Bronx Bomber Ball

When the Yankees traded away star relief pitcher Andrew Miller at last season’s trade deadline, they received a return of four strong prospects. The most talked about of that group has understandably been outfielder Clint Frazier seeing as he is knocking on the door of the big leagues and could potentially make a significant impact for the big club this season. In addition to Frasier the Yankees received left handed starter Justus Sheffield, right handed reliever J.P. Feyereisen and another right handed relief pitching prospect, Ben Heller. Heller is a name we should all be looking out for heading into this season because, simply put, he has absolutely electric stuff and could make an impact in the Yankees bullpen this season. Photo Credit: Presswire

At just 21-years young, Albert Abreu has a lot of baseball ahead of him. Abreu was one of the primary pieces the Yankees acquired from the Astros in the Brian McCann deal, and for good reason. Abreu is a four-pitch thrower, which is what we should classify him as more than a pitcher at this stage in his career.   Photo Credit: Jayne Hansen

The Yankees will enter the 2017 MLB season with Chase Headley yet again manning the hot corner. Very often a target of the fans ire, Headley has had his fair share of successes in the big leagues but has had two plus forgettable seasons since joining the pinstripes. Although he struggled in 2015, he plays good defense at third and has been a standup guy and member of the clubhouse. He has not, however, contributed meaningful at-bats with any regularity. The power the Yankees thought they were getting at least some of when they acquired him has been largely absent.   Barring injury, Headley will take the field as the opening day third baseman for these Yankees and he will most likely bring with him the frustrating mixed results we have become accustomed to. Photo Credit: Brad Penner/USA Today Sports

When the Yankees became sellers for the first time in a long time leading up to last year's non-waiver trade deadline, they received a number of talented youngsters in exchange for the veterans they traded away. Dillon Tate was the biggest name coming to the Bombers in the trade that sent veteran Carlos Beltran to the Texas Rangers. Having drafted him with fourth overall pick in 2015, the Rangers had high hopes for Tate. The 22-year old right hander only has one minor league season under his belt, but Tate certainly has the "stuff" to succeed in the majors. Since 2017 will be his first full season with the Yankees organization, it will be interesting to see what adjustments Tate makes in his attempt to improve the disappointing stat line he put together in 2016. Photo Credit: Bill Mitchell/Baseball America

Acquired alongside Luis Cessa in the Winter of 2016 in the trade that sent left-handed relief pitcher Justin Wilson to the Detroit Tigers, Chad Green has become a key ingredient to the Yankees 2017 success after showing some flashes in limited action last season. Photo Credit: Anthony J. Causi

Wilkerman Garcia was one of the Yankees’ top signings during their 2014 international free agent spree when they signed him out of Venezuela for a $1.35 million bonus. Another shortstop prospect, Garcia has the talent that can move him up the system quickly. Photo Credit: Chad Gusler

Spring training is now fully underway and with that several key position battles are underway as well. One position that is not up for grabs however is the shortstop position which, barring injury, will be manned by Didi Gregorius yet again this year. Acquired by Brian Cashman in a three-way deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Detroit Tigers in the winter of 2014, Didi was given the unenviable task of replacing Derek Jeter, a task which he seemed to struggle with at first. Altogether Didi’s first year with the team wasn’t terrible given the circumstances but with a year under his belt and some job security to ease his nerves Gregorius took a step forward in 2016 and showed that even with all their talented prospects looming in the minors, the Yankees may very well have another shortstop that could stick around for a while. Photo Credit: Butch Dill | USA TODAY Sports

Coming in at number 15 on our top prospect countdown is Ian Clarkin, a 22 year-old left handed pitcher in the Yankees organization. The Yankees selected him in the first round of the 2013 MLB amateur draft, with the 33 rd  overall draft pick. Clarkin had an impressive high school career, recording a lifetime 1.27 ERA during four years of varsity baseball at Madison High School. Interestingly, Clarkin will forever be connected to Aaron Judge, as he was selected directly after the burly outfielder when the Yankees selected them back-to-back.   Photo Credit: Bryan Green | Pinstriped Prospects

