NJ.com Opened My Eyes to Matt Wotherspoon

I have to admit that my personal feelings towards this whole media, journalism and blogging thing is probably a little bit different than most people. Some people see sites like this one or others as competition where as I see other sites and media outlets as inspiration, sources of information and part of the same team. When I find something interesting that I’ve seen elsewhere I, unlike certain people whose name we don’t mention on this site, have zero issue linking back and giving them full credit as I talk about it. With that theme in mind I have to give kudos to the crew over at NJ.com because as I like to take credit for introducing the likes of Chance Adams and Jordan Montgomery to the casual Yankees fan that site actually introduced me to a prospect recently and his name is Matt Wotherspoon.

Wotherspoon was drafted in the 34^th round of the 2014 MLB First Year Players Draft, so excuse me if I didn’t exactly know his name and what he brought to the table off the top of my head, by the New York Yankees at 6’1” and 210 lbs., a great frame for a power pitcher in today’s game. Wotherspoon is 25-years old and is heading into spring training camp this season fresh off a 2016 campaign that included stops in Double-A Trenton with the Trenton Thunder and in Triple-A with the Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders. While in Trenton with the Thunder Wotherspoon posted a 4-2 record with a 2.66 ERA in 26 games, 24 appearances coming out of the pen and two appearances coming as a starting pitcher. This prompted the Yankees to bring Wotherspoon up to Triple-A for a 10-game stint that included one start and a 2-0 record with a 2.01 ERA. Impressive numbers all around and numbers that are definitely eye-catching for a team lacking in middle relief going forward.

Wotherspoon will likely start the 2017 season as a relief pitcher and a spot starter in Triple-A for the RailRiders, think Adam Warren here people, but he should conceivably make his MLB debut this season as long as he is healthy and doesn’t become his own worst enemy on the mound like some young pitchers tend to do. The talent is there and so is the experience so now it’s only a matter of time before Wotherspoon is sporting the Yankees pinstripes, and that time will likely be this coming season.

Thank you to NJ.com and their crew over there for bringing this guy to mine and our attention. I always enjoy reading about any and all Yankees prospects, especially before they break onto the scene in a big way. I’ve got my eye on you now Matt, no pressure. Enjoy your day Yankees family.