MLB

DUNCAN’S PATH TO BIG LEAGUES HITS ROADBLOCK

First baseman Eric Duncan was the Yankees’ top-rated prospect three years ago. Now he’s not even the top-rated Duncan at his position.

After being the Yankees first-round pick in 2003, and being named the team’s top prospect by Baseball America in 2005, Duncan failed to make BA’s top 30 list this year. While part of that is renewed emphasis on the farm system, Duncan, a former star at Seton Hall Prep, has not lived up to expectations.

Duncan, who is 5-for-21 (.238) this year at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Triple-A), had the choice of either playing at LSU or signing with the Yankees. Would college ball have been the better choice?

“I’m guessing you ask that because I haven’t made the big leagues,” Duncan said. “But I’ve made Triple-A at 21, gotten to work with great coaches and trainers that I couldn’t have otherwise, and I’m one phone call away from my dream.

“So, no, I don’t regret my decision at all.”

Duncan’s highest point as a pro came in winning MVP honors in the Arizona Fall League in 2005. Since then he has made four trips to the disabled list because of hand and back injuries.

Nevertheless, a scout who has followed Duncan since high school said he felt Duncan may have been rushed following his AFL performance.

“Once he got into the pros, I think they kind of rushed him,” the scout said. “As kids come through the system, especially hitters, they need a certain amount of at-bats in the minor leagues. It’s just a natural progression from level to level, and being rushed you don’t get to make those (necessary) adjustments.”

Yankees vice president of baseball operations Mark Newman didn’t rule out Duncan being moved up the ladder too quickly, but defended the organization’s decisions.

“He’s been one of the younger players in the league a lot, so he’s been challenged,” Newman said. “But I don’t know if the pace that he was moved through the organization is any different than it was before (his AFL performance), or ever changed.

“Every time we moved him, it was because we said, ‘Hey, this guy is performing.’ His performance has been good, not great, but we think he’s got that in him.”

With the Yankees’ decision to leave him off the 40-man roster last offseason, and available for the Rule 5 Draft, Duncan’s future as a Yankee looks shaky. Shelley Duncan, sent down to Scranton this past week, already has played at first in The Bronx this season. The scout said he thinks Eric Duncan likely will have to leave the organization to reach the majors.

“He’s a power hitter, and I would just tend to think if he goes to another organization, maybe someone makes an adjustment, and maybe he could blossom,” the scout said.

“I’ll give you an example – look at Carlos Pena. What’s the difference between him in Triple-A in Columbus (in 2006) and now? I doubt he’s doing a whole lot differently. Sometimes it’s just getting the opportunity to show what you can do.”

It’s clear 2008 may be Duncan’s last chance to make a statement in the Yankees organization. With Jason Giambi’s contract going away after this season, a big season with SWB in 2008 could launch Duncan into the conversation about Giambi’s replacement.

“I don’t feel any added pressure,” Duncan said of playing well this season. “I’m not worried about next year. If I do what I’m capable of tonight and what I’m capable of tomorrow, next year will take care of itself.”

tbontemps@nypost.com