This past Saturday, the Yankees arbitration hearing with Dellin Betances was completed, with the arbiter ultimately ruling in favor of the Yankees, granting Betances a $3 million salary for 2017, not the $5 million he was seeking. Photo Credit: Charles Wenzelberg

After being acquired from the Detroit Tigers in the Justin Wilson deal at the Winter Meetings in 2015, Chad Green played his first year with the Yankees last season. As a 6'3" right-hander with good stuff, Green dominated in Triple-A, forcing his way to the big leagues for spot starts and appearances out of the bullpen. Green comes into this spring as one of four or five guys competing for the final two spots in the rotation, and wth a good spring, Green could start the year in the rotation, thus graduating off this prospect list early. Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac

It’s 2017, Domingo German is 24-years old, and he’s yet to pitch in Double-A. He has had success during his minor league career thus far, but 2017 is likely the season that is going to make or break this young man's professional career. The Yankees are still stretching him out like a starter, but his best path to the show could be as a long-reliever. Photo Credit: USA TODAY/Sports Images

Looking back to 2010, when Gardner first became a regular in the outfield, he has been the epitome of solid. Nothing great, but just someone the Yankees can depend on as a good top of the lineup hitter, with a solid amount of walks, a good on base percentage, and an occasional bit of power. In the last four seasons, he is averaging 148 games played, a .262 average, a .341 on base percentage, and 62 walks, along with about 20 steals per season. For a leadoff hitter, what more could you ask for? Gardner consistently gets on base, and gives the Yankees what they need in order to win games. Photo Credit: Brad Penner | USA TODAY Sports

Entering his fifth season in the Yankees organization after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft by the Yankees, Tyler Wade comes into the BBB’s top prospect rankings at #17. Admittedly, (and unfortunately), Wade may not be ranked high enough on this list. Playing this entire season at age 22, Wade already has MLB-ready level tools in the field, and after putting on 10 pounds in upper-body muscle mass this offseason, he could continue climbing this list with a strong season. If Wade’s bat can catch up to his plus tools in the field and his plus speed tool, you can look for this versatile prospect to take a major leap in our rankings, and possibly make a push for the big leagues toward the end of 2017. Photo Credit: Tomasso de Rosa

After a rough start to his professional career from 2012-2014, something clicked for Giovanny Gallegos. He’s posted a sub-2 ERA in both of his last two seasons, which include 27 games at Triple-A. Gallegos, now 25, is in fact on the Yankees 40-man roster and could be someone to keep your eye on during spring training that could potentially win a spot in the Yankees bullpen. Photo Credit: Cheryl Pursell

Tyler Austin made quite the impression during his major league debut last August. Austin and fellow rookie Aaron Judge hit back-to-back home runs in their first Major League at-bats. Following his explosive entry to the Bronx, Austin cooled off considerably, still managing to show promise. Heading into 2017, Austin was expected to compete with Greg Bird in spring training for the starting first base job. Austin's versatility has made him a reliable option to play both corner outfield positions and third base, along with first. Unfortunately for both Austin and the Yankees, the 25-year old broke his left foot. The injury will sideline Austin for approximately six weeks. The recent signing of first baseman Chris Carter softens the detriment of Austin's injury; however, the Yankees are still hoping he can make an impact upon recovering from his broken foot. Photo Credit: Adam Hunger/Associated Press

Relatively a forgotten prospect in the minors due to the Yankees’ loaded farm system, Dietrich Enns will look to make the major league roster at some point in the 2017 season. He is one of many talented pitchers that could help the Yankees bullpen and potentially starting rotation as the season goes on. Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas | USA TODAY Sports

While Gleyber Torres and Justus Sheffield got all the attention in the Aroldis Chapman blockbuster trade this past summer, outfielder Billy McKinney was an interesting fourth piece. McKinney has finished as high as #88 on MLB.com’s prospect list and #85 on Baseball America’s top prospect list. Since his stock dropped significantly in 2016, the Yankees were able to buy low and roll the  dice. Photo Credit:  Gregg Slaboda   Breakdown: At 6’1” and 205 pounds, left handed outfielder Billy McKinney was the 24th  overall pick by the Oakland Athletics in 2013 out of Plano West Senior High School in Plano, Texas. A year later, McKinney was traded along with shortstop Addison Russell and pitcher Dan Straily to the Chicago Cubs for pitchers Jason Hammel and Jeff Samardzija. McKinney has put up some decent numbers over his minor league career, including his 2015 season when he batted .300 with seven home runs and 64 RBIs in 106 games across High A and Double ...

