Who Is The Next Rising Star For The Yankees?

With the offseason seemingly coming to close (for the Yankees at least) there isn't much to talk about. In this case journalist and bloggers have to improvise. Which makes me think who is the next rising star for the Yankees? I think it's an interesting topic being that I like prospects more than proven stars since there's a lot more upside and you never know exactly how they'll pan out. Joba Chamberlain, Phillip Hughes (21 starts in the majors), Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera are all excluded due to how much major league experience they all have.

Austin Jackson-CF AAA Scranton, Projection year: 2010
An obvious choice for the next rising star in New York since we will likely have a vacancy in center field next year. Jackson is still a raw talent and is starting to learn to use his tools better. He has plenty of potential and is a five tool player. With 9HR 65RBI 285BA last season i think Jackson is a year or two away. He's only 21 so there is no rush but I do not know if he is the next star in New York, I'd say there is a good chance, if he can reach his potential then I have no doubt he will be great.

Jesus Montero-C, A Tampa Yankees/ AA Trenton, Projection year: 2011-2012
Montero was seen as a catcher who would likely eventually move to first base due to his large body (6'5). However with the acquisition of Mark Texiera he will have to learn to be a better defensive catcher. I think he can do it with some more seasoning. He has a gun for an arm but his overall defensive skills are mediocre. The thing I love about Montero is his offensive potential on a 20 to 80 scale this guy is definitely an 80. When he becomes a better defensive catcher this guy has the potential to be the next Mike Piazza, that's how good he is. When the Yankees signed him out of Venezuela most scouts thought he was the best prospect to come out of there since Miguel Cabrera. This is my guy, if I had to bet who will be the next star. Baseball America ranked Montero as the number two prospect in the Yankees farm system next to Austin Jackson but I think Montero has a better chance of succeeding. Hold your horses though Yankee fans Montero is only 19 and is probably still at the very least 2 years away but I think 3 years is a more valid assumption.

Dellin Betances-SP AA Trenton/ A Tampa Yankees, Projection year: 2011-2012
My third and final choice would have to be Betances. He will only be 21 when the season begins. He's a pretty big guy at 6'8 which means It'll probably take longer for him to hone his control but I think he took great strides last season. Just take a look at the statistics. Betances had a 4.09 ERA allowing 40 walks and striking out 64 before the all-star break, but he he must have figured something out in the second half making great improvements with a 3.28 ERA and reduced his walk total to 19 while striking out more batters (71). Betances is the type of guy that doesn't have to max out his potential to be a good major league pitcher, but man if he does your talking about a high end power pitcher. We will just have to wait and see how Dellin pans out. Montero and Jackson are still ahead of him on the prospect charts, but with a great year he can pass both of them.

Other notable players would be Andrew Brackman, Austin Romine, Bradley Suttle. The Yankees have some very good prospects that will hopefully turn into very good major leaguers. Night everyone, enjoy the post.