Weekly Check In: Ian Clarkin

This spot has been a bit of a revolving door after Tyler Austin left enough room for another prospect to slide in and take his spot. While Austin could always regain his spot, and honestly I hope that he does and I hope that he will, I decided to in a little bit of a different direction this week. We’ve seen Mason Williams and others in this spot but I want to go pitching this time around while answering a burning question on many people’s minds, where the hell is Ian Clarkin?

Clarkin was that tough sign rookie the Yankees landed in the same draft in 2013 that landed them Aaron Judge and Eric Jagielo in the first two rounds. Clarkin was the big, young projectable left hander that was thought to be the future of the Yankees farm system and the future of the Yankees pitching staff. Then 2014 came and went and with 2015 now upon us we haven’t heard as much as a peep out of him since as he has yet to make his 2015 debut. 

That changes today when we do our weekly check in with Mr. Clarkin this morning:

Year	Lev	W	L	ERA	G	GS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	WHIP	H9	HR9	BB9	SO9
2014	A-A+	4	3	3.12	17	16	75.0	71	29	26	6	23	75	1.253	8.5	0.7	2.8	9.0
2014	A	3	3	3.21	16	15	70.0	64	28	25	6	22	71	1.229	8.2	0.8	2.8	9.1
2014	A+	1	0	1.80	1	1	5.0	7	1	1	0	1	4	1.600	12.6	0.0	1.8	7.2

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Meet a Prospect: Gosuke Katoh

Gosuke John Katoh was born on October, 8th 1994 in Poway California and spent his high school years at Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego. Katoh is not a towering presence, unlike yesterday's showcase in our prospects month Aaron Judge, only standing 6'2" and weighing 180 lbs soaking wet but he has produced unforeseen power at the plate in his limited debut. Katoh was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2013 MLB First Year Players Draft by the New York Yankees out of High School and signed quickly jump starting his professional career.

Katoh put up big numbers for Rancho Bernardo High School which included playing in 135 games in which his team put up a stunning 107-29 record in his four seasons on the Varsity team. Katoh finished with a career .411 batting average with a .524 on base percentage while bashing 181 hits, 114 RBI's, and scored 169 runs. Katoh slugged .711 in his career and smashed 25 home runs, 35 doubles, and 11 triples in his four years while taking 96 walks and striking out 57 times. Katoh is a smart base runner and base stealer as he stole 38 bags in 51 chances in High School while also doing it with the glove and a .987 fielding percentage. Katoh committed seven errors in his entire High School career and his taking that glove, and all his talents to the New York Yankees.

Katoh's a left handed batter and a second basemen by trade but the Yankees have already said that they are going to try Katoh at shortstop as early as this winter, which may not happen after his finger injury, or next season. Katoh is considered to be a wonder kid with the glove at second base but his arm is the only concern with moving him to the left side of the infield. It will be interesting to see if Katoh fills in a little bit or stays looking like a taller version of Ichiro but for now Katoh is tall and lanky with a compact swing that translates into doubles and gap hitting in the majors. Katoh hits left handed but throws right handed just in case that means something to somebody who thinks that can help him, I just always find that to be an interesting tidbit of information.

Katoh broke out in a big way in his professional debut  with the Gulf Coast Yankees 1 team finishing the season with a .310/.402/.522/.924 slash line with six home runs and 25 runs batted in. Katoh got into 50 games and saw 215 plate appearances with 57 hits, 11 doubles, five triples and four stolen bases in six chances. Obviously he needs a little bit of polishing, but what High School draft pick doesn't, as is evident with his 44 strike outs and 27 walks in 2013. Katoh has a ligament injury that ended his season in the Instructional League but the injury is said to not be serious and will not prevent him from missing time next season. Katoh will look to build on a huge 2013 and mediocre 2014 season this season in 2015. Katoh may be the next big things in New York or he may be a bust and I truly think this will be the season we find out. 

Meet a Prospect: Eric Jagielo

Eric Jagielo was drafted with the New York Yankees first round pick in the 2013 MLB First Year Players Draft 26th overall. Eric spent his college years playing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish manning their hot corner and mashing the heck out of the ball. Jagielo stands 6'3" and weighs in at 215 lbs while hitting left handed and throwing right handed and while his natural position is third base he does have some experience in the outfield, although limited. This is not Jagielo's first time being drafted as he was drafted in the 50th round by the Chicago Cubs in the 2010 draft.

