5 GUYS YANKEELAND WANTS TO SEE BIG THINGS FROM

The Yanks have a ton a great prospects.  I am fond of many of them and the talent they possess.  I often talk of Ty Hensley or Dante Bichette Jr, Tyler Austin or Mason Williams.  The list goes on and on.  I wanted to point out 5 guys I want to see make huge strides this season. Guys that are much closer than the ones I mentioned, but in fairness, they all are guys I want to see in the show real soon. Anyway, check it out:

Zoilo Almonte: The dude is 24 years old.  He’s an outfielder. During winter ball, he hit .316 with 4 home runs and 20 RBIs. He’s was quick on the base paths too stealing 6 bases. One downside…errors and he committed 4 of them in winter ball.  No, we don’t need another Eduardo Nunez when it comes to errors, but I am convinced that if Zoilo is given an opportunity with the Yankees, he will be a solid addition and future core of their club.    Last season for the Yanks, he played 34 games and had a .236 average with a home run and 3 stolen bases.  25 games in left, his primary position, 3 games in right and filled in at DH 2 times.

One thing you need to realize though; in such a crowded outfield in 2014, the best thing the Yanks can do is work him hard in the minors and bring him up in the fall.

Ronnier Mustelier: Ronnier is 29 years old and I was really hoping that we’d see big things from him in 2013. We didn’t though. Don’t forget, he had a really good spring and many fans were looking forward to seeing him again last season.  Injury held him back.  With Scranton Wilkes Barre he batted .272 with 7 home runs and 39 RBIs. Mustelier played 41 games at 3rd but played outfield as well.  It will be interesting to see if he would ever be utilized as our temporary 3rd baseman in the event that Alex Rodriguez gets suspended.  Don’t forget, we still don’t have a guy to man that spot and we haven’t signed Mark Reynolds yet.  Not sure if we will…but, this is interesting... Ronnier is not on the 40 man roster. So, there you go.

Dean Anna: I like this kid, regardless that many are just calling him a “full time minor leaguer”. Who cares, I love the guy's heart.  While with the Padres, he hit .235 in 9 games in 2013. Anna can be a decent hitter and plays the infield… 2nd base for instance.  He’s going to be a utility guy for the Yanks if he isn’t designated for assignment first.  I would absolutely love to see this guy battle through and get a spot with the team, but the odds are against him, there is no doubt about that.

But think about it; the odds were against Rudy Ruettiger too… all I’m saying is, I’d love to see this guy make things happen.

Gary Sanchez: Here we go again.  Another Yankee catching prospect that is untouchable. And you know what? I hope he is.  Gary is 21 years old and there is time for him considering Brian McCann and Francisco Cervelli will most likely be the 2 top catchers this season.  The Yankees also have Austin Romine, who is rumored to be available in a trade and JR Murphy who many Yankee fans are rooting for. In other words, there is a lot or time for Sanchez.

Last season for the Trenton Thunder he batted  in 23 games and had 92 at bats.  His average? .250.

Cito Culver: The future Derek Jeter as people have referred to him.  No pressure.  We know Culver here at Bleeding Yankee Blue and we know he doesn’t think about himself that way. Read EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: CITO CULVER.   He just loves playing the game and will do it his way. Culver is 21 years old. In a combined Tampa and Charleston season, Culver hit .248 with 9 home runs and 34 RBIs. One danger point… 138 strikeouts.  That’s 124 in Charleston.  He’s gotta fix that.  If he can, and be more patient at the plate, he will eventually be a nice piece for the Yankees.

Hey, just a few names or kids that we see potential in in 2014.  There will be more... look for it here at Bleeding Yankee Blue.

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