Prospects of the Week:
Dustin Fowler, CF
Dustin Fowler fits the mold of the ‘Yankee outfield prospect’ in that he is an athletic and toolsy, yet raw player. Fowler, like many other Yankee prospects, was a late round pick, as he was drafted in the 18th round (2013). Where Fowler is unlike many Yankee minor league outfielders is that he has turned his tools into production this season.
Fowler’s rise this year has been impressive, and it isn’t just the numbers that stand out. 2015 has been Fowler’s first full season, as he played in only 30 games after being drafted in 2013, and then just 66 the year after. Despite this lack of experience, Fowler has found success both in Low-A and now in High-A ball. After slashing .307/.304/.419 with 4 home runs and 18 steals in 58 games at Low-A, he was moved to High-A. The power is down a bit, with a .388 slugging percentage and only one home run in 60 games, but Fowler is continuing to be active on the base paths with 12 steals and is hitting .299.
One of the caveats with Fowler is his lack of refinement. This has led to a low walk rate in the minor leagues. That being said, Fowler’s improved in that regard as he’s gained experience. Currently sitting at a 6.3% BB-rate, Fowler still has some work to do, but a decent 17.1% K-rate makes his lack of walks easier to swallow.
Fowler’s power has yet to manifest itself this season, but a preview of what he can do is seen in his 2014 production, where he hit nine home runs in just 66 games. Fowler’s well built and has above-average bat speed, so his power may eventually be average-to-above. With the combination of power potential and plus speed (he’s stolen 30 bags this season), as well as a strong bat, Fowler could start to become a real name to watch in the Yankees system over the next couple of years.
Wilkerman Garcia, SS
The Yankees 2014 July 2nd signing class was one of the biggest ever, with the Yankees signing many of the top-rated Latin prospects. There are plenty of names signed by the Yankees with huge potential, and many players have already gotten off to a fast start with the team. One of these players, who might just be the best of the crop, has flown under the radar. Wilkerman Garcia signed for $1.35 million last season out of Venezuela, the 12th largest bonus in the class. At just 17-years old, he’s already made a significant impression on many scouts.
When Garcia first signed, the switch hitter had what many considered an advanced bat, along with possibly plus speed and a plus arm at shortstop, (he should be able to stick at the position). Already, Garcia had the makings of an impressive prospect. But now reports are coming in that Garcia’s tools have ticked up a notch since signing. Garcia’s just starting to get broken into professional ball in the Gulf Coast League this season, but he has a very impressive all around package. As with any July 2nd signing, Garcia is light years away from the big leagues, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his name mentioned among elite prospects in a couple of years. In fact, some scouts are already saying that Garcia has more offensive upside than top shortstop prospect Jorge Mateo.
Scranton Wilkes/Barre RailRiders (77-60)
Notable Performances From The Week:
RF Aaron Judge: 3-24, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 7 K
2B Rob Refsnyder: 4-23, 2 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI, SB, 5 K
LHP Chaz Hebert: 7.0 IP, 0 R/ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 4 K
Trenton Thunder (69-65)
Notable Performances From The Week:
SS Tyler Wade: 7-25, 2B, HR, 2 R, RBI, 3 K
RHP Eric Ruth: 6.1 IP, 1 R/ER, 8 H, 1 BB, 5 K
Tampa Yankees (65-67)
Notable Performances From The Week:
CF Dustin Fowler: 4-18, 2B, R, 5 RBI, 2 K
3B Miguel Andujar: 2-17, 2B, RBI, 4 BB, 3 K
SS Jorge Mateo: 2-10, 2 R, RBI, 2 SB, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Jonathan Holder: 7.0 IP, 1 R/ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 K
LHP Jordan Montgomery: 6.0 IP, 0 R/ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 9 K
Charleston RiverDogs (62-71)
Notable Performances From The Week:
2B Billy Fleming: 7-25, 2B, R, 2 RBI, BB, 7 K
LHP Justin Kamplain: 6.1 IP, 0 R/ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 4 K
Staten Island Yankees (36-32)
Notable Performances From The Week:
OF Trey Amburgey: 11-29, 2B, 3B, HR, 7 R, 6 RBI, 3 SB, 2 BB, 5 K
SS Kyle Holder: 6-16, 3 2B, 4 R, 2 RBI, 2 K
RHP Domingo Acevedo: 6.0 IP, 1 R/ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Kolton Mahoney: 7.0 IP, 1 R/ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 6 K
Pulaski Yankees (44-23)
Notable Performances From The Week:
LHP Nestor Cortes: 6.0 IP, 1 R/ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Simon De la Rosa: 5.0 IP, 0 R/ER, 2 H, 4 BB, 6 K