Another Yanks-Rays Angle

by jscape2000 on Mar 13, 2008 12:30 PM EDT in New York Yankees News

John Harper of the Daily News has an interesting article up about 2007 first rounder and recent TJ recipient Andrew Brackman.

David Price made the splash of the spring so far, blowing away three straight Yankee hitters the other day with 98- and 99-mph fastballs. Anybody watching had to marvel at Price's ability...

"You saw what David Price did, right?" Cashman was saying Tuesday. "Well, up until April of last year, the question in the industry was who was going to be the No.1 pick, Price or Brackman.

"He wasn't even on our radar until the injury because he was going to go so high," Cashman said. "That allowed us to have a chance, and we knew he'd probably need Tommy John surgery, but we've had a history of success with guys who had it done, and there's a 92% success rate with it throughout baseball, so we decided to go ahead and take him.

From what I've read, Brackman (6'10") has decent mechanics, a 97 mph fastball, an MLB ready knuckle-curve, and a change-up that needs some work. His big problem going forward is avoiding further injuries (duh) and trimming his mechanics so they're more repeatable.

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Brackman

What Brackman needs more than anything else is innings. He just hasn't pitched much. I'd be happy w/ the Brackman signing and pick if it weren't for the ML contract that forces him to be on the 40-man roster. It will also be tempting to put him in a setup role in 2009 when he still ought to be learning how to pitch and building up some stamina.

Still, there wasn't anyone left in the draft with his potential. It would have been nice if Porcello had fallen to the Yankees, but you can't fault the Yankees for the pick.

by footballstu on Mar 13, 2008 7:33 PM EDT reply actions

Man

I draft day I kept watching teams not pick Porcello and I was screaming at the screen when the Tigers' pick went up.

I'm not a fan of the spot on the 40-man. It not only tempts the Yanks to rush him (which I don't think they'd do because they've been so careful with all their other pitchers), but it also burns his minor league options. I know that if he takes 4 years he'll be considered a bust anyways, but I just don't like the added pressure.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Mar 13, 2008 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions