Prospecting

[Yankees]

Ben (Leland Grove): Jeff Bianchi seemed to have a good comeback season last year. Was he in consideration for the list this time?

J.J. Cooper: Bianchi was a whisker away from being No. 10, Lough's more consistent success and better injury history proved to be the difference. But Bianchi fills a serious need for Kansas City, which has lacked shortstop prospects.

Bill (Bozeman): Any KC position prospects in the 11-20 range that catch your eye? Particularly in the middle of the diamond?

J.J. Cooper: Bianchi's the best shortstop in the system. Giavotella is the next best middle infielder but he took some steps back in 2009.

Joe LeCates (Easton, MD): J.J., was Tyler Sample in the 11-15 range? Your thoughts on him from this past year? Was he able to develop his changeup at all?

J.J. Cooper: He wasn't a top 10 guy but he wasn't that far away. He fixed some mechanical problems that helped him put an awful 2008 behind him. The changeup still isn't really much of a pitch at all.