Yankees minor league baseball begins today with a prospect preview

Good but not Great

The stories of both Domingo German and Luis Cessa should be as familiar. Both have already pitched for the Yankees and are the first two names that will be called when replacement starters are needed.

But neither is too highly thought of, German having the higher ceiling. He is, however, only ranked 18th in the Yankees system, behind pitchers who have barely thrown, such as Clarke Schmidt (13) and Deivi Garcia (16). And he just arrived at Scranton, so more seasoning is still required.

That means Cessa is a placeholder at best while German might manage a spot in the rotation, at least until better arms come along. But he and the team would be best served if he could get two or three months in the minors.

That takes care of the “impact” starters at Scranton, at least right now. When we get to Jersey, we’ll see some more familiar faces who will be in Pennsylvania before long.

All that leaves are the true relievers, and here again the talent is untested, mediocre and unpredictable.