John Sickels recently posted his Top 20 Prospects for the Yankees organization. No big surprises here outside of Melky Cabrera not being included in the top 20. John is not as high on him as others are but after a disappointing year last year, it's understandable. That being said, Cabrera is going into his age 22 season at AA Trenton and will already have 426 ABs at that level under his belt so hopefully, he can make some strides this year.

John also comments that it's an improving system but that there is still a ways to go. I agree with him in some respects but I think that there is a little more quality there than he does. Of course, he has far more experience than I do and he knows to balance upside with risk. I, on the other hand, being the Yankee fan that I am, have no problem seeing just the tools and the upside. I'd check out the comments on the post as well as there was some good discussion taking place. (Also, Brian Edit: make that David Regan has some thoughts on the Yankee system over at THT - see #5).

Finally, a lot of NY papers are making points that a lot of the prospects getting more playing time this year due to some stars taking off for the WBC (Damon, Jeter, A-Rod & Bernie) and others who are battling various injuries (Sheffield, Giambi). I personally am glad. Let's give some of these guys some exposure. Sure, most of them can't help us immediately but there are some who can. Matt DeSalvo, Kevin Reese & Kevin Thompson come to mind, as do J.B. Cox, Matt Smith and Mr. Bean in the bullpen.

Both Kevins are better options than Bubba Crosby. Period. I've been saying it since last November and I reiterate it now. I think that Kevin Reese should be carried on the 25 man roster to begin the season instead of Bubba. Then, after Kevin Thompson gets a handle on AAA (it usually take Thompson two cracks to outpace the league), he should replace Reese. He is a good on-base guy (career minor-league OBP of .371) with great speed (188 SBs with a 79% success rate) and who plays good defense. Basically, his average season would be Bubba's career year and he is still 3 full years younger. It seems like a no-brainer to me.