Jagielo put himself on the map in 2012 when he went out and hit .310 with 13 home runs as a sophomore for the Fighting Irish. Jagielo would follow up that impressive performance with a trip to the Cape Cod League that summer where he put up an equally impressive .291 average with 13 home runs to go with a .374 on base percentage. Jagielo would finish his 2013 season with a very impressive .388/.500./.633 with 19 doubles and nine home runs on his way to being named 201 Big East Player of the Year.

Jagielo is a patient hitter and a power hitter that has a left handed stroke that is made for the new Yankees Stadium. He has a very upward stance that allows him to keep his hands low and compact and allows him to drive the ball. He has a bit of a long swing but it allows him to spray the ball to all fields with ease. He will strike out his fair share but he more than makes up for it with his ability to see a ton of pitches, grind out at bats, take his walks, and knock the ball to all fields in gaps and over the fence. I have seen his hitting graded on the normal scale of 0-80 as high as 55 which is considered to be above average. I have also seen his power rated as high as a 60 on the same scale with a strong lower half and an ability to punish mistakes.

Jagielo is not considered to be a speedy guy but is also not considered to be a liability on the base paths either so you take the good with the bad I guess. His quickness is one of the major downfalls of his defense. He can make the plays and has a nice throwing arm but his speed really limits his range and ability to get to certain balls. He is still widely considered to be an average defender and made big strides over the winter and this season before the draft so there is always the possibility for improvement there. His arm is considered his best defensive attribute and would also translate to left field or first base if he were ever transplanted off the hot corner.

Jagielo finally made his professional debut and finished the season as the Big East Player of the Year award winner for the 2013 season. Jagielo split time between the Staten Island Yankees and the Gulf Coast Yankees 1 and GCL Yankees 2 putting up a combined .264/.376/.451/.826 with six home runs and 27 RBI's. Jags took 26 walks and struck out 56 times in 55 games so he will have to get his discipline under control but I really think Eric could be in the majors by mid to late 2015 at the rate he is going. Jagielo plays a position, third base, that we are seriously thin at and have an aging veteran in Alex Rodriguez nearing the end of a contract and a career so now may be the time for this former Fighting Irishman. 

Meet A Prospect: Michael O'Niell

Michael Aaron O'Niell, the nephew of former Yankees player and YES Network color commentator Paul O'Niell, was born on June,12 1992 in Powell, Ohio to Mike and Sandy O'Niell. Michael spent his time at Olentangy Liberty High School in Powell, Ohio and spent his college years at the University of Michigan. O'Niell stands 6'1" and weighs 195 lbs and is in his age 21 season heading into 2014. The Yankees drafted O'Niell in the third round of the 2013 MLB First Year Players Draft out of Michigan marking this as the second time the Yankees drafted O'Niell in the draft, the first time in the 42nd round of the 2010 draft out of High School. O'Niell signed a contract with the Yankees after being drafted and is now playing outfield for the Staten island Yankees in the New York Penn League.

O'Niell bats and throws right handed and as I said is an outfielder by trade playing in left field and center field as recent as this season. O'Niell had various accolades in his college baseball career including being named as a Louisville Slugger Freshman All American, he is fourth on Michigan's stolen base list, many player of the week awards, many All American team nominations, and was named the Big Ten prospect to watch before the 2013 season.

O'Niell made his professional debut with the Staten Island Yankees in 2013 and finished the season appearing in 64 games and 281 plate appearances. Michael put up a slash line of .219/.282/.293/.575 which is probably not what he had in mind but at a more advanced level then some draft picks, like Gosuke Katoh and Eric Jagielo for instance,  and should be fine heading into 2014. O'Niell hit 17 doubles, one triple, and knocked in 14 RBI's for the Staten Island Yankees but was a cause for concern on the base paths stealing nine bases and being caught seven times. The fact that O'Niell also had 93 strike outs in 64 games and only drew 14 walks is another valid cause for concern but I do not put much stock into these first half seasons after the draft, for better or for worse. O'Niell will be fine and has plenty of time, seasoning, and development ahead of him and I look forward to watching him grow in a Yankees uniform.

