2012 Yankees Minor League notes

[jacksonianmarch]

Figured I'd start this one off. Rafael DePaula got his visa and will be cleared by the MLB. He should be reporting soon to the Yankee minor league complex. Pretty excited to see what he can do.

 

In other news, Slade Heathcott's recovery from shoulder surgery will likely take up until June, so he won't be going north with any team until then. Even when he recovers, he will likely end up in Tampa

[jacksonianmarch]

Visa Approved For Yankees’ Jose Rafael DePaula

 

Posted Mar. 22, 2012 5:06 pm by Ben Badler

Filed under: International, News

 

A premium prospect who has been involved in one of the longest, most fascinating sagas in the Dominican Republic has taken a major step toward beginning his professional career.

 

Righthander Jose Rafael DePaula, who agreed to sign for a $500,000 bonus with the Yankees in November 2010, has had his visa approved by the U.S. Consulate, according to Charisse Espinosa-Dash, who is one of DePaula's representatives. DePaula is expected to travel to the United States next week for his physical, one of the final contingencies of his contract being approved and his bonus being paid. The physical is not expected to be an issue, as DePaula has been working out regularly under the Yankees watch dating back more than a year. A Yankees official could not be immediately reached for comment. MLB Trade Rumors reported the news this afternoon.

 

DePaula had originally presented himself as Rafael DePaula Figueroa, born April 1, 1992. By that date of birth, DePaula would have been eligible to sign on July 2, 2008. Scouts said DePaula back in the summer of 2008 was throwing in the mid- to high-80s with his fastball, but as 2009 rolled around he became one of the hotter items on the international market with a fastball that was registering in the low-90s and touching 94-95 mph. DePaula received attention from several teams, including the Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, Mariners and Athletics, but in May 2009 Major League Baseball told Baseball America that it had suspended DePaula for one year over issues with his documentation, even though he had not yet signed a contract at the time.

 

 

 

DePaula's suspension ended on Jan. 7, 2010. At that time, many scouts considered DePaula and fellow Dominican righthander Carlos Martinez (then known as Carlos Matias) the two premier pitching prospects available in Latin America, with Martinez showing more top-end velocity but DePaula more size and physical projection. Martinez signed with the Cardinals in April 2010 for $1.5 million, had his contract approved later that year after a lengthy investigation and has since developed into the No. 27 prospect in baseball.

 

In June 2010, BA reported that DePaula had come forward with a new name (Jose Rafael DePaula) and a new date of birth, March 24, 1991, which was one year older than he had previously presented himself and means he turns 21 on Saturday. In November 2010, DePaula agreed to a $500,000 deal with the Yankees, with the contract contingent upon DePaula receiving his visa, which given his history meant more than the standard red tape. DePaula remained in limbo for 16 months. He worked out at the Yankees academy in the Dominican Republic, but he was not allowed to travel to the United States and could not pitch in official games.

 

When DePaula signed with the Yankees, BA's reports had him throwing a plus to plus-plus fastball that regularly reached the mid-90s. More recent reports from sources have had him touching the high-90s, though those have yet to be independently confirmed because scouts from other organizations have not been able to watch him pitch recently. DePaula also has shown a sharp power curveball, feel for a changeup, good size at around 6-foot-2, 200 pounds with long arms, huge hands and a clean, athletic delivery. If the contract does get finalized, it's not yet known where the Yankees plan to send DePaula, though given his combination of stuff and polish, like Martinez, he figures to move quickly.

[jacksonianmarch]

Dante Bichette came to big league camp for one game. He saw two pitches vs the Astros major league team. He put both of them in the seats. He's gonna be a good one

[jacksonianmarch]

Looks like Corban Joseph will miss the yr with a labrum injury. Still awaiting a second opinion, but that isnt good. He was due to start at 2b for the AAA SWB Yankees. Tough break for the kid

[jacksonianmarch]

April 6th

AAA

Dellin Betances had a good start to the yr. 5IP 4H 2ER 1BB 6K. If he can keep his control in check, he'll dominate

 

Offensively, AAA is a mash unit of backups (Cervelli) or AAAA players ready to suck at their next big league call. The only prospect is Brandon Laird, who did hit a double today, but is 1 for 7 on the young season

 

AA

Abraham Almonte was the big star of the night. 2 for 4 with a double and a HR. Otherwise, the offense did squat.

