Yankees Prospect Interview: Corey Black

Corey Black was drafted in the 4th round of the 2012 MLB Draft and he's shot through the system as a starter. In his first professional season he went from Rookie Ball all the way to Low-A and now he plays for High-A Tampa in 2013. He struck out 11 batters per nine innings at Charleston and has continued that trend in Tampa with a 10.1 K/9. Corey was nice enough to answer a few questions about his Yankee career and how he pitches for Pinstriped Bible.

What was it like going through three levels in one season last year? Was it difficult to adapt to multiple levels or was it no big deal?

Going through the three lower levels last year wasn't as big of a difference as I thought. From Low-A to High-A has been a much bigger jump than all three levels last year.

Have you altered anything in your game in 2013 from 2012?

Altered a lot actually. Have been really trying to work on not throwing across my body so much.

What is the strongest part of your game?

The strongest part of my game is my feel for the game, knowing the situations and what I need to do

What has been the best moment of your professional career so far?

Throwing the five hitless innings in Daytona has been my best moment so far.

You're striking out 10.1 batters per nine innings, how are you managing to accomplish that feat?

I've been trying to strike everyone out this year, that's why that number is so high. But that also brings up the walks, which is something I'm not happy about at all.

How do you approach left-handed hitters differently than right-handed hitters?

I've moved to the first base side of the mound so my ball has naturally tailed more away from lefties and has been coming into righties more. When the ball is up I have given up a lot of bloop hits to righties even if the ball is off the plate.

You can follow Corey Black throughout the season and on Twitter @CblackNYY