Meet A Prospect: Gosuke Katoh

Gosuke John Katoh was born on October, 8th 1994 in Poway California and spent his high school years at Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego. Katoh is not a towering presence, unlike yesterday's showcase in our prospects month Aaron Judge, only standing 6'2" and weighing 180 lbs soaking wet but he has produced unforeseen power at the plate in his limited debut. Katoh was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2013 MLB First Year Players Draft by the New York Yankees out of High School and signed quickly jump starting his professional career.

Katoh put up big numbers for Rancho Bernardo High School which included playing in 135 games in which his team put up a stunning 107-29 record in his four seasons on the Varsity team. Katoh finished with a career .411 batting average with a .524 on base percentage while bashing 181 hits, 114 RBI's, and scored 169 runs. Katoh slugged .711 in his career and smashed 25 home runs, 35 doubles, and 11 triples in his four years while taking 96 walks and striking out 57 times. Katoh is a smart base runner and base stealer as he stole 38 bags in 51 chances in High School while also doing it with the glove and a .987 fielding percentage. Katoh committed seven errors in his entire High School career and his taking that glove, and all his talents to the New York Yankees.

Katoh's a left handed batter and a second basemen by trade but the Yankees have already said that they are going to try Katoh at shortstop as early as this winter, which may not happen after his finger injury, or next season. Katoh is considered to be a wonder kid with the glove at second base but his arm is the only concern with moving him to the left side of the infield. It will be interesting to see if Katoh fills in a little bit or stays looking like a taller version of Ichiro but for now Katoh is tall and lanky with a compact swing that translates into doubles and gap hitting in the majors. Katoh hits left handed but throws right handed just in case that means something to somebody who thinks that can help him, I just always find that to be an interesting tidbit of information.

Katoh broke out in a big way in his professional debut  with the Gulf Coast Yankees 1 team finishing the season with a .310/.402/.522/.924 slash line with six home runs and 25 runs batted in. Katoh got into 50 games and saw 215 plate appearances with 57 hits, 11 doubles, five triples and four stolen bases in six chances. Obviously he needs a little bit of polishing, but what High School draft pick doesn't, as is evident with his 44 strike outs and 27 walks in 2013. Katoh has a ligament injury that ended his season in the Instructional League but the injury is said to not be serious and will not prevent him from missing time next season. Katoh will look to build on a huge 2013 season this year in 2014 and I am excited to be able to watch and to cover him myself.

Meet A Prospect: Aaron Judge

The New York Yankees used their second pick and 32nd overall pick in the first round in the 2013 MLB First Year Players Draft to pick outfielder Aaron Judge from Fresno State. Judge is a huge guy standing 6'7" and weighing in at 255 lbs mashing the ball from the right side. In his final season before the draft Judge went on to hit .369/.461/.655 with 12 home runs and 12 stolen bases in 14 attempts. For such a big guy he will surprise you with his speed and athleticism to go with a strong throwing arm and unmatched power in this years draft.

Judge, even as big as he is, was athletic enough to stick at center field for the Fresno State baseball squad. Judge was so athletic that he was a three sport athlete and garnered many offers to come play college football and be a tight end before following his love of baseball all the way to Fresno State where both his parents attended. This is not the first time that Judge was drafted as he was previously drafted in the 35th round of the 2010 draft by the Oakland Athletics before taking his talents to Fresno State for three seasons.

Judge does not project to be a big time average guy but does not get the Adam Dunn comparisons quite yet either. Across the board many scouts see Judge as a .250 type hitter with project-able power but he will take his fare share of strike outs on the chin in the majors. Judge's power is undeniable, whether it has translated into college games or not, as it was apparent when he won the College Baseball Home Run Derby last season with eight home runs in the final round. Judge is a polished college bat that should move through the Yankees system rather quickly. Judge could be manning right field for the Yankees with his average speed, above average arm, and amazing power in just a few seasons and many years to come if he plays his cards right.

