Ranking The Impact Rookies Of 2015

Many analysts and fans have faulted the Yankees for not having a large amount of Minor League talent. This isn’t true. They may not have tons of Major League ready youngsters, but they have more than they are given credit for. A little over a week ago, I made a list of the rookies that could impact the 2015 Yankees. Here are my rankings of those players.

1. Jacob Lindgren

The Yankees 2015 second round pick has a chance to be the team’s top lefty reliever out of Spring Training.

In 19 minor league games that spanned 4 teams, including the double-A Trenton Thunder, Lindgren pitched to a 2.16 ERA, a .135 batting average against, a 1.00 WHIP, and a K/9 rate of 17.3.

It was truly an astonishing opening act. The question is, what’s next?

2. Rob Refsnyder

One of the best hitters in the Yankees’ minor league system, Refsnyder earned himself a good chance at being the team’s starting second baseman in 2015. Between Double-A and Triple-A, he hit .318/.387/.497 with 14 home runs, 58 extra-base hits, and 63 RBI.

He will have to compete with Jose Pirela for the job, but Refsnyder might have an advantage due to his offensive ability and because second base is his only position. Pirela can play almost anywhere.

3. Jose Pirela

Another competitor for the second base job, Pirela also had an outstanding year at triple-A. In 130 games, he hit .305/.351/.441 with 10 home runs, 42 extra-base hits, 60 RBIs, 15 stolen bases, and 87 runs scored. He even got to play 7 games with the Yankees.

In 24 big league at-bats, Pirela compiled 8 hits (1 double and 2 triples) and 3 RBIs.

He will almost undoubtedly spend much of the 2015 season in the Majors, possibly playing multiple positions.

4. Bryan Mitchell

Mitchell spent most of the 2014 season in triple-A, where he was decent, but not great. However, he opened many eyes when he got called up to the big leagues.

He made his debut on August 10th against the Indians, striking out 2 batters in 2 scoreless innings.

Mitchell made his first start on September 12th in Baltimore. He would pitch 5 innings while allowing only 2 runs. He finished his season on September 27th, entering the game in the 3rd. He would pitch 4 innings and give up only 1 run.

He has a good chance to be either a long reliever or the fifth starter for the Yankees in 2015.

5. James Pazos

Pazos will compete with Lindgren for a spot in the Yankees bullpen. Though he is the underdog, don’t count him out.

He was decent as a member of the single-A Tampa Yankees, compiling a 3.96 ERA in 25 innings pitched. However, when he reached double-A he improved drastically. In 42 innings pitched, Pazos posted a 1.50 ERA, a 1.119 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts.

He will have his work cut out for him this Spring, but he will likely see some Major League playing time at some point in 2015.