Entering his fourth season with the Yankees, Jacoby Ellsbury has quickly become one of the more seasoned veterans on the team. Ellsbury signed a seven-year $153 million contract prior to the 2014 season. At age 33, Ellsbury is still a base stealing threat and that speed certainly makes him a productive outfielder in Major League Baseball. Unfortunately, Ellsbury hasn’t been able to stay 100% healthy. He played in 149 games in 2014, 111 in 2015, and 149 in 2016. He also hasn’t been the same .300 hitter he was on the Red Sox. The keys to success for Ellsbury this season are staying healthy and improving his offensive game. Photo Credit: NJ.com

Drew Finley was drafted by the Yankees in the third round of the 2015 draft out of baseball powerhouse Rancho Bernando High School in Sand Diego after posting a 0.81 ERA and 131 strikeouts in 86 innings his senior year. The Yankees signed him relatively quickly for a $950,000 bonus that was well above the $626,000 slot recommendation. Keith Law and Baseball America ranked Finley as the 26th and 60th best prospect in the 2015 draft class, respectively, but his stock has fallen since then. Photo Credit: Griffin Stanley

When Brian Cashman decided to sell and trade Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller, many fans were concerned with the Yankees bullpen.   What was the team's strength could have quickly become their biggest weakness.   Cashman was smart by quietly acquiring two former Yankee pitchers that ended up performing extremely well.   One of those pitchers was Tyler Clippard, who was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks for right-hander Vincent Campos.   This trade went under the radar because of the Yankees big trades, but  Clippard performed quite well for the Yankees and will be a huge part of their bullpen this season. Photo Credit: Adam Hunger | USA TODAY Sports

Each year as Spring Training creeps up on us, we wonder whom the dark horses are to make the 25-man roster and even contribute at a high level. Well, now that we’ve arrived at our 21 st  rated prospect, I personally think Jordan Montgomery could be that guy. If you’ve taken any notes over the past couple seasons, especially 2016, you’d recognize somebody whose become a complete pitcher. A pitcher that might be ready to make an impact if given the opportunity.   Photo Credit: Cheryl Pursell | Pinstriped Prospects

Fresh off winning a World Series ring with the defending champion Chicago Cubs, Aroldis Chapman hit the free agency market seeking the largest contract ever given to a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball history. He ended up getting just that – agreeing to return to the New York Yankees on a five-year, $86 million contract which includes an opt-out after the 2019 season. The contract will keep the soon-to-be 29-year-old in Pinstripes through his age 33 season, if he elects not to exercise the option.   Photo Credit: Elsa/Getty Images

Coming in at number 22 on our top prospect list is outfielder Mason Williams. Once listed as the top prospect in the Yankees organization by Baseball America, Williams has seen his stock decline due both injury and the rise of his contemporaries. During two very brief stints with the Bombers in 2015 and 2016, Williams showed an impressive poise. He's solid defensively, and can hit for average. Unfortunately for Williams, the Yankees have some depth in the outfield so he likely won't become a full time player with the Bombers. With Clint Frazier, Blake Rutherford, and Aaron Judge presenting much more upside than Williams, he finds himself much lower on the totem poll. Even if he doesn't make the roster out of Spring Training, and he likely wont, I wouldn't be surprised to see Williams in the Bronx as a fourth outfielder at some point this season due to the injury histories of the starting outfielders. Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Yankees have suffered their first notable injuries of Spring Training. Joe Girardi told reporters Friday afternoon that Tyler Austin has suffered a fracture in his foot after fouling a ball off it a few days ago in batting practice. He will be out a minimum of six weeks and will not be in contention for an opening day roster spot. This injury suddenly makes the Chris Carter signing, which they agreed to just 10 days ago, look huge as Carter now likely has the inside track on the backup first baseman and DH job. Photo Credit: Ray Stubblebine