I personally do not believe it or see it just yet but I have seen a few places, Bleeding Yankee Blue for example, compare the Judge to Miami's Giancarlo Stanton. The Judge has not made his professional debut just yet but is looking for a big 2014 to put himself on the map in the Yankees system. 

Meet A Prospect Ian Clarkin

The Yankees used one of their three first rounds picks, this time the 33rd overall, to pick Ian Clarkin out of Madison High School. His Yankees career did not start off as well as he would have hoped after previously that night stating that he hated the Yankees and enjoyed watching us lose the 2001 World Series. Little did he know that he would be apologizing later that night after the Yankees drafted him and the fans back lashed a bit. The big 6'2" 190 lb left hander has huge upside and was considered to be a huge steal for the Yankees even after quotes of him not signing unless he got "life changing money" although I wonder when over $1,000,000 was not life changing but maybe that's the poor guy in me speaking. Either way Clarkin signed above slot and is now a proud member of the Yankees organization.

We all have to remember that Clarkin was drafted due to his upside and not his readiness to step in and dominate now. Clarkin is still considered to be raw with sketchy command but his upside and high ceiling make him worth the risk in the end. Clarkin's fastball velocity sits around 90-92 MPH but will probably sit around 95 MPH when he fully develops physically. While he is considered to be below average with his command, even with his fastball, he still shows signs of life with his command from time and time. His curve ball is considered to be his best pitch right now and will be a plus plus pitch for him if he fully develops it. His 12-6 curve ball right now still needs work as sometimes it buckles knees and other times bounces a few feet in front of the plate. His projection is that he will be a power pitching above average command pitcher but right now he is still fine tuning all of these things.

In my opinion Clarkin's ceiling is as a #2 starter although I see a comparison with Phil Hughes when he is right. Clarkin is a big guy who repeats his delivery well but changed his arm angle and release point too much right now to consider him in the ace range. Then again he is so far away from the majors right now and so much can change between now and the time he will reach the majors so it is anyone's guess at this point.

Clarkin's professional debut was delayed due to, what else, injuries and kept him from playing in every game this year but three. Clarkin had obvious rust issues while putting up a 10.80 ERA in his three starts for the Gulf Coast Yankees 1 rookie team while only logging five innings. In those five innings Clarkin allowed five hits, six runs, two home runs, four walks, four strike outs, and a whopping 1.80 WHIP. Obviously not the start Clarkin wanted to have in his professional and Yankees debut but we have plenty of time for Clarkin to work with our instructors and coaches and get it right. In my eyes I see Clarkin coming up sometime during the 2017 season and full time in the 2018 season. Clarkin projects now to be a top of the rotation starter so the Yankees should do everything they can and have to in order to keep it that way because you cannot teach the skills and stuff that Ian Clarkin possesses.

Meet A Prospect Eric Jagielo

Eric Jagielo was drafted with the New York Yankees first round pick in the 2013 MLB First Year Players Draft 26th overall. Eric spent his college years playing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish manning their hot corner and mashing the heck out of the ball. Jagielo stands 6'3" and weighs in at 215 lbs while hitting left handed and throwing right handed and while his natural position is third base he does have some experience in the outfield, although limited. This is not Jagielo's first time being drafted as he was drafted in the 50th round by the Chicago Cubs in the 2010 draft.

Jagielo put himself on the map in 2012 when he went out and hit .310 with 13 home runs as a sophomore for the Fighting Irish. Jagielo would follow up that impressive performance with a trip to the Cape Cod League that summer where he put up an equally impressive .291 average with 13 home runs to go with a .374 on base percentage. Jagielo would finish his 2013 season with a very impressive .388/.500./.633 with 19 doubles and nine home runs on his way to being named 201 Big East Player of the Year.

Jagielo is a patient hitter and a power hitter that has a left handed stroke that is made for the new Yankees Stadium. He has a very upward stance that allows him to keep his hands low and compact and allows him to drive the ball. He has a bit of a long swing but it allows him to spray the ball to all fields with ease. He will strike out his fair share but he more than makes up for it with his ability to see a ton of pitches, grind out at bats, take his walks, and knock the ball to all fields in gaps and over the fence. I have seen his hitting graded on the normal scale of 0-80 as high as 55 which is considered to be above average. I have also seen his power rated as high as a 60 on the same scale with a strong lower half and an ability to punish mistakes.

