Prospect Profiles- two who just missed

Written by Sean P. | 11 November 2009

Here are two more guys who just missed our compilation top 30 prospect list. After this, we'll start with our top 30 prospect profiles that we'll run down throughout the off season.

Neil Medchill- OF

Medchill emerged this year as a major sleeper candidate after being chosen by the Yankees in the 11th round out of Oklahoma State. He finished the year with a .278/.350/.551 line and broke the club record in Staten Island with 14 HRs. Medchill also drew praise from coaches and scouts who love his determined work ethic as well as his dedication towards improving. He has a surprising amount of speed (stole 36 bases one year in college) and managed to leg out 2 triples this year along with 7 stolen bases. 2009 was only Medchill’s second season in LF so he’s still learning in terms of defense, but his above average speed should give him the ability to be an average defender.

The Yankees are relatively weak on power prospects which is part of the reason Medchill opened so many eyes this year. If he manages to find similar success next year against stiffer opposition Medchill will jump up this list quite a bit. He will also strike out a bit and struggles against left handed pitching which is to be expected. Hopefully Medchill can improve in these areas and move up our list in 2010.

Christian Garcia-RHP

Garcia has electric stuff. He has 3 plus pitches, a mid 90’s fastball, the systems best curveball and a terrific change up. However despite the natural ability Garcia has just not been able to stay healthy. This year he pitched 25 innings going 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA with 24 Ks in Trenton before having season ending elbow surgery in June. The injuries have been frustrating. Through his minor league career he has a K/9 rate over 9 and a FIP of just 3.39 but the 24 year old has never gotten past Trenton because of one injury or another. The last time he threw more than 100 innings in a season was 2005 so that's the type of track record we’re talking about here- its not good. However with his dazzling stuff he’s sure to get enough opportunities. For us though the injuries were just too much to keep him in the top 30 any longer. If he can have a healthy and productive 2010 though you might be seeing Garcia in the Bronx soon enough.