Prospect of the Night

He may not be the eventual replacement for Mariano Rivera, but Eric Wordekemper is dominating Florida State League batters like his much more famous counterpart. The 6'1" right-hander has posted an amazing 0.63 ERA in 40 appearances, and has not allowed a run since May 27th. He's racked up 31 saves, and has a remarkable 29/9 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 43 innings pitched. The Yankees closer has also not allowed a home run.

Wordekemper, a 2005 pick from Creighton University, relies on a 4-seam fastball that tops out at 93 mph, but is usually closer to 90 mph. He also relies on a 2-seamer, a sinker, and began working with a splitter last year.

After 11 games split between the GCL and Staten Island in '05, Wordekemper spent the '06 season with the 'A' level Charleston River Dogs. Making 38 appearances, 4 of which were starts, Wordekemper put up some impressive numbers - 59 hits allowed in 78 innings, 21 walks, and 65 strikeouts. He only allowed 3 home runs while posting a 3-3 record, with a 1.73 ERA and 7 saves.

While he may not have closer stuff, it appears he could definitely be a big part of the the Yankees future plans for the bullpen.

photo courtesy of Scout.com

Prospect of the Night

He may not be the eventual replacement for Mariano Rivera, but Eric Wordekemper is dominating Florida State League batters like his much more famous counterpart. The 6'1" right-hander has posted an amazing 0.63 ERA in 40 appearances, and has not allowed a run since May 27th. He's racked up 31 saves, and has a remarkable 29/9 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 43 innings pitched. The Yankees closer has also not allowed a home run.

Wordekemper, a 2005 pick from Creighton University, relies on a 4-seam fastball that tops out at 93 mph, but is usually closer to 90 mph. He also relies on a 2-seamer, a sinker, and began working with a splitter last year.

After 11 games split between the GCL and Staten Island in '05, Wordekemper spent the '06 season with the 'A' level Charleston River Dogs. Making 38 appearances, 4 of which were starts, Wordekemper put up some impressive numbers - 59 hits allowed in 78 innings, 21 walks, and 65 strikeouts. He only allowed 3 home runs while posting a 3-3 record, with a 1.73 ERA and 7 saves.

While he may not have closer stuff, it appears he could definitely be a big part of the the Yankees future plans for the bullpen.

photo courtesy of Scout.com

Prospect of the Night

Joba Chamberlain, the Yankees 1st supplemental pick (41st overall) in 2006, earned a promotion to Double-A Trenton after dominating the Florida State League. Last night Chamberlain made an immediate impact on the Eastern League.

The 6'2", 230 pound (that might be kind) right-hander struck out 9 Connecticut Defenders, including the first six outs of the game. Chamberlain threw 88 pitches, 60 for strikes, in 5 innings of work. He limited Connecticut to 3 hits and walked 2.

"I felt good,'' Chamberlain said. "Early, I was locating (my pitches), and I think that was the difference in terms of my confidence. I threw a lot of pitches for strikes. I thought (catcher) Jason Brown did a good job of making me feel comfortable. I made pitches early, and that made things a lot easier.'' Chamberlain's fastball topped out at 96 mph.

Chamberlain, who attended U of Nebraska, was promoted after going 4-0, 2.03 ERA, and 51 strikeouts in 40 innings, at Single-A Tampa.

You can read more on Joba Chamberlain here.

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Mitch Hilligoss' hitting streak is a thing of the past. Brandon Watson of the Columbus Clippers (now a Nationals affliliate) surpassed Hilligoss' streak last night by hitting in his 39th consecutive game. Watson's streak is the longest in 46 years and 3 games shy of the International League record.

Prospect of the Night

Joba Chamberlain, the Yankees 1st supplemental pick (41st overall) in 2006, earned a promotion to Double-A Trenton after dominating the Florida State League. Last night Chamberlain made an immediate impact on the Eastern League.

The 6'2", 230 pound (that might be kind) right-hander struck out 9 Connecticut Defenders, including the first six outs of the game. Chamberlain threw 88 pitches, 60 for strikes, in 5 innings of work. He limited Connecticut to 3 hits and walked 2.