Jagielo is not considered to be a speedy guy but is also not considered to be a liability on the base paths either so you take the good with the bad I guess. His quickness is one of the major downfalls of his defense. He can make the plays and has a nice throwing arm but his speed really limits his range and ability to get to certain balls. He is still widely considered to be an average defender and made big strides over the winter and this season before the draft so there is always the possibility for improvement there. His arm is considered his best defensive attribute and would also translate to left field or first base if he were ever transplanted off the hot corner.

Jagielo finally made his professional debut and finished the season as the Big East Player of the Year award winner for the 2013 season. Jagielo split time between the Staten Island Yankees and the Gulf Coast Yankees 1 and GCL Yankees 2 putting up a combined .264/.376/.451/.826 with six home runs and 27 RBI's. Jags took 26 walks and struck out 56 times in 55 games so he will have to get his discipline under control but I really think Eric could be in the majors by mid to late 2015 at the rate he is going. Jagielo plays a position, third base, that we are seriously thin at and have an aging veteran in Alex Rodriguez nearing the end of a contract and a career so now may be the time for this former Fighting Irishman. 

Baseball America: Yankees 2013 Draft Report Card

Clint Longenecker evaluated and gave a write up for Baseball America on the New York Yankees 2013 prospects that we got in the draft by giving us a report card. Will the Yankees need to hide this report card from their parents? Let's see...

Longenecker called our first overall pick Eric Jagielo the best overall hitter, most pure hitter, and the likeliest to make the major leagues first. Longenecker said of Jagielo that he had a "smooth stroke with loft to all fields, a disciplined approach and the ability to make consistent hard contact." Dante Bichette Jr. was moved up to High A with the Tampa Yankees so Jagielo may start 2014 in Low A with the Charleston Riverdogs.

Longenecker called Aaron Judge the best power hitter in the system and said that Judge has "raw power that rates at least a 70 on the 20-80 scale, and he can put on a show in batting practice. He has tremendous natural strength in his extra large frame." Judge has yet to make his professional debut so he will likely start 2014 in the Gulf Coast League or, at best, with the Staten Island Yankees. Judge will play winter ball this year before his 2014 season.

Tyler Wade was given the nod for the best defensive player in the draft as a shortstop which is encouraging for us. Longenecker said of Wade that Wade "who could hit for average is a good athlete with above average speed, good actions, steady hands and an above average arm." The Yankees seem to want to keep Wade and Gosuke Katoh together so where one goes the other probably will and Wade seems ready to go to Charleston with the Riverdogs.

Michael O'Niell is the fastest Yankees runner from the draft with well above average speed that could keep him in center field long term. Gosuke Katoh was also praised for his speed not only in the field but out of the box. O'Niell will probably repeat Staten Island in 2014 while Katoh, who had one of the best professional debuts from a High School player will go to the Charleston Riverdogs in A Ball.

Longenecker liked our pitching and ranked David Palladino, Nick Rumbelow, Cale Coshow, and Philip Walby as having the best fastballs in the draft as all four of the pitcher touch or top 96 MPH. Walby even touched 98 MPH comfortable but Longenecker praised left hander Tyler Webb because of his "average velocity but his fastball plays up because of his command and deception." Palladino will probably stay in Staten Island with Coshow while Rumbelow and Walby head up to Charleston. Webb already has tore up the scene with the Riverdogs and could be headed to High A with the Tampa Yankees by 2014.

The best secondary stuff went to Ian Clarkin, Nick Rumbelow, and David Palladino. Clarkin missed most of the 2013 season with an ankle injury but Longenecker says Clarkin "has the makings of a plus curveball. Palladino's curveball and Rumbelow's slider are plus at their best." Clarkin will "repeat" Staten Island in 2014 but with his stuff, as raw as it is, I do not see him staying there long.

Finally Longenecker praised Dustin Fowler and Caleb Smith as the best late round picks because of Smith's potential for a plus fastball and changeup and Fowler's athleticism to go with his simple swing and above average speed. Finally, and this makes me very happy, Brandon Thomas was named the drafts best athlete. I like this because I live in metro Atlanta, Georgia and support the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and that is where Thomas spent his college career.

