Josh Outman was acquired from the Cleveland Indians this
week for a player to be named later or cash considerations so first and
foremost welcome to the family. Outman is another in the long line of marginal
upgrades for Brian Cashman this season but the acquisition did spell the end of
the Rich Hill era so it cannot be all bad. You’re not officially a Yankee until
you get one of these posts made about you so with further ado let’s meet a
prospect, the Josh Outman edition.
Josh S. Outman was born on September 14, 1984 and spent his
college years at Forest Park Community College in St. Louis. Outman would
transfer to Central Missouri State to play for their baseball team, the Mules.
While with the Mules Outman posted a 10-2 record and helped the team finish
third in the NCAA Division II World Series. Outman finished his career in 2005
with the Mules when he was drafted along with four other teammates in the MLB
Draft. The Philadelphia Phillies took outman in 2005 and quickly named him
their 12st best prospect in the organization as soon as 2007.
On July 17, 2008 Outman was traded with prospects Adrian
Cardenas and Matthew Spencer to the Oakland Athletics for starting pitcher Joe
Blanton. Outman was called up to the Major Leagues in that same season for the
first time on September 2nd and pitched two scoreless innings against the
Kansas City Royals. Outman quickly earned the nickname “Out-Man” in 2009
because of his ability to get major league hitters out but the Out Man would
only last 12 games in 2009 before falling to Tommy John surgery on June
30. Outman would miss the entire 2010
season while recovering from the ligament replacement surgery.
Outman returned to the mound in 2011 to pitch 58.1 innings,
nine starts, with a 3.70 ERA and 3-5 record finally proving he was healthy. The
now healthy Outman was traded to the Colorado Rockies after the 2011 season
along with pitcher Guillermo Moscoso for outfielder Seth Smith. Outman spent
2012 and 2013 seasons with the Rockies only to be traded once again to the
Cleveland Indians for the 2014 season for outfielder Drew Stubbs. Outman
avoided arbitration with the Indians when he signed a one year deal worth $1.25
million and was quickly designated for assignment by Cleveland on June 18.
Outman fell out of grace with Terry Francona and was traded to the New York
Yankees for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
Outman has baseball in his blood and his brother, Zachary,
was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 28th round of the 2009
MLB First Year Players Draft. Now Outman is a member of the New York Yankees
and will serve as the left handed specialists in Joe Girardi’s bullpen. Good
luck Josh, make us proud.