For as much as the fans love prospects it’s always a long shot they ever see the big leagues. That couldn’t be truer with the Yankees as it’s the worst place for a kid on the 40 man roster to be. You are stuck behind in prime stars and the organization is hesitant to take a chance on development because of the premium cost of going to a ballgame. The Yankees aren’t like anyone else in the sense that a “development year” needs to look like 2008 where they win 89 games and just miss the playoffs. When you think about it when was the last time that multiple youngsters have been incorporated into this team? During the first title year in 1996 Rivera, Pettitte, Bernie Williams, and Jeter were key contributors. A couple of years later Jorge Posada joined the mix. However, there hasn’t been a plethora of youngsters relied upon since that time, unless you count Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain who, by the nature of their bullpen roles, aren’t quite contributing at that same level.

You can’t completely blame the Yankees for this situation. Since Jeter and Bernie Williams there hasn’t been a ton of positional talent to incorporate into the team. Alfonso Soriano is the only one that comes to mind. However, there are few players are on the horizon and I wonder if they would give these kids a chance next year in the big leagues. Two that come to mind are Brandon Laird and Eduardo Nunez.

Laird continues his “breakout season” (as predicted by contributor Jed Weisberger in December). Since his Trenton promotion Laird has thumped AAA pitching to 1.047 OPS in six games. For the season he has 25 homers, 95 RBI and an OPS of .888. Playing the corners is a death sentence for this organization, but with A-Rod’s health in question there is a chance you could use Laird on the big league club. He could DH, give Teixeira and A-Rod a rest in the field, and provide a live bat off the bench. There is no rule that says he needs 600 AB’s his first year in the big leagues. Wouldn’t it be better to have Laird than Austin Kearns?

Eduardo Nunez is in an even more impossible situation. At 23 years old he is staring at another potential four years of Derek Jeter at shortstop. He won’t last with the organization till then, but the kid has a live bat and at the very least could be give them reason to upgrade from the light hitting Ramiro Pena. Even Jorge Vazquez, a Mexican League signing, could provide them more production than some of the veterans bats they currently employ.

Of course, the big name is Jesus Montero. Nearly a Mariner last month he is now squarely looking at a big league promotion in September. His slow start this year cast some doubt about his future, but is hitting well over .400 in August and might be a better DH option than Lance Berkman. I wonder if Montero holds his own in a big league stint they consider adding him to the postseason roster.

The best part about the farm system is how they could incorporate kids into the fifth starter role. While other teams search for a $5 million dollar a year veteran, the Yankees could possibly get well above replacement level production from a David Phelps or an Ivan Nova. This could continue for a few years as Hector Noesi, Manuel Banuelos, and Adam Warren are just a few that could follow.

Back in 2005 the Yankees made a conscience decision to focus on the farm system. Within five years their drafting, scouting, and planning has put them in the most enviable position. Yes, money had something to do with it, but they are full of smart baseball people who are given the autonomy to succeed in their roles. There is clear direction from the top down and everyone is on the same page. Now the key is having the courage to incorporate multiple young players into this mix. This could start as early as September with Montero, and possibly Laird, getting a call. Next year you could have three kids – Montero, Laird, and Nunez- who would be starting for most clubs.. Why not find a way to incorporate them into the club just like they have done with the pitchers? Unless there is a no doubt trade for a star on the horizon, it would be fun to see the next wave of great Yankee positional players get a shot. Right now they appear to be no worse than Nick Johnson, Austin Kearns, or Lance Berkman.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Brandon Laird, Eduardo Nunez, Jesus Montero, New York Yankees