Bullpen Banter has an excellent review of Yanks CF prospect Mason Williams here. Full of videos, gif’s and other pictures. Worth a visit. My favorite part:
Williams has some stand out physical gifts and has the potential to become a 5-tool center fielder. His plus bat speed and pretty, left-handed swing should lead to a high AVG with refinements in his approach. Even though his swing isn’t necessarily built for a whole lot of power he showed surprising pop in 2011 and should continue to improve in that area with physical maturation. Fringe average power is probably reachable if his body cooperates in adding muscle. His speed and athleticism add to all facets of his game – turning singles into extra base hits and making him a constant threat to swipe a bag. The speed also benefits him in the field where improved reads, jumps and routes would mean a plus defensive center fielder. If his development continues as expected Williams can become a speedy center fielder who is a dynamic threat at or near the top of the lineup. He possesses a well rounded skill set that can be very valuable to a major league team and he’s one of the more exciting up the middle talents in the lower minors.
Not sure if will help us get over the loss of Jesus Montero (please Michael Pineda, just kick some tail on the hill!), but setting our sights on young Williams will get us drooling once again about the next young Yanks non-catching, non-pitching prospect.
Sounds like the scouting reports I remember on another guy named Williams…
Sounds a little like austin jackson with more speed and power. Granderson's contract is up after 2013, wonder if he'll move quickly through the system, ETA is probably more around 2015 though.
It seems like the Yankees have some interesting talent in the low minors. They have another CF prospect by the name of Ravel Santana who is also pretty impressive in terms of raw tools. It will be interesting to find out if either can refine those tools as they move up the ladder.
Mason Williams, Slade Heathcott, and Ravel Santana all have lots of talent. Would love to see one of them really step up and shoot through the system so the Yankees don't have to sign a 33 year old Granderson to an extension when his contract is up.
Oh yeah, can you imagine an outfield with Gardner, Grandy, and Williams. Three CF in the same OF…. And fellows never fear, Pineda Is Here…. I would rather have him than King Felix, Hooray For Cashman You Are The Man…