pinstripepress

Good morning fans - today I wanted to take some time to talk about a couple of intriguing prospects on the farm. These guys could factor into the mix as early as this season depending on the level of their progress, but either way, it’s exciting to talk about. One may may an impact on the rotation, and the other could add some juice to the already young-ridden bullpen which began to establish itself last year.

Andrew Brackman, drafted in the first round in 07′, is built like a power-forward and listed at 6′10″/240 lbs - that’s a big boy. The right-hander just turned 23-years-old, overcoming a devastating Tommy John surgery, which delayed his debut in the Bronx. He worked hard to rehab the arm, and after getting some work in at winter-ball, he reminded the organization of his dominant stuff. Supposedly he was lighting up the radar-gun at 94-97 mph, with a knuckle-curve and a “work-in-progress” changeup. It sounds like he needs to harnace his control a bit before he gets a real shot, which is never easy with a guy this tall. Remember, Randy Johnson took a while before he started dominating in the majors, I mean you have to learn how to consistently control your mechanics on the mound. There also has to be a certain patience exhibited with minor-league players (which there hardly ever is here in New York), because it’s quite rare that a prospect emerges in an instant like Joba Chamberlain.

Next up is Mark Melancon, a right-handed reliever who some say could be the next closer in pinstripes. He too dealt with the very well-known Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the 07′ season. However, he came back with a vengeance in 08′, putting up enticing numbers at all three minor-league levels (combining for a 2.45 ERA with 89 strikeouts in 95 innings and only 22 walks). He’s got a fastball that could reach the mid-90’s with a power-curve, and many say that he could be the closest to making an impact on the major-league roster. If all goes well, this could make the decision easier to leave Joba in the rotation, providing depth and an overabundance of youth in the Yankee bullpen. This guy is pretty intimidating in the picture, I sure would not want to stare down at him in the box:

So whether these two are ready to be called up or not, it still makes for great discussion over the next few months leading up to the 09′ season. Maybe we end up having a nice combination of newly-signed veterans, role-players, and home-grown talent like the old days? A concept that I tend to dream about.

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