BA: Yankees Have Third Best Draft In 2013

Baseball America has analyzed the New York Yankees draft in the 2013 MLB First Year Player's Draft and have given us the third best overall draft in all of baseball. The Pirates and the Diamondbacks has better drafts then us according to BA but third is quite an accomplishment for being so late in the first round. The Yankees first four picks included Eric Jagielo, Aaron Judge, Ian Clarkin, and Gosuke Katoh in that order.

Aaron Judge is considered to be the fifth bets power hitter in the entire draft and Gosuke Katoh had the third best professional debut to date out of a high school kid. While I understand that the draft is a crap shoot, maybe the biggest crap shoot  in all of sports, it is always good to do well in a draft. With three picks in the first round the Yankees were all but guaranteed being on the top five of this list but still it ids a pretty cool accomplishment. I hope, for the Yankees futures sake, these picks work out.

New York Yankees Minor League Players Updates

The Yankees had another year of the injury in 2013 and it was not just limited to the major leagues, it happened in the minor leagues as well. The Yankees saw their players injured from the 2013 draft, from the lower levels of the system, and through the upper levels of the system as well including our former #1 prospect Manny Banuelos. Here is a ton of minor league injury updates.

Speaking of Manny Banuelos he missed the entire 2012 season after having Tommy John surgery but Banuelos has pitched at the Yankees minor league complex down in Tampa and some in the Instructional League. There are no plans to build arm strength or knock any rust off in the winter leagues or anything like that so Manny will be fresh for Spring Training in 2014.

Michael Pineda is not throwing this year in any kind of winter ball or anything like that after rehabbing his shoulder surgery that he got before the 2012 season. Pineda has been a Yankee for two seasons now and has not thrown a pitch for us yet so this is a very important season for the Yanks and for Pineda. Pineda was shut down with shoulder stiffness which was deemed normal for someone having a shoulder surgery like he did. Pineda was seen throwing 94-96 MPH on the fastball and worked off a lot of rust this season. Hopefully we can see Pineda contribute in 2014 for the Yankees and get past these injuries before he is donned the next Carl Pavano.

Aaron Judge missed the entire 2013 season after a quad pull but is expected to be ready for spring training this season. The injury was called precautionary as the Yankees wanted to make extra sure that the injury is fully healed so The Judge can make his professional debut without a hiccup.

Gosuke Katoh was also drafted this year like Judge and also has missed time due to injury. Katoh broke onto the scene in a big way with an amazing debut for the Gulf Coast Yankees before his season ended with a sprained finger ligament while in the instructional league. This is considered to be a very minor injury and another precautionary move to ensure that Katoh will be ready and healthy for the spring.

Mark Montgomery spent much of the season on the AAA disabled list and not on the RailRiders field after being donned the best Yankees relief prospect in their system with a back and a shoulder injury. The shoulder has been looked at multiple times and is said to be healthy so now the Yankees are letting Montgomery's back heal up for spring training.

Corban Joseph's season ended with the AAA Scranton Wilkes Barre after a cup of coffee in the majors on May 31st with a season ending shoulder surgery. He is throwing and rehabbing the shoulder now and also will be ready for spring training in 2014. With Joseph's spot on the 40 man he better hope and do everything that he can to ensure that the shoulder is healthy coming in.

Jose Ramirez was shut down with an oblique injury at the end of the 2013 season but is back to throwing and is in the Instructional League. Ramirez will be ready for spring training in 2014.

Slade Heathcott had offseason knee surgery after being shut down the last couple weeks of the AA Trenton Thunder's season. This procedure was considered to be very minor and just classified as a clean up type procedure and Slade should be ready for spring training.

