Here is John’s list:

All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change.

Joba Chamberlain, RHP, Grade A
Jose Tabata, OF, Grade B+
Ian Kennedy, RHP, Grade B+
Alan Horne, RHP, Grade B
Austin Jackson, OF, Grade B-
Bradley Suttle, 3B, Grade B-
Dellin Betances, RHP, Grade B-
Austin Romine, C, Grade B- (hate grading guys who haven’t played yet, could be C+)
Jesus Montero, C, Grade C+ (borderline B-)
Dan McCutchen, RHP, Grade C+
Brett Gardner, OF, Grade C+
Damon Sublett, 2B, Grade C+ (love this guy)
Andrew Brackman, RHP, Grade C+ (could slot anywhere from 9 to 20 depending on what you want to emphasize)
Jeffrey Marquez, RHP, Grade C+
George Kontos, RHP, Grade C+
Kevin Whelan, RHP, Grade C+ (check those K/IP and H/IP, but command?)
Frank Cervelli, C, Grade C+ (great glove, bat?)
David Robertson, RHP, Grade C+ (stunning numbers)
Jairo Heredia, RHP, Grade C+
Zach McAllister, RHP, Grade C+

Other C+ grades include Jon Albaladejo, Michael Dunn, Juan Miranda, and Justin Snyder. And there are several Grade C guys that I like but want to see more from before giving them higher grades. There are a total of 38 Yankees prospects in the book.

As usual, the C+ guys are pretty much interchangeable and can be moved up or down depending on what you are looking for. Remember to check the post below this one if you want to know more about what the grades mean.

Here’s is John’s explanation of his grading system:

GRADES AND WHAT THEY MEAN

Grade A prospects are the elite. They have a good chance of becoming stars or superstars. Almost all Grade A prospects develop into major league regulars, if injuries or other problems don’t intervene. Note that is a major “if” in some cases.

Grade B prospects have a good chance to enjoy successful careers. Some will develop into stars, some will not. Most end up spending several years in the majors, at the very least in a marginal role.

Grade C prospects are the most common type. These are guys who have something positive going for them, but who may have a question mark or three, or who are just too far away from the majors to get an accurate feel for. A few Grade C guys, especially at the lower levels, do develop into stars. Many end up as role players or bench guys. Some don’t make it at all.

A major point to remember is that grades for pitchers do NOT correspond directly to grades for hitters. Many Grade A pitching prospects fail to develop, often due to injuries. Some Grade C pitching prospects turn out much better than expected.

Also note that there is diversity within each category. I’m a tough grader; Grade C+ is actually good praise coming from me, and some C+ prospects turn out very well indeed.

Finally, keep in mind that all grades are shorthand. You have to read the full comment for my full opinion about a player, the letter grade only tells you so much. A Grade C prospect in rookie ball could end up being very impressive, while a Grade C prospect in Triple-A is likely just a future role player.

You can also pre-order John’s 2008 Baseball Prospect Book which will ship the first Monday in February.

John also wrote a player profile on pitcher Alan Horne which is linked here.

I thought it would be fun to post Kevin Goldstein’s Yankee prospect list from BP as well so you can compare how two of the “experts” in the field feel:

Five-Star Prospects
1. Joba Chamberlain, RHP

Four-Star Prospects
2. Ian Kennedy, RHP
3. Austin Jackson, OF
4. Jose Tabata, OF
5. Alan Horne, RHP

Three-Star Prospects
6. Dellin Betances, RHP
7. Jesus Montero, C
8. Andrew Brackman, RHP
9. Edwar Ramirez, RHP
10. Kelvin DeLeon, OF
Two-Star Prospects
11. Humberto Sanchez, RHP

Just Missing: Frank Cervelli, C; Jeff Marquez, RHP; Ross Ohlendorf, RHP; Brad Suttle, 3B

So both have the same players in the top five - Chamberlain, Tabata, Kennedy, Jackson and Horne. Interesting. No mention of Humberto Sanchez from Sickels. It can’t be due to the fact that Sanchez had Tommy John surgery last year. Andrew Brackman had the same operation and he’s ranked by Sickels.

Is there a player you think is ranked too high or low in either Sickel’s or Goldstein’s list? Did they leave anyone out?