Deivi Mendez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Yankees #28 prospect in 2003
  A holdup at the U.S. consulate in the Dominican Republic couldn't have come at a worse time for Mendez. An influx of middle-infield talent including Robinson Cano, Ferdin Tejada and Joaquin Arias pushed him down the Yankees' depth chart as he missed all of spring training and showed up out of shape. Nagging injuries hampered his progress throughout 2002, and he never really got untracked. The good news is that Mendez' date of birth didn't change, which means he's still younger than Cano and Tejada. After the season, the Yankees put him in a special conditioning program at their Dominican academy. He has a chance to develop into a plus defender with a strong arm. Offensively, the ball jumps off his bat to the alleys. He'll need to regroup and make up for lost time in 2003.
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  Ranked New York Yankees #14 prospect in 2002
  The system is stocked with shortstops, but Mendez is nearly five years younger than Erick Almonte, and he's nine months younger than Ferdin Tejada, who will make his U.S. debut this year after finishing first and second in hitting in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League in the last two years. Expectations were sky-high for Mendez after he hit .300 and ranked as the Gulf Coast League's No. 3 prospect in 2000. But a leap to a full-season league at age 18 proved to be unrealistic last year, as he struggled before a demotion to Staten Island in the second half. He pulled his hamstring in August and didn't return until the postseason. Though he didn't display it last season, Mendez can drive the ball into the gaps and his power should improve as he matures physically. He's blessed with a well above-average arm and natural shortstop actions in the field. He has good range up the middle and in the hole, but he runs a tick below average. The Yankees rushed Mendez last season and he should return to low Class A Greensboro for a full season.
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  Ranked New York Yankees #8 prospect in 2001
  Mendez is the fourth shortstop among the Yankees' top eight prospects, and he has the best defensive tools of the bunch. He was 16 when he made his pro debut last summer, though he had no trouble in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and finished up as the league's No. 3 prospect. Mendez is unbelievably polished for a shortstop so young. His hands, range and arm are all plus tools. Not only that, but he also showed hitting ability, gap power and the willingness to take a walk. As he develops physically, his penchant for doubles may translate into decent over-the-fence power. Mendez will need to tone down his strikeouts, but his youth and knowledge of the strike zone bode well for his ability to do so. He also must improve his defensive consistency, but the main thing he needs is experience. At 17, it's unlikely he'll be sent to a full-season league in 2001. If he advances one level a year, he would reach New York in 2006, when he'll be 22 and Jeter will be 31.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Florida Complex League #3 prospect in 2000
  At 17, Mendez hit a hard .300 and was hailed as the best defensive shortstop in the league. "He's an exceptional fielder with excellent hands and range, and a great feel for the position," Yankees manager Derek Shelton said. "He reacts well. He knows when to stay back on balls and when to come and get them." Mendez is a good gap hitter and slammed 20 doubles, one off the GCL lead. If he fills out his lanky frame, those balls may eventually turn into home runs.

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  At 17, Mendez hit a hard .300 and was hailed as the best defensive shortstop in the league. "He's an exceptional fielder with excellent hands and range, and a great feel for the position," Yankees manager Derek Shelton said. "He reacts well. He knows when to stay back on balls and when to come and get them." Mendez is a good gap hitter and slammed 20 doubles, one off the GCL lead. If he fills out his lanky frame, those balls may eventually turn into home runs.