Tuesday, February 16, 2016

TGP Top 29 Prospects List # 14 - Mason Williams


The New York Yankees seemingly go after one position every year or every other year in a draft and grab as much talent at that position as they can. For a long time the Yankees looked stacked at the catcher position, and still do is Luis Torrens comes back from a shoulder injury with a strong season in 2016, and right now the focus seems to be on the middle infield and the shortstop position specifically. There for a while though it was the Yankees outfield that seemed to be the focus of the organization and that mindset produced many talented outfielders including recently traded Ramon Flores, 2015 Minor League Player of the Year Ben Gamel, yesterday's prospect showcase Slade Heathcott and the prospect of the day today, Mason Williams.

Williams was added to the 40 man roster last season and many doubted the decision by the Yankees GM Brian Cashman. Myself included. I did not understand the protection for Williams from the Rule 5 Draft because I did not see any team taking a waiver on the struggling prospect that still had the recent DUI conviction on his plate. What a difference a year can make though as Williams was not only protected but he was also called up to the Major Leagues to make his MLB debut. Williams did well in limited opportunities before a shoulder injury ate up much of his 2015 season.

Williams only lasted eight games and 22 at bats but in that extremely small sample size he did not look over-matched by MLB pitching and he did not seem to be affected by the limelight of the Bronx and the show. That's important. Much like Heathcott yesterday if he can stay healthy he should get plenty of opportunities this season and may graduate from prospect status in 2016, that's a big "IF" but it could happen. Williams' injury last season was a product of the way he plays and less of what kind of prospect he is. Williams is a center fielder and could have a future with the Yankees or another big league club and that begins this season.

14. Mason Williams
15. Slade Heathcott
16. Abi Avelino
17. Hoy-Jun Park
18. Luis Torrens
19. Cale Coshow
20. Chance Adams
21. Miguel Andujar
22. Jonathan Holder
23. Tyler Wade
24. Nick Rumbelow
25.Jordan Montgomery
26.Trey Amburgey
27. Ben Gamel
28. Austin DeCarr
29. Thairo Estrada
30. James Pazos

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