The 6th Round Selection, 200th Overall Pick: Brett Marshall (HS)
Backround: 6'' 186 lbs. Right Handed Started Pitcher
High School: Had gone completely unnoticed until his senior year when he added 10mph to his fastball. Was rated overall 87th in draft (so basically we got a steal with the 200th selection)
Marshall went 9-1, 2.33 this spring with 84 K’s in 67 innings, while also hitting .500.
College: Broke his commitment to College Baseball Powerhouse Rice to sign with New York.
His Stuff: He tops out with a 97 mph 4-seam fastball (Gerrit Cole who?) and is considered a plus pitch already. His slider was characterized as a "knock out pitch" which he uses to bolster his strikeout numbers. He also throws a wicked splitter around 91 mph. His circle changeup rounds out his plus pitches. The ball seems to jump out of his hands coming out easily and he attacks hitters with his fast pace.
Needs To Improve On: His delivery. Not quite consistant, which is ok since he is only 18 and he won't be rushed through the system thanks to a deep farm system.
Love the Attitude: Says if it was any other team, he'd be in college right now.
My Take: Love the pick. I'm normally not a big fan of taking high schoolers, esp pitchers, but in the 6th Round the kid was a huge steal. He'll have as much time as needed to make his way through the system, but gauging our current Yankee starters' ages and such, we may see Brett in NY around 2013 making him 23 years old.
GCL Life: Brett has started 2 games, with serious pitch counts. His 1st game he was only allowed 1 inning where he struck out 1, had 1 groundout, 1 flyout and 1 walk. His second outing gave him 2 innings, with 1 hit and 3 strikeouts. So far, total 3 innings, 4 strikeouts, 1 walk, 1 hit, no runs.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Yankees Sign Bleich, No Go On Cole and Bittle
The Yankees have come to terms with sandwich pick Jeremy Bleich, LHP from Stanford, last night 2 hours before the signing deadline. Bleich's deal was a signing bonus of $700,000, well under the $863,000 slot. It was believed since the deal was taking so long that it would be above slot, that proved to be false. Bleich, however, made a huge mistake by not signing earler. It is widely believed that he is now the top LHP prospect in the Yankees's system. If he had signed earlier, he could be in Charleston or Tampa right now. With Andy Pettite close to retirement and the Yankees with only unproven Chase Wright, Bleich could have flown to the minors on Joba pace and taken Pettite's spot in 2 years. Now the lefty will most likely head to Staten Island and hope to begin next year in Tampa rather than Charleston.
Gerrit Cole, 17 year old RHP, the Yankees 1st Round Pick chose to attend UCLA over signing with the Yankees. Cole had made it clear before the draft that he wanted to play pro, but on draft day got cold feet and had a change of heart. The Yankees will receive a 1st Round Compensation Pick in 2009.
Right handed Closer Scott Bittle, the Yankees' 2nd Round Pick also went unsigned. A physical showed wear and tear on his throwing shoulder and the Yankees wanted him to take less money because of that. Bittle countered with multiple doctor reports, including 1 by Dr. Andrews, showing that he was indeed fine. Bittle desperately wanted to sign with the Yankees, but they were convinced by the initial report and gave a reported much lower than slot offer. The Yankees will receive a Compensation Pick in the 2nd Round of the 2009 draft.
I wish Bleich would have signed a month ago, first so we could see how his heeled injury was and so he could move through the system quicker. He played in the Power House PAC-10 for 3 years and is no doubt a guy that won't have to stay in the farm for a long period of time, but he may have given Chase Wright a slight edge, as he is already in Scranton.
As far as Cole, I was never big on that pick. He is often characterizerized as immature, selfish and a horrible teammate. I also have a real problem with his "sudden" change of heart that occured just after it was released that he was seeking $7 million. My take is, he got rejected on the $7 million and the Yankees are clearly not going to give a 17 year old a Major League Contract, so like the big baby he is, he refused to hear any other offer. Jokes on you Cole. It is believed by most, including me, that Cole had the most to lose by going to college. He is headed to UCLA, a school with a lackluster team, which about guarentees he will not even come close to the first round when he is eligable again. Also, the fuss about Cole was he had the strongest high school arm, after college 90% of the competition will have caught up to him. My guess is the highest he goes is 3rd Round, but I doubt it.
