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The Yankees signed three non-drafted free agents in Travis Hissong, Jake Hernandez, and Matt Marsh. In addition to them, the team has signed pitcher Mike Noreware and infielder Tyler Palmer to professional contracts as well.
Mike Noteware is a six-foot-one, 185 pound right-handed pitcher out of Lewis & Clark State College. He suffered a shoulder injury that sidelined him for most of the 2013 season, but pitched to a 2.16 ERA with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 74/22 in 2014, while commanding four pitches. He went undrafted as a senior, however the Yankees came calling after the draft was completed, while the Giants and Cardinals also showed interest.
As a top rated prospect out of high school, Tyler Palmer was drafted in the fourth round of the 2011 MLB Draft. Unfortunately, he suffered from a freak accident when he punched a window and sliced up the nerves and tendons in his throwing hand. Originally told he would never be able to play baseball again, after three surgeries he's regained feeling in his arm and has experienced some tingling in his hand. Still, the middle infielder isn't as sharp in the field as he once was and has had to play the outfield. He also had to give up switch-hitting so he is now exclusively a right-handed hitter.
On the positive side, the six-foot, 175 pounder says he has no trouble hitting and has been described by Baseball America as an "above-average runner," an "instinctive outfielder," who could be a real game-changer if he can hit consistently. He also just missed winning the league triple crown in 2013, but did win the MVP Award. He has already started playing in the FSL League where they are giving him a chance at shortstop.
This sounds extremely bizarre, but it makes sense for the type of upside he once had. Give him a shot to show he can be something close to a fourth-round pick and see what happens. It could be an interesting story to watch.
*It should also be noted that there is another Tyler Palmer who was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels out of the 21st round of the MLB Draft. He also attended the University of Miami and wore the No. 9 and is a middle infielder. They have different birthdays though.