Re-Evaluating the New York Yankees 2013 Draft Class
July 19, 2013 · Stephen Skinner · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
With news that the Yankees have signed their first 17 draft picks of 2013, we can now evaluate what the future will hold for the franchise.
Included in those first 15 rounds are eight pitchers, five outfielders and four infielders.
The first to be selected was third baseman Eric Jagielo out of the University of Notre Dame. As an above-average hitter and blessed with a cannon for an arm, he signed on June 13 and was sent to the Yankees’ Gulf Coast League club. After just three games, he was moved to the Class A Staten Island Yankees and is hitting .370 with a .984 OPS after 12 games.
If he continues to hit at that pace, he can expect a quick ride through the minor league system.
Also having success after signing is the Yankees fourth pick of 2013, Gosuke Katoh. Coming right out of Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, the second baseman is hitting .328 with a 1.110 OPS in 19 games for the Gulf Coast League Yankees. As a left-handed hitter, Katoh may be someone to keep an eye on over the next few years.
The Yankees’ sixth pick was shortstop Tyler Wade from Murietta Valley High School in California. After signing on June 13, he too was assigned to the Gulf Coast Yankees. Like Katoh, he has not disappointed at the plate—hitting .373 with six stolen bases and 18 runs scored in just 18 games.
Could we be seeing the next Derek Jeter?
On the mound, the Yankees’ first-round pick (they had three picks that round), Ian Clarkin, signed on June 19 with a $1.65 million bonus but has not debuted yet. He has three above-average pitches and a very high ceiling. As a southpaw, he will be coveted if he can achieve his potential.
One hurler that signed and has made his debut is right-hander Philip Walby (the Yankees’ 14th pick). To date, he has a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings pitched for the Class A Staten Island Yankees. Walby has struck out 15, walked 10 and yielded eight hits.
Not all the 2013 picks the Yankees signed have had successful debuts. While most will obviously need further development, some notables are:
- Seventh-pick RHP David Palladino has a 5.50 ERA with 24 hits yielded in 18 innings of work for Staten Island.
- Eighth-pick SS John Murphy has just a .210 batting average and .284 slugging percentage in 22 games with Staten Island.
- 10th-pick OF Brandon Thomas, also at Staten Island, is hitting .213 with 31 strikeouts in 26 games.
Overall, the Bronx Bombers’ draft addressed future needs at shortstop, third base and pitching (teams ALWAYS need pitching). Many of their 2013 picks have already shown why they were drafted with successful starts to their careers. Some of their higher picks, like second-pick Aaron Judge ( a powerful outfielder) only recently signed and have yet to make their debuts.
While only time will supply the true indication of talent that this year’s Yankees draft holds, a quick look at the players who have signed gives credence to those believing the team will be successful for years to come.
All unreferenced statistics courtesy of MLB.COM
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