I really feel for Bittle. I love this kid and his incredible arm. Looking at his workload this past season, I don't see where they are getting this injury stuff. Plus, even Dr. Andrews, the guru of MLB injuries, gave Bittle a clean bill of health. Bittle is said to have been willing to take the slot offer and he would have been an incredible addition to our pen. Best of luck to Bittle at Ole Miss and I hope to see him in pinstripes someday.
Pinstriped As Always,
Laura
Gerrit Cole, 17 year old RHP, the Yankees 1st Round Pick chose to attend UCLA over signing with the Yankees. Cole had made it clear before the draft that he wanted to play pro, but on draft day got cold feet and had a change of heart. The Yankees will receive a 1st Round Compensation Pick in 2009.
Right handed Closer Scott Bittle, the Yankees' 2nd Round Pick also went unsigned. A physical showed wear and tear on his throwing shoulder and the Yankees wanted him to take less money because of that. Bittle countered with multiple doctor reports, including 1 by Dr. Andrews, showing that he was indeed fine. Bittle desperately wanted to sign with the Yankees, but they were convinced by the initial report and gave a reported much lower than slot offer. The Yankees will receive a Compensation Pick in the 2nd Round of the 2009 draft.
I wish Bleich would have signed a month ago, first so we could see how his heeled injury was and so he could move through the system quicker. He played in the Power House PAC-10 for 3 years and is no doubt a guy that won't have to stay in the farm for a long period of time, but he may have given Chase Wright a slight edge, as he is already in Scranton.
As far as Cole, I was never big on that pick. He is often characterizerized as immature, selfish and a horrible teammate. I also have a real problem with his "sudden" change of heart that occured just after it was released that he was seeking $7 million. My take is, he got rejected on the $7 million and the Yankees are clearly not going to give a 17 year old a Major League Contract, so like the big baby he is, he refused to hear any other offer. Jokes on you Cole. It is believed by most, including me, that Cole had the most to lose by going to college. He is headed to UCLA, a school with a lackluster team, which about guarentees he will not even come close to the first round when he is eligable again. Also, the fuss about Cole was he had the strongest high school arm, after college 90% of the competition will have caught up to him. My guess is the highest he goes is 3rd Round, but I doubt it.
I really feel for Bittle. I love this kid and his incredible arm. Looking at his workload this past season, I don't see where they are getting this injury stuff. Plus, even Dr. Andrews, the guru of MLB injuries, gave Bittle a clean bill of health. Bittle is said to have been willing to take the slot offer and he would have been an incredible addition to our pen. Best of luck to Bittle at Ole Miss and I hope to see him in pinstripes someday.
Pinstriped As Always,
Laura
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Chris Smith - 5th Round: 170th Overall Pick
Chris Smith - OF 5th Round, 170th Overall Pick (Centennial HS) - Broke commitment to USC to sign with New York
Chris Smith
6'' 190 lbs
Bats: Left Handed
Throws: Left Handed
Position: Left Field - can also play 1st Base
A Geniune Good Kid
Chris Smith is one of those guys you want to see make it to majors, a guy who could be a role model for the fans and for teammates. In his high school days, Smith took on the role of mentor to his younger teammates, helping them on and off the field, as well as helping the general youth in Compton, California.
High School Days:
Note: No, this is not a mad stretch of typos
.708 average, 12 homers in 20 games, 1.361 slugging percentage, OPS: 2.105 You want more? He struck out just 3 times in 72 at bats. He also stole 24 bases out of 26 attempts.
He also played Quarterback for the football team and Point Guard for the basketball team - so he knows how to lead a team.
Summing up Smith
Great athleticism. Smith can and will run all over teams, stealing bases and working the hit and run. Obviously with those numbers, the kid can hit with some incredible power. Striking out only 3 times out of 72 at bats tells me he also is great with making contact, along with having the aforementioned pop. Smith is strong defensively, the best spot for him is in Left Field, but you have to love those Lefty OF's that can also play 1st Base.
GCL
Not really playing well up to date, but as I keep saying in previous posts and will continue to say, especially in high schoolers, but generally young players in their 1st MiLB season always seem to hit a wall, even in GCL. They are now pitching against not only the best former high school seniors, but keep in mind, Andrew Brackman, who was the Yankees 1st Round Pick last season and a college junior was headed there until they decided on surgery. So he is facing alot more talent then he ever has and he is really just getting his feet wet. That being said, he is hitting only .143, 8 RBIs, 1 stolen base, with 24 strikeouts. Also, one of the first to sign, he has had more time than most there to get acclamated.