Yankees May Start Working Gosuke Katoh At SS

The Yankees second round pick Gosuke Katoh has far exceeded anyone's expectations both at second base and with the bat this season but the Yankees find themselves wanting to work Katoh at SS this off season. Katoh is in his age 18 season after being drafted out of high school in the 2013 MLB First Year Players Draft and ended the 2013 season with a.310/.402/.522 triple slash and six home runs. Katoh is considered to be a great athlete with great range to go with it so maybe the transition would not be as difficult as one may think. The only problem may be his arm, or lack there of, at short stop. Imagine Johnny Damon trying to throw someone out from the warning track at home plate. This is the time to do it with him only being in the GCL so I cannot see a reason not to but I just hope it does not mess with his head like it seems like Eduardo Nunez has.

Yankees Send Four To The Instructional League

The Yankees are sending four players to the instructional league after this season, Tyler Austin, recent International Free Agent signing Leonardo Molina, and two of our three first round picks in 2013 in Ian Clarkin and Eric Jagielo.

Molina has not made his professional debut so this will be our first look at the latest $1,400,000 man. Molina was signed as a 16 year old international free agent out of the Dominican Republic this year.

 Tyler Austin is listed as a first basemen for the instructional league for some odd reason. Whether the Yankees are thinking of permanently moving him or if they are just trying to give him another position under his belt remains to be seen. I think we will know more when Austin heads to the Arizona Fall League this year. Tyler missed almost two months with a wrist injury that limited him to a .257/.344/.373 triple slash for the AA Trenton this year.

Clarkins first professional season did not go as planned after his debut being delayed after an ankle injury limiting Ian to just five innings in 2013 giving up five hits, four walks, and six runs in three games. Jagielo appeared in 51 games and put up a triple slash of .266/.376/.451.

After various injuries and such all four of these guys can use all the extra work that they can get before the 2014 season so this should be a fun Instructional League to cover.

Interview With 34th Round Draft Pick Hector Crespo

Hector Crespo was drafted in the 34th round of the 2013 MLB First Year Players draft and at the time of this writing has already made it to AAA Scranton Wilkes Barre with the RailRiders. Hector has thankfully found time to do this interview for us and we are excited to be bringing this to you. I hope that you guys enjoy this as much as I enjoyed interacting with Hector while doing it. Time to get down to business, enjoy!

The Greedy Pinstripes: Describe your draft experience for us? Stressful? Who did you speak with in the Yankees organization? etc

Hector Crespo: The draft experience was a bit stressful, but once I heard my name called it became one of the best days of my life. Adam Czajkowski was my scout.

TGP: In honor of Ian Clarkin we have to ask who your favorite team was growing up?

HC: I never really had a favorite team growing up, but I've always been a fan of the Yankee tradition. 

TGP:  Were you disappointed to go in the 34th round?

HC: I was at first disappointed falling to the 34th round, but soon I realized it was a blessing just to be drafted and especially by the Yankees

TGP: Did you play any other positions coming up? 

HC: I've played just about every position coming up except pitcher and catcher. I feel comfortable in just about every position on the field and I take pride in that. 

TGP: What has been your biggest inspiration in baseball??

HC: Definitely my father, he's pushed me to be the best baseball player I could be and I wouldn't be here today without him

TGP: What is your best asset you think you bring to the table?

HC: I feel the ability to play multiple positions is an asset I bring, as well as my speed and hitting ability 

TGP: What do you think you will specifically work on this year? 

HC: Getting a feel for professional baseball and the lifestyle. Other than that just having fun and playing the game the way I know how. 

TGP:  Do you consider yourself to be a stolen base threat?

HC: I do consider myself to be a stolen base threat and take pride in my base running ability and speed 

TGP: Where will you be starting your Yankees career? 

HC: I started in Staten Island, but I have been promoted to Triple A Scranton 

TGP: What position do you think you will play when you start down in the Yankees system?

HC: Any spot in the infield 3B, SS, 2B

TGP:  Do you think your size will impact you as an every day player?

HC: I feel like I can be an every day player regardless of my size. As long as I go out and compete and do my job, things will fall into place 

TGP: Do you have any regrets in your baseball life? 

HC: No regrets in my baseball life

TGP: What current major league player would you compare yourself and style of play to?

HC: Michael young because his ability to play multiple positions and be a consistent hitter. Love the way he plays the game 

TGP: Tell us about the "Hecky's Hit and Run" organization you founded in High School.