"I felt good,'' Chamberlain said. "Early, I was locating (my pitches), and I think that was the difference in terms of my confidence. I threw a lot of pitches for strikes. I thought (catcher) Jason Brown did a good job of making me feel comfortable. I made pitches early, and that made things a lot easier.'' Chamberlain's fastball topped out at 96 mph.

Chamberlain, who attended U of Nebraska, was promoted after going 4-0, 2.03 ERA, and 51 strikeouts in 40 innings, at Single-A Tampa.

You can read more on Joba Chamberlain here.

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Mitch Hilligoss' hitting streak is a thing of the past. Brandon Watson of the Columbus Clippers (now a Nationals affliliate) surpassed Hilligoss' streak last night by hitting in his 39th consecutive game. Watson's streak is the longest in 46 years and 3 games shy of the International League record.

Prospect of the Night (5/21)

The Trenton Thunder's Brett Smith dominated the Portland Sea Dogs, taking a no-hitter into the 8th inning. The Dogs' Bryan Pritz got the team's only hit of the night when his hard comebacker ricocheted Smith for an infield single. Smith left to a huge ovation after his 8 inning performance in which he struck out 10 and issued 2 walks.

Smith, who threw 3 years of college ball at Cal-Irvine, had an unremarkable rookie year in 2004 (split between Charleston and Tampa). He had a decent year at Tampa last season, but its unlikely anyone expected him to have the year he's having this season at Trenton.

With 8 shutout innings tonight, Smith now has a 1.03 ERA (remarkably, it is only 2nd to the Blue Jays Jesse Litsch, who has a 0.96). It was the 2nd time this season that Smith had a no-hitter into the 7th inning.

Smith has credited his success this season in getting ahead in the count. If he keeps this up, he can count on pitching in Yankee Stadium one day.

You can read more on Brett Smith here.

Prospect of the Night (5/21)

The Trenton Thunder's Brett Smith dominated the Portland Sea Dogs, taking a no-hitter into the 8th inning. The Dogs' Bryan Pritz got the team's only hit of the night when his hard comebacker ricocheted Smith for an infield single. Smith left to a huge ovation after his 8 inning performance in which he struck out 10 and issued 2 walks.

Smith, who threw 3 years of college ball at Cal-Irvine, had an unremarkable rookie year in 2004 (split between Charleston and Tampa). He had a decent year at Tampa last season, but its unlikely anyone expected him to have the year he's having this season at Trenton.

With 8 shutout innings tonight, Smith now has a 1.03 ERA (remarkably, it is only 2nd to the Blue Jays Jesse Litsch, who has a 0.96). It was the 2nd time this season that Smith had a no-hitter into the 7th inning.

Smith has credited his success this season in getting ahead in the count. If he keeps this up, he can count on pitching in Yankee Stadium one day.

You can read more on Brett Smith here.

Prospect of the Night (5/18)

The Yankees made a huge mistake when they signed Jaret Wright to a free agent contract prior to the 2005 season. Between injuries and poor performance, Wright was a bust, second only to Carl Pavano. The Yankees tried to make up for that this past off-season by sending Wright to the Orioles for rookie reliever Chris Britton.

Britton struggled in Spring Training, but has emerged as one of the International League's top relievers. With 2 scoreless innings this afternoon against Norfolk, Britton's ERA is at a staggeringly low 0.57.

Britton has walked more batters (7 in 15.2 innings) than he would have liked to, but has also recorded 18 strikeouts. At 6'3", 280 pounds, Britton looks more like a tackle than a pitcher, but there's no question that he should get a chance with the Yankees shortly. Whether or not Brian Cashman is wise enough to make that move remains to be seen (especially getting rid of Luis Vizcaino).

Britton appeared in 52 games for the Orioles last season, limiting AL hitters to a .228 average. At just 24 years of age, he could have major impact on the Yankees (not just at the post game spread) for years to come.

Prospect of the Night (5/18)

The Yankees made a huge mistake when they signed Jaret Wright to a free agent contract prior to the 2005 season. Between injuries and poor performance, Wright was a bust, second only to Carl Pavano. The Yankees tried to make up for that this past off-season by sending Wright to the Orioles for rookie reliever Chris Britton.