My Take
I have heard the 5th Round was a reach on Smith and I didn't quite see that with the numbers he had in high school. However, that is an extremely bad start even if you take his age, experience, and surrounding talent into consideration. I wouldn't start calling it a bad pick yet, let's see how he responds after 1 year in the pros, since he is only 18 we can afford to do that here. As far as when to expect him in the majors, right now I'd say he would be in the minors at least until 2014 (Age 24-25), but with how poorly he is performing, I wouldn't be surprised if it took longer as he may need a 2nd year in GCL.
NEXT UP: 6th Round Pick BRETT MARSHALL (RHP) - be sure to check this one out, as he is one of the more highly regarded picks
Pinstriped As Always,
Laura
Chris Smith
6'' 190 lbs
Bats: Left Handed
Throws: Left Handed
Position: Left Field - can also play 1st Base
A Geniune Good Kid
Chris Smith is one of those guys you want to see make it to majors, a guy who could be a role model for the fans and for teammates. In his high school days, Smith took on the role of mentor to his younger teammates, helping them on and off the field, as well as helping the general youth in Compton, California.
High School Days:
Note: No, this is not a mad stretch of typos
.708 average, 12 homers in 20 games, 1.361 slugging percentage, OPS: 2.105 You want more? He struck out just 3 times in 72 at bats. He also stole 24 bases out of 26 attempts.
He also played Quarterback for the football team and Point Guard for the basketball team - so he knows how to lead a team.
Summing up Smith
Great athleticism. Smith can and will run all over teams, stealing bases and working the hit and run. Obviously with those numbers, the kid can hit with some incredible power. Striking out only 3 times out of 72 at bats tells me he also is great with making contact, along with having the aforementioned pop. Smith is strong defensively, the best spot for him is in Left Field, but you have to love those Lefty OF's that can also play 1st Base.
GCL
Not really playing well up to date, but as I keep saying in previous posts and will continue to say, especially in high schoolers, but generally young players in their 1st MiLB season always seem to hit a wall, even in GCL. They are now pitching against not only the best former high school seniors, but keep in mind, Andrew Brackman, who was the Yankees 1st Round Pick last season and a college junior was headed there until they decided on surgery. So he is facing alot more talent then he ever has and he is really just getting his feet wet. That being said, he is hitting only .143, 8 RBIs, 1 stolen base, with 24 strikeouts. Also, one of the first to sign, he has had more time than most there to get acclamated.
My Take
I have heard the 5th Round was a reach on Smith and I didn't quite see that with the numbers he had in high school. However, that is an extremely bad start even if you take his age, experience, and surrounding talent into consideration. I wouldn't start calling it a bad pick yet, let's see how he responds after 1 year in the pros, since he is only 18 we can afford to do that here. As far as when to expect him in the majors, right now I'd say he would be in the minors at least until 2014 (Age 24-25), but with how poorly he is performing, I wouldn't be surprised if it took longer as he may need a 2nd year in GCL.
NEXT UP: 6th Round Pick BRETT MARSHALL (RHP) - be sure to check this one out, as he is one of the more highly regarded picks
Pinstriped As Always,
Laura
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Corban Joseph - 4th Round: 106th Overall Pick
Corban Joseph - Shortstop (Franklin HS) - broke commitment to Kentucky to sign with New York.
Overview
After signing quickly with the Yankees, Corban got off to a slow start, but has regained his form and is taking the Farm by storm. 2007 Draftee Carmen Angelini is the front runner to replace Derek Jeter when it comes time for him to hang up his spikes, but Angelini has struggled and if Corban can maintain his surge...you get the point.
Corban at Age 18
Corban is 6" 168 pounds. Still a youngster at age 18, he has the time to bulk up, which he needs to do before taking the next step. I'd like to see Corban, if he doesn't grow any taller, to make his way up to 180-195 pounds (the extra weight in muscle of course). As a shortstop, Corban doesn't have to be huge, but he needs to add muscle to his wirey high school frame and add weight to make himself more durable to hold up to the rigorous MLB schedule.
Corban's High School Days
Corban was one of the top high school players in the nation, not just at shortstop, but overall. He showed scouts and opponents strong defense and a sweet swing.
Corban: Hitter Extrodinare
Not really known for having quick feet, Corban more than makes up for that with his freakish ability to make contact, only striking out 5 times his senior year in which he hit .510, 15 HR and 58 RBIs. Those are extraordinary numbers for a high school player.
