Saturday, August 30, 2014

Meet a Prospect: Josh Outman


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. 

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Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)