Britton struggled in Spring Training, but has emerged as one of the International League's top relievers. With 2 scoreless innings this afternoon against Norfolk, Britton's ERA is at a staggeringly low 0.57.

Britton has walked more batters (7 in 15.2 innings) than he would have liked to, but has also recorded 18 strikeouts. At 6'3", 280 pounds, Britton looks more like a tackle than a pitcher, but there's no question that he should get a chance with the Yankees shortly. Whether or not Brian Cashman is wise enough to make that move remains to be seen (especially getting rid of Luis Vizcaino).

Britton appeared in 52 games for the Orioles last season, limiting AL hitters to a .228 average. At just 24 years of age, he could have major impact on the Yankees (not just at the post game spread) for years to come.

Prospect of the Night (5/16)

The Trenton Thunder's pitching staff has dominated the Double-A Eastern League this season. Only one league pitcher has a better ERA than the Thunder's Brett Smith. Smith allowed just 1 hit (ironically to former Yankee's prospect Erick Almonte) over 8 innings in the Thunder's 2-1, 10 inning loss. It lowered Smith's ERA to a minuscule 1.22.

Smith's numbers were average last year at Single-A Tampa. He posted a 3.89 ERA and the league hit .272 against him. Up a level, the Eastern League is hitting just .153.

Also have good nights on the mound were Tampa's Daniel McCutcheon (7 IP 2 ER 7 K) who raised his record to 3-0, while lowering his ERA to 1.97, and Charleston's Michael Dunn who tossed 6 2-3 scoreless innings.

Prospect of the Night (5/16)

The Trenton Thunder's pitching staff has dominated the Double-A Eastern League this season. Only one league pitcher has a better ERA than the Thunder's Brett Smith. Smith allowed just 1 hit (ironically to former Yankee's prospect Erick Almonte) over 8 innings in the Thunder's 2-1, 10 inning loss. It lowered Smith's ERA to a minuscule 1.22.

Smith's numbers were average last year at Single-A Tampa. He posted a 3.89 ERA and the league hit .272 against him. Up a level, the Eastern League is hitting just .153.

Also have good nights on the mound were Tampa's Daniel McCutcheon (7 IP 2 ER 7 K) who raised his record to 3-0, while lowering his ERA to 1.97, and Charleston's Michael Dunn who tossed 6 2-3 scoreless innings.

Prospect of the Night (5/15)

The Yankees number one selection in the 2006 amateur draft is starting to live up to expectations. The 22-year old was the 21st selection overall and appeared in just 1 game for the Staten Island Yankees.

This season Kennedy is at the Yankees advanced 'A' ball level, playing for the Tampa Yankees. Tonight he struck out 11 in 6 2-3 innings of work against the Dunedin Blue Jays. The victory gave him a 4-1 record to go with a minuscule 1.43 ERA.

Kennedy has allowed more than 1 earned run in just 1 start, and has a 47/18 strikeout to walk ratio in 44 innings pitched. Florida State League opponents are hitting just .184 against him.

With several Scranton (Triple-A) players moving up to the big club, and Trenton (Double-A) Thunder pitchers, such as Chase Wright moving up to take their place, Kennedy could be promoted shortly.

Prospect of the Night (5/15)

The Yankees number one selection in the 2006 amateur draft is starting to live up to expectations. The 22-year old was the 21st selection overall and appeared in just 1 game for the Staten Island Yankees.

This season Kennedy is at the Yankees advanced 'A' ball level, playing for the Tampa Yankees. Tonight he struck out 11 in 6 2-3 innings of work against the Dunedin Blue Jays. The victory gave him a 4-1 record to go with a minuscule 1.43 ERA.

Kennedy has allowed more than 1 earned run in just 1 start, and has a 47/18 strikeout to walk ratio in 44 innings pitched. Florida State League opponents are hitting just .184 against him.

With several Scranton (Triple-A) players moving up to the big club, and Trenton (Double-A) Thunder pitchers, such as Chase Wright moving up to take their place, Kennedy could be promoted shortly.