the jump from thrower to pitcher. Look no further than shoo-in first ballot Hall of Famer Randy Johnson, who led the league in walks for three consecutive seasons with a BB/9 that moved in between 4.9 and 6.8(!). Frankly, that is Betances' ceiling. He could be a right-handed Randy Johnson who throws a curve instead of a slider, or he could crap out and be Daniel Cabrera. My prediction is ultimately moot, but I think with proper coaching he'll be able to develop a more consistent delivery, cut the walks back a bit, and at very least become a solid mid-rotation guy who never quite lives up to his talent level.

Big league comparison: AJ Burnett.

#2 is Next. If you haven't read #4 Gary Sanchez yet, click HERE. #5 was Jose Campos. Read about his HERE.



--Grant Cederquist, BYB Staff Writer

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