HC: Hecky's Hit and Run is an organization me and my mother put together to send new and used baseball equipment and send them to less fortunate Countries like Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. It's been a great success so far and the ability to give back and bring joy to kids is an amazing feeling. 

TGP: Most famous person in your cell phone?

HC: Not sure if he has the same number anymore but Manny Machado and I were good friends in high school from playing summer ball together

TGP: Any embarrassing songs in your iPod?

HC: Firework by Katy Perry

We want to once again take the time to thank Hector for making time in his busy schedule to do this for us because we appreciate it more than he knows. Follow Hector on twitter by following @HeckyCrespo and follow us on twitter by following @GreedyStripes. Good luck in everything that you do Hector both inside and outside of baseball because you are truly a good person and you deserve everything that this world has to offer and so much more. Go Yankees!

Exclusive Interview With 7th Round Pick Nick Rumbelow

The New York Yankees drafted the LSU reliever Nick Rumbelow with their 7th round pick in the 2013 MLB First Year Players Draft. Rumbelow is coming off of his junior season at LSU and will now bring his talents to the New York Yankees organization. We were blessed to get the opportunity to do this interview with Nick and we are proud to be able to bring it to you here so enjoy!

The Greedy Pinstripes: Describe your draft experience for us? Stressful? Who did you speak with in the Yankees organization? etc

Nick Rumbelow: My college baseball team was in hosting a Super Regional at the time of this years draft. We were in the middle of taking batting practice when I was waved down by a manager in our dugout who was holding onto my telephone. I had to run in from the outfield and take the call from my area scout. It was one of the most incredible feelings to hear from him that the Yankees had selected me. 

TGP: In honor of Ian Clarkin we have to ask who your favorite team was growing up?

 NR: I have always been a fan of the Yankees, even being from a small town in Texas I admired the organization and the winning tradition the Yanks have.

TGP: Did you play any other positions coming up? 

NR: Since my time at LSU I have only been a pitcher. 

TGP: Did you ever catch flack for having the middle name Bruno? Kids can be mean...

NR: People never really knew my middle name and even if I was to tell them most don’t believe that Bruno is actually it. I come from an Italian family so Bruno is a family name. 

TGP: What has been your biggest inspiration in baseball??

NR: My family is a driving force for my baseball career, whether it be from my moms countless hours of dedication taking me to training facilities or my dads effort in helping me on the field to get better. 

TGP: What is your best asset you think you bring to the table?

NR: My mental approach and will to succeed are what makes me who I am. 

TGP: What do you think you will specifically work on this year? 

NR: I will come to the field everyday eager to learn whatever the coaches have for me.

TGP: Do you consider yourself a strike out pitcher?

NR: I do think that being able to strike people out is a strong point of mine but I go out on the mound and just try to get quick early outs. 

TGP: Where will you be starting your Yankees career? 

NR: I will be starting in Staten Island. 

TGP: As a player how do you feel about the new draft rules and the slot recommendations for salary?

NR: I like the new draft because it is set up for guys who want to play pro ball. With the slot recommendations and the ability to sign under slot it opens the door for guys to show that they care more about the chance to play than the dollar figures. 

TGP: Do you think you will be a reliever for the Yankees or do you want to try out as a starter?

NR: That is up to the Yankees to decide for me what they have planned. I am open to any role it takes to help whatever team I am on win. 

TGP: Do you have any regrets in your baseball life? 

NR: I have enjoyed and cherished every bit of my baseball career so far and am grateful for the opportunity to continue to play.

TGP: What current major league player would you compare yourself and style of play to?

NR: I think I have similarities to David Robertson. 

TGP: I personally would compare you to a David Robertson and a Mark Montgomery would you agree?

(obviously lol) 

TGP: Most famous person in your cell phone?

NR: I am good friends with Josh Tomlin who is a starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. 

TGP: Any embarrassing songs in your iPod?

(none listed) 

We want to take this opportunity to thank Nick for taking the time out of his schedule to do this interview for us. Our readers appreciate it and we really appreciate it and wish you the best of luck in everything you do both inside and outside of baseball.  Follow Nick on twitter by following @1_2_3Rummy and follow us on twitter to stay up to date with all of the New York Yankees in all of their levels by following @GreedyStripes.