Compared To
Yes believe it...Alex Rodriguez. ARod is one of the few shortstops who hit for power, both are comparable in the field, and both can hit for average and still rip the cover off the ball. Even though Corban was drafted 3 rounds after ARod was, don't read into that, that was because he had a strong commitment to play at Kentucky and teams were scared how much that would cost.
What I Like
I love this kid's pure ability and hitting to all fields. He is, in my opinion, a better pick than out 1st Rounder Gerrit Cole, who by the way is still unsigned and its looking doubtful he will don the pinstripes. He also a frame that will allow him to grow as he makes his way up the farm. He will likely soon make a debut on my Top 25 Prospects, especially if he continues to outplay Mr. Angelini...
What the Yankees Like
His ability to make adjustments after each pitch, which most guys don't learn until they make it to AA or AAA. The team also loves that he is such a power source at a position that isn't known for power hitting. Not only can Corban smash the ball, he also hits for average to all fields. They also love how polished the 18 year old is and how well he has adjusted to pro ball.
Speaking of Which...
As I said, Corban, like many youngsters, experienced a slow start but has really turned it up. Corban's last 10 games have him hitting .379, yes you read that right, 6 extra base hits, including a homerun and a triple. His overall stats have went up to a .293 average, 2 homeruns, 14 RBI, 19 extra base hits, including 2 triples.
My Expected Debut Year:
Tough to call since he is so young, but I like how he is adjusting, I would guess in the 2012-2014 range, keep in mind Mr. Jeter isn't going anywhere anytime soon so Corban, like Angelini won't be rushed. If he makes his debut in 2012 he will be 22 years old and Angelini will be 23. The future looks bright.
Next Up: 5th Rounder CHRIS SMITH
Pinstriped As Always,
Laura
Overview
After signing quickly with the Yankees, Corban got off to a slow start, but has regained his form and is taking the Farm by storm. 2007 Draftee Carmen Angelini is the front runner to replace Derek Jeter when it comes time for him to hang up his spikes, but Angelini has struggled and if Corban can maintain his surge...you get the point.
Corban at Age 18
Corban is 6" 168 pounds. Still a youngster at age 18, he has the time to bulk up, which he needs to do before taking the next step. I'd like to see Corban, if he doesn't grow any taller, to make his way up to 180-195 pounds (the extra weight in muscle of course). As a shortstop, Corban doesn't have to be huge, but he needs to add muscle to his wirey high school frame and add weight to make himself more durable to hold up to the rigorous MLB schedule.
Corban's High School Days
Corban was one of the top high school players in the nation, not just at shortstop, but overall. He showed scouts and opponents strong defense and a sweet swing.
Corban: Hitter Extrodinare
Not really known for having quick feet, Corban more than makes up for that with his freakish ability to make contact, only striking out 5 times his senior year in which he hit .510, 15 HR and 58 RBIs. Those are extraordinary numbers for a high school player.
Compared To
Yes believe it...Alex Rodriguez. ARod is one of the few shortstops who hit for power, both are comparable in the field, and both can hit for average and still rip the cover off the ball. Even though Corban was drafted 3 rounds after ARod was, don't read into that, that was because he had a strong commitment to play at Kentucky and teams were scared how much that would cost.
What I Like
I love this kid's pure ability and hitting to all fields. He is, in my opinion, a better pick than out 1st Rounder Gerrit Cole, who by the way is still unsigned and its looking doubtful he will don the pinstripes. He also a frame that will allow him to grow as he makes his way up the farm. He will likely soon make a debut on my Top 25 Prospects, especially if he continues to outplay Mr. Angelini...
What the Yankees Like
His ability to make adjustments after each pitch, which most guys don't learn until they make it to AA or AAA. The team also loves that he is such a power source at a position that isn't known for power hitting. Not only can Corban smash the ball, he also hits for average to all fields. They also love how polished the 18 year old is and how well he has adjusted to pro ball.
Speaking of Which...
As I said, Corban, like many youngsters, experienced a slow start but has really turned it up. Corban's last 10 games have him hitting .379, yes you read that right, 6 extra base hits, including a homerun and a triple. His overall stats have went up to a .293 average, 2 homeruns, 14 RBI, 19 extra base hits, including 2 triples.
