Next In Line - Starting Right Handed Pitchers (AAA)

With pitching being key to success in the big leagues, it's important to keep the farm system stocked with replacements. This is what kept the Yankees together last season, we were able to bring up the likes of Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes with success and give guys such as Chase Wright and Tyler Clippard a taste of the big leagues.
AAA Scranton
The First name to get to know, if you don't already, is Alan Horne. Horne is expected to be in New York sometime before 2010, though it is likely he will get a legit look next year. Alan ran under the radar for some time, being overshadowed by the likes of Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and Joba Chamberlain. Now that those guys are up in the big leagues, Horne is the center of attention at the minor league level, and rightfully so. Horne started his career at the University of Mississippi where he played for 2 seasons before transferring to the University of Florida for 1 year before being selected by the Yankees in the 11th Round of the 2005 Draft. Horne put up good numbers at both colleges, but was limited to 17 games in 2 years, due to Tommy John surgery his sophomore season. He had a high ERA but that is likely due to the fact that he didnt pitch in enough games to get a chance to lower it from a bad game. During his season at Florida, Horne was given more of an opportunity to pitch, as he was given the ball 19 times that season. He went 10-2 that season with a slightly high ERA but the Yankees were impressed enough with his record and potentional to take him in the 11th Round. Once he hit the Minors, he had a slightly rough first year, but turned it around in his 2nd year. Now in his 3rd Year in the Yankee system, Horne is the ace of the Scranton rotation. He is just coming off the DL with a slight injury, but should respond nicely. Horne features a 4-seam fastball that is in the 92-95 mph range. He also possesses a plus power curve, giving him two plus pitches. He also throws an above average slider and changeup. He has great command on his fastball with very good location.
Another name to get familiar with is Jeffrey Marquez. Marquez is having a tough time currently in 2008, which is the reason he has not been called up as expected. He is expected to now take another year in Scranton before getting a legit chance at the Major League level. Marquez was drafted in the 1st Round Supplemental in 2004 out of Sacramento College and is now 22 years old, making him young for the AAA level. Which is probably why there isn't much concern with his rocky first half of 2008. Marquez is without a doubt a fastball pitcher as he relies strongly on his 4-seam and 2-seam fastballs. He has alot of sink on his fastballs, but not Chien Ming Wang like. His secondary pitch is his changeup which is still developing, and also has an average to above average curveball. He has always has great movement with his pitching and his command is steadily improving and is close to being a strong point.
These two are the most likely to get call-ups and noone really seems to jump out in Scranton as a big time prosepect, though there are several other quality arms in Scranton. Currently in Scranton, there is a shakeup and alot of starters are being converted to relievers, which is why Steven White is not discussed here.