Back in 2007 the Yankees picked Andrew Brackman of NC State 30th and signed him to a four year/$4.5 million dollar deal with a signing bonus a little over $3 million. With club options over the next three years the deal could reach as much as $13 million dollars.

It was well known that Brackman was an injury risk when drafted as he immediately had Tommy John surgery. Last year was his first pro season and he put up terrible numbers for Charleston in the South Atlantic League. Despite striking out a batter per inning, Brackman averaged over six walks per nine which led to a 5.91 ERA. The talent was there, but now he had to learn how to pitch on the pro level.

This spring Brackman was the one name that everyone was talking about as the “surprise” of camp. This is a kid that can hit 99 on the gun with the fastball and complement it with a knuckle curve and changeup. Reports indicate the velocity is back and he is polishing his repertoire.

The struggles did continue earlier this year. April yielded a 13.50 ERA, but the walks were way down (1 in 8 innings). However, since the bad start, he has a 3.80 ERA in 52 innings, striking out 51 and, get this, walking only 8 batters. The command is spectacular which is a great sign. I would suspect we could see him getting a promotion from Tampa to Trenton before the end of the year.

Both NYBD contributor Jed Weisberger and Frank Russo have received great reports from their Tampa contacts. Jed believes Brackman is better suited for the bullpen down the road, while Frank has heard that some believe the kid can be a top of the rotation type starter.

I don’t think we will see Brackman in the Bronx this year ala Joba Chamberlain in 2007, but 2011 is not out of the realm of possibly. Good things happen when you pay over slot for talented pitchers and the Yankees, at the very least, may have found a top notch bullpen arm out of their system.



Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Andrew Brackman, New York Yankees