My Expected Debut Year:
Tough to call since he is so young, but I like how he is adjusting, I would guess in the 2012-2014 range, keep in mind Mr. Jeter isn't going anywhere anytime soon so Corban, like Angelini won't be rushed. If he makes his debut in 2012 he will be 22 years old and Angelini will be 23. The future looks bright.
Next Up: 5th Rounder CHRIS SMITH
Pinstriped As Always,
Laura
Friday, August 8, 2008
David Adams - 3rd Round 106th Pick
David Adams was the Yankees 3rd Round Pick and the MLB Draft's 106th Overall Pick.
David Adams - 6''2 210 pounds Right Handed
Adams was a second baseman from the University of Virginia where he experienced great success, hitting well above .300 all 3 years at Virginia. Adams showed a powerful bat at times but is still strenghing his swing, making it a quicker and shorter stroke.
So far, Adams, one of the first draft picks to sign, is seeing time at both 2nd base and shortstop in Staten Island. Second is probably the best fit for him as it was his college position and shortstop is a loaded position in the Yankees farm. The Yankees love his power gap hitting, his baseball IQ and instincts, and how polished Adams is. David is a hard nosed player who will outwork everyone around him. Hitting wise, like I said, pretty good power, hits to that gaps extremely well, makes great contact. Baserunning, pretty decent speed, will steal bases but not Jose Reyes type. He is comparable to a guy like Cano. Fielding wise, he is very good, not much will get by Adams, not a cannon arm, but in his position, not very necessary.
Often Compared to: Jeff Kent
So far in Staten Island:
Hitting well below what he is capable of, a meager .273. But keep in mind it is not uncommon at all for guys, esp those who did not play 4 years of college ball, to hit a wall during their first year of the minors. The difference between college ball and A Ball is huge, the guys are faster, stronger, and the pitchers are typically 1st through 10th round college stars. Has hit 3 round trippers with 18 RBI's. His weakness is really just having quality at bats. He is striking out much more than he is walking, so that tells me that he is either over anxious at the plate or just not seeing the ball well. He is performing well defensively and just needs to show the offense he is capable of.
I still love this pick, who knows how Cano will work out for us, would be nice to have a solid offensive second baseman, ya know, just in case.
NEXT BLOG: 4th Rounder: CORBAN JOSEPH (SS) GCL Yankees
Pinstriped As Always,
Laura
David Adams - 6''2 210 pounds Right Handed
Adams was a second baseman from the University of Virginia where he experienced great success, hitting well above .300 all 3 years at Virginia. Adams showed a powerful bat at times but is still strenghing his swing, making it a quicker and shorter stroke.
So far, Adams, one of the first draft picks to sign, is seeing time at both 2nd base and shortstop in Staten Island. Second is probably the best fit for him as it was his college position and shortstop is a loaded position in the Yankees farm. The Yankees love his power gap hitting, his baseball IQ and instincts, and how polished Adams is. David is a hard nosed player who will outwork everyone around him. Hitting wise, like I said, pretty good power, hits to that gaps extremely well, makes great contact. Baserunning, pretty decent speed, will steal bases but not Jose Reyes type. He is comparable to a guy like Cano. Fielding wise, he is very good, not much will get by Adams, not a cannon arm, but in his position, not very necessary.
Often Compared to: Jeff Kent
So far in Staten Island:
Hitting well below what he is capable of, a meager .273. But keep in mind it is not uncommon at all for guys, esp those who did not play 4 years of college ball, to hit a wall during their first year of the minors. The difference between college ball and A Ball is huge, the guys are faster, stronger, and the pitchers are typically 1st through 10th round college stars. Has hit 3 round trippers with 18 RBI's. His weakness is really just having quality at bats. He is striking out much more than he is walking, so that tells me that he is either over anxious at the plate or just not seeing the ball well. He is performing well defensively and just needs to show the offense he is capable of.
I still love this pick, who knows how Cano will work out for us, would be nice to have a solid offensive second baseman, ya know, just in case.
NEXT BLOG: 4th Rounder: CORBAN JOSEPH (SS) GCL Yankees
Pinstriped As Always,
Laura
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Update
I am currently working on a blog discussing the development of the 2008 Draft class as they are now enough games into their careers to discuss them. This blog should be up by Friday August 8th. Just giving you the heads so so noone thinks I abandoned the blog =)
Pinstriped as Always,
Laura
Pinstriped as Always,
Laura
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