I’ve written many times that the Yankees greatest strength is their stout bullpen, while possibly their biggest weakness is the starting rotation. Brian Cashman’s decision to not add a veteran arm to the rotation only further validates this statement as we inch closer to spring training. Within the starting rotation, the big question marks come at the backend. Currently it seems two of the rotation spots will be filled, one way or another, by Adam Warren, Bryan Mitchell, Luis Severino, and Luis Cessa. The latter of that group, Cessa, only converted to pitching in 2011 by our cross-town rivals the New York Mets.  Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Acquired from the Cleveland Indians in the Andrew Miller trade last summer, right0handed pitcher Ben Heller comes in at number 23 on the BBB top prospect list. We saw a little bit of Heller last season in the Bronx when he made his Major League debut near the end of August. Heller will come to Spring Training eying a spot in the Yankees’ 2017 bullpen. Photo Credit: MLB.com

Last offseason, the Yankees acquired Castro from the Cubs for Adam Warren and Brendan Ryan. Ryan was immediately designated for assignment, and Warren was acquired in the Aroldis Chapman trade about seven months later, so the Yanks essentially got Castro for nothing. At the time of the trade, I was irrationally excited. After having to sit through Brian Roberts and Stephen Drew for the 2014 and 2015 seasons as the primary second basemen, it was exciting to have a player at the keystone who actually could hit. Photo Credit: Adam Hunger | USA TODAY Sports

Jake Cave was the Yankees sixth round draft pick in the 2011 amateur Major League Baseball draft. He was selected directly out of high school from Hampton, Virginia. He is a left-handed outfielder, capable of playing all three-outfield positions. The Cincinnati Reds selected Cave in the 2015 Rule 5 Draft. After failing to make the Reds' major league roster, he was returned to the Yankees in 2016 for a fee of $25,000. Photo Credit: Bill Tarutis | Times Leader

When the Yankees announced the signing of first baseman Chris Carter to a one year, three million dollar deal, many around baseball were shocked. The fact that Carter, the National League home run leader, could do no better than what many reserves are paid is quite astonishing. As Yankees fans, we should be ecstatic about this move. Carter provides the Yankees with some much needed power from the right hand side. First base is in all likelihood still Greg Bird's position to lose, but a little friendly competition is never a bad thing. In 2017, Carter will likely see most of his at bats at either first base or designated hitter. In any event, having a 40 home run player coming off the bench is a very valuable asset, one the Yankees have been missing for quite some time. Photo Credit: Dylan Buell/Getty Images

After being ranked as high as 12th in the BBB top prospect rankings just a season ago, Lail now checks into our rankings at number 25. Though this can also be attributed to the Yankees now having a much stronger and deeper farm system, 2016 was a down year for the prospect who was trending upward at this point last year. Still, at just 23-years-old, Lail has plenty of time to regain his prospect status, and could do so with a bounce back season. Photo Credit: Jake Danna Stevens | Times Tribune

After a long, cold winter, Yankees pitchers and catchers finally report to spring training today, and the chase for 28 has officially begun. While this season’s starting rotation is in question, the Yankees remain well-stocked in the back end of their bullpen, even after the trade of Andrew Miller during the past trade deadline. Manager Joe Girardi will have the privilege of being able to use two-time All-Star Tyler Clippard in the seventh and homegrown three-time All-Star Dellin Betances in the eighth, with newly re-acquired fireballer Aroldis Chapman serving as the closer once again.   With all eyes on Chapman after recently signing a monster five-year, $86 million contract, this is a fine opportunity to look at the star setup man, Dellin Betances. Photo Credit: Fox Sports

When we discuss the Yankees farm system, we usually mention the obvious names in Jorge Mateo, Blake Rutherford, Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres amongst others and for good reason. That being said, the bottom half of our top-30 list is full of guys who can be big time Major League contributors down the line. And not just down the line, but right now. Dietrich Enns fits that mold. Photo Credit: Jason Farmer | Times-Shamrock Breakdown Enns was a 19th round draft pick back in 2012 and has had success at every level he’s pitched at. Enns isn’t a big strikeout guy and relies on his defense to play sound behind him. He struck out just 124 batters across 135 innings in 2016 and just 55 batters went down via the strikeout in 58.2 ’15 innings. In 344.1 career minor league innings, Enns has posted an impressive 1.86 ERA while recording a 1.10 WHIP. Enns really put himself on the map when he dominated at Triple-A last season.   In 14 games at Triple-A alone, 10 starts, Enns yield...