 

Graham Stoneburner was okay in his debut, allowing 5 hits and a walk in a 4IP 1ER performance. He was on a 60 pitch count it would seem, as he was pulled at 66 pitches

 

A+

Shane Greene and Branden Pinder threw very well in their debuts. Closer Mark Montgomery did not.

 

Offensively, JR Murphy was 2 for 4 and non-prospect Zach Wilson was 3 for 4.

 

A

My favorite level this season to watch will be the SAL Riverdogs. They 1 hit the opposition today, behind 6 masterful innings from Jose Campos. 6IP, 1H, 0ER, 3K, 1BB and he only needed 65 pitches. This kid is the balls. Power armed closer Phil Wetherell threw 2 perfect innings of relief striking out 4.

 

Offensively, Mason Williams went 2 for 4 with 2 doubles. This a night after hitting a triple in his first at bat before the game was suspended. He's 3 for 5 with 2 doubles and a triple on the young season.

 

Dante Bichette was 1 for 4, Gary Sanchez was 2 for 3 and Kelvin DeLeon went 1 for 3 with a solo homer

[Meh]

Bryan Mitchell was pretty stellar last night. excited about him, DJ was pretty good too. I personally would of let Phelps start and called up DJ. I just think DJ would be a way better option in terms of a long man.

[jacksonianmarch]

Mitchell has ace level stuff. His location has been a problem. I am most encouraged by the 1BB in 6IP. That's stellar for him especially. This is a guy who walked 31 in 61.2IP

[Meh]

Jose Campos 5 IP 2BB 7Ks 0H 0ER Another good start.

[jacksonianmarch]

On a bad note, Betances got owned. I hope this is his last hiccup, cause if he continues to post gem-s***-gem-s***, he's gonna end up in the pen

[jacksonianmarch]

Banuelos threw up another stinker as well. Interesting to see how he plays out. Scouts at the game said his velo and stuff were there, but he was missing with everything.

[Meh]

Banuelos threw up another stinker as well. Interesting to see how he plays out. Scouts at the game said his velo and stuff were there' date=' but he was missing with everything.[/quote']

 

Something minor is wrong with a muscle in his back. They're going to skip him in his next start.

[jacksonianmarch]

He's on the 7 day DL now. I knew something was up with him. His command was off last yr, but not by that much. Give him a f***ing month, no point in rushing.

[Meh]

Let me just say I really like Cody Eppley, I hope he gets a chance to pitch in the bullpen this year.

 

Second, I don't think there's a hitter off to a better start than Tyler Austin, I'd like to see him not go 4 for 4 every game though, maybe mix in some 3 for 3 with a walk.

[Meh]

Tyler Austin's on fire! He answered me last night and actually didn't get a hit and took the walk instead.

[jacksonianmarch]

14 for 32 to start the yr is impressive. But when 10 of those 14 are extra base hits (4 doubles, 3 triples, 3 homers), that is damn impressive

[jacksonianmarch]

Austin 1 for 2 with a triple and 2 runs scored thus far. LOL

[jacksonianmarch]

Campos 5IP 4H 1ER 1BB 7K. The guy has a 0.56ERA in 3 starts, allowing only 5 hits in 16IP. He's been absolutely dominant. They say they are going to go slow with him, although he may push the envelope. He doesnt even appear to need to try.

 

Also, Austin has been on fire. 2 for 4, a walk and a SB yesterday with a triple as well. Bichette, Williams, and Sanchez all are hitting over .300 in the early going, with Williams already stealing 6 bags. That team is fun to keep tabs on

[Meh]

Gumbs hasn't been hitting but he still got rave reviews from scouts and others at games.

 

Nik Turley put in another good game last night. 7 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K

[jacksonianmarch]

Ho hum, Austin 2 for 4 with a walk today. No EBH's though, the bum!