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