Kyle Higashioka is a 26-year-old right-handed catcher from Huntington Beach California. The Yankees drafted Higashioka way back in 2008, in the seventh round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft. Higashioka was highly touted for his superior defensive game behind the plate. His size, 6"1" 205 pounds, combined with his defensive ability convinced the Yankees to select him in the seventh round, where they viewed him as a high value prospect. The Yankees were one of few teams who thought he had offensive potential that could develop over time. Photo Credit: Mike Janes

Greg Bird will be looking to bounce back from a season-ending injury, as he heads into 2017 with high hopes as the potential starting first baseman. Bird had some clutch hits in a memorable 2015 season before being beaten by the Houston Astros in the AL Wild Card game. Look for Bird to build off of that season and turn into one of the game’s better young players. Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

In a bullpen battle that will feature an open competition to fill a few spots, young righty Johnny Barbato should be in that mix. Barbato made the opening day roster in 2016 after pitching to a very impressive 1.64 ERA in 11 appearances last spring. However, Barbato faced struggles getting big league hitters out resulting in him spending the majority of 2016 in Triple-A. With several pitchers vying for one or two spots in the bullpen, Barbato could put himself in that mix with another strong spring.   Photo Credit: Tony Gutierrez | AP

On March 6, baseball will once again embark on its annual failed attempt to create a worldwide tournament for the sport. Unlike the excitement generated by Olympic events, such as the basketball tournament, the World Baseball Classic has always been a bit of a drag. In less than two months, 10 Yankees will suit up for their respective countries, the most prominent being Dellin Betances, Didi Gregorius, Tyler Clippard, and Luis Severino. The risk is simply not worth the reward. Unlike the Olympic games, which invoke a unique sense of patriotism, the WBC has consistently failed to capture worldwide attention. The probability of injury, as the Yankees came to learn the hard way in 2013 at Mark Teixeira's expense, in conjunction with a genuine disinterest displayed by the American public in the event, makes the WBC unworthy of continuance.  

Drafted out of Mississippi State University in the sixth round of the 2014 draft, Jonathan Holder ranks in at number 28 on the BBB prospect list. Holder has been impressive throughout his minor league tenure with the Bombers, earning a brief call up last season. Though he struggled a bit during his few games in the majors, Holder has a bright future. With the "Scranton Shuttle" strategy the Yankees have employed for the bullpen over the last couple of seasons expected to be in full swing once again come 2017, it's fair to predict Holder will find himself in the majors sooner rather than later. Photo Credit: L.E. Miller/ New York Daily News

The Yankees 2016 draft was all about first-round pick Blake Rutherford and to be honest, the hype behind him is completely warranted. That being said, the team selected a very nice player in the second-round out of a Louisville by the name of Nick Solak. Solak checks in as our 29 th  ranked prospect and would likely be higher if the Yankees' system wasn’t one of the deeper ones in all of the game. Photo Credit: Robert M. Pimpsner | Pinstriped Prospects

Tyler Austin’s’ short time in the big leagues had many highs and lows.   One of the most memorable at-bats of last season was Austin and Aaron Judge hitting back to back home runs in their first at-bats in the big leagues. Austin demonstrated rare opposite field hitting last season and will continue to develop as a strong overall hitter as he becomes more comfortable in the MLB. Photo Via Fox Sports

With spring training quickly approaching, we will be writing this series of pinstripe previews while simultaneously publishing prospect features each day. Our first preview of the first player on the 40-man roster (in alphabetical order) is young third baseman Miguel Andujar. Andujar is a player who quickly saw his prospect stock rise in 2016 as he began the season unranked on our list, but you will eventually see the high praise he will be given heading into 2017. Blocked by Chase Headley at third base, Andujar may not make his debut until September. As a prospect who is developing into a solid bat with an incredibly strong arm at third base, Andujar could be the beneficiary of some big league consideration earlier than expected this season. Photo Credit: Icon Sportswire

