IBC

Jeff Marquez RHP

2008 Awards: JS NYY #14, BA NYY #7, TPA NYY #9

2007 Stats: AA - 3.65 ERA, 15-9, .267/.321/.389, 1.36 GO/AO

Scouting Report: Like Chien-Ming Wang, Marquezís best pitch is his sinker, which he throws at around 90-93 mph, topping out at 95 when heís really throwing well. His other pitches complement the sinker - the fastball is solid, with above-average movement, but it becomes even more effective when he mixes in his plus change. His curveball however, is still problematic. Though it contains a lot of movement, he still has yet to show he can throw it consistently for strikes. If he can master that pitch, thereís no reason to think that Marquez couldn't be a 2-3 rotation candidate eventually.

BA Scouting Report: Marquez will go as far as his command and secondary stuff will take him. He didn't throw enough strikes early in the count in 2006 and fell behind. He would have more swing and miss stuff if he stayed tall more in his delivery. He throws his change too hard at times and has trouble throwing his curveball for strikes. Marquez has the stuff to start in the middle of a big league rotation, and his hard sinker would make him a valuable reliever if necessary.

The Future: Probably spends the season at AAA unless the Yankees are beset with injuries or he's traded. Should Sim in 2008.

Dan Mayora 2B

2008 Awards: BA SAL #17, SAL Mid and Post Season All-Star.

2007 Stats: A - .312/.367/.479, 44 2B, 14 HR, 26 SB

Scouting Report: Mayora's smooth actions, soft hands and average arm should make him a solid defender. He has good instincts but has to stay focused and avoid occasional concentration lapses. Offensively, Mayora has a quick bat that allows him to generate decent power. He needs to add strength to his upper body. He projects for some gap power and occasional home run pop. "He just seems to get the job done. Dave Myers said. "He's an aggressive hitter, he uses the whole field, made the plays. He just gets job done."

BA Scouting Report: Mayora, along with Gomez, helped give the Tourists the best double-play combination in the league. Mayora has good hands, solid range and a plus arm at second base. He also handles the bat well and has good pop for a middle infielder, which led to him hitting third for most of the season. He has solid speed and the instincts to steal some bases.
ìHeís a very mature player,î Guerrero said. ìHe enjoys the game and heís fun to watch. He makes an impact on the whole team. He can beat you defensively, and heís an above-average hitter with some decent power.î

The Future: Another step up the ladder to High A.

Matt Whitney 1B

2008 Awards: BA CAR #10

2007 Stats: CAR + SAL - .299/.364/.545, 30 2B, 32 HR

Scouting Report: Totally off the prospect radar after spending three years struggling to rebound from three surgeries to repair a badly broken leg, Whitney exploded back onto the prospect scene with a tremendous 2007 season over two levels. Still just 23, Whitney continues to show the plus bat speed that made him a supplemental first round pick in 2002. This year, with his legs firmly under him again, he finally seemed comfortable enough at the plate to begin flashing his plus power from the right side. He strikes out quite a bit, but still walked 53 times on the year. He has shown decent range in his conversion to 1B, with soft hands and a very good arm, but struggles around the base as he learns the position.

BA Scouting Report: Whitney's power was compared to that of Manny Ramirez when he was at Rookie-level Burlington in 2002, the year the Indians made him a supplemental first-round pick. He broke his leg while playing basketball during spring training in 2003, which led to multiple surgeries and lost seasons. He finally worked his way back into prospect status with a huge 2007, when he hit .299/.364/.545 with 32 homers and 113 RBIs between two Class A levels. Moving from third base to first base allowed Whitney to blossom offensively. He also shortened his stroke and used the opposite field more than he ever had. One scout likened him to Richie Sexson, who came up through the Cleveland system. Whitney's defense is still a work in progress, as he led all minor league first baseman with 21 errors. The Indians must put him on their 40-man roster or risk losing him in the major league Rule 5 draft in December.

The Future: Picked by WAS in the Rule V draft. Will Sim in 2008.