Of note, Jose Ramirez, the 21 yr old Dominican who pitched well in A ball last yr, was demoted about a month ago back to the SAL. He's been much better in the SAL, although the walks remain high.
After a horrible run of starts, Sean Black has found his groove. In his last 3 starts, he has an ERA of 2.16, a WHIP of 1.14, and a K/9IP of 6. He got hot around this time last yr and it looks like he might be moving in that direction.
David Phelps continues to dominate. He has thrown 76.1IP this yr, with an ERA of 2.95, a WHIP of 1.26 and a K/9IP of 7.8. He is the most ready starter in AAA
Adam Warren is coming on strong as well. His ERA is now in the low 3's, and his WHIP fell below 1.4 tonight after tossing 8 strong innings. He is shaping into a starting pitching option as well
DJ Mitchell has been his phenomenal self this yr. ERA sub 3, limiting the walks, and getting grounders. I think his future is as a swing man, but he might get a shot in the rotation
Brackman has been absolutely abysmal out of the rotation, although recent reports have noted his FB to be sitting in the 95-96 range. Not sure why they are waiting to move him to the pen. There are better prospects below him and more polished pitchers at his level. With his lack of a change and lack of confidence in long outings, the rotation just doesnt seem to be feasible for him. If he went to the pen, he could be akin to Daniel Bard. He throws mid 90s as a starter, he could reach the high 90s in 1 inning stints. And his lack of a change wont hurt in the pen, he can use his spike curve and his hard heater to generate outs. My guess is the Yanks want to give him this one last season to decide before moving him to the pen next season. Next yr is his last option yr, so they have to figure something out or risk losing him
Kevin Whelan has finally shown his closer type stuff. He has always had it, but the walks were his nemesis. This yr, he's only issued 6 in 27IP, while K'ing 30 and having a WHIP of 0.85. He is due to be called up today or tomorrow, so we'll see what all the fuss is about.