Coming in at number 30 in the BBB’s second annual top prospect countdown where we release our top 30 prospects day-by-day is middle infield prospect Hoy Jun Park. Park signed with the Yankees in the summer of 2014 for a signing bonus of $1.2 million. The Yankees spending spree on international free agents that summer included names like Juan De Leon, Nelson Gomez, Dermis Garcia, and Wilkerman Garcia. Unfortunately, Park’s prospect status has continued to fall since joining the Yankees organization. We had Park ranked as our 21st best prospect last year, but this year, he just barely cracked the list. Park will need to improve upon his underwhelming 2016 season if he intends to stay on top 30 prospect boards going forward. Photo Via Baseball America

It was just recently reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today that the Yankees and 1B/DH Chris Carter agreed to a one- year, $3 million contract. My first reaction to this was...okay? The Yanks seemed pretty set at first, with Greg Bird and Tyler Austin, but I guess you can never have too much depth at one position. Bird is coming off of major shoulder surgery, so he definitely isn’t a sure-fire starter. Austin also had his struggles last year, most notably a 40% strikeout rate, so he isn’t a definite either. With some uncertainties, the Yankees signed a player full of concerns. Photo Credit: Mike McGinnis | Getty Images

Seemingly out of nowhere, the Yankees have agreed to terms this afternoon with the 2016 National League Home Runs co-champion, Chris Carter.   It was first reported this morning that the Yankees were kicking the tires on Carter, after an offseason in which interest in his services has been slow at best.   Photo Via Getty Images 

For those Yankee fans that are about my age in their 20's (give or take a few years) it may be difficult to remember a time when Brian Cashman was not the General Manager and calling the shots in the Yankees’ front office. Such a time did occur however and even though he has occupied a few different roles in the organization throughout his tenure with the team, on February 3 rd,  1998, Cashman was promoted to the role he has become synonymous with over the years, General Manager of the New York Yankees.   Photo Via Bronx Pinstripes

With Spring Training approaching, the Yankees’ roster appears to be all but set. The Yankees have their guys now and all that is left to figure out is the configuration in which the team will deploy them. Although most of the team’s starting positions appear to be set, last season gave us an opportunity to get a look at several players who could be a factor for a position on the bench with the big league club to start the season. With the MLB roster limit being 25 players, most teams usually break down this number with either 13 position players and 12 pitchers or vice versa. Most teams barring injuries to the pitching staff will go with 13 position players to allow for a full four man bench consisting of a backup catcher, a fourth outfielder, a backup infielder and a utility guy. Carrying 13 position players would leave them with five starters and seven relief pitchers. This is the model Joe Girardi and the Yankees have gone with the last several years and it is the model I expect th...

Former Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is known as one of the best shortstops of his era, racking up over 3,000 hits and five World Series championships during his 20 seasons in Major League Baseball. Aside from his sparkling baseball resume, Jeter is best known for his flair for the dramatic, shining brightest on the biggest stage. Jeter is remembered as one of the best clutch performers the game has ever seen.  Widely regarded by experts and fans alike as one of the greatest plays in baseball history, the "Flip Play" helped secure Jeter's spot in baseball history. Photo via Lohud Yankees Blog

Spring training is less than two weeks away, but I need baseball now. My football team got embarrassed in the playoffs and then their best player punched a hole in the wall, my basketball team is enduring over a decade of futility with no light at the end of the tunnel, and my hockey team’s all world goalie is suddenly playing like a middle aged man at his local YMCA during open skate. I repeat I need baseball now. You can understand that even though the season isn’t here, I’ve been thinking about it, a lot. Here are a few random thoughts as we dream of spring training. Photo Credit: Noah K. Murray/ The Star Ledger

Despite featuring one of the most detrimental trades in recent Yankees history, February 1 st  is a day that is usually forgotten by Bombers fans.   On this day in 1999, Yankees General Manager Bob Watson pulled off a trade that would go on to haunt the Yankees for the next 12 seasons.   18 years ago today New York traded highly touted third base prospect Mike Lowell to the Florida Marlins in exchange for Mark Johnson and Ed Yarnall, eventually proving to be one of the worst trades of Watson’s career. Photo via Bronx Baseball Daily