Written by Greg Fertel
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02 April 2007
I am honestly shocked that Sean Henn is a part of the New York Yankees organization right now. I think the Yankees made the correct decision, but I never expected that they would make it. Many Yankee fans used Sean Henn as a punchline over the past few years. He made three absolutely terrible starts in 2005 when the Yankees needed him most, looking as nervous as one could be on the mound. After an injury-filled 2006 where he lost his control, and subsequently looked terrible in the Arizona Fall League.
Henn has a lot of things going for him. He is still just 26 years old, so he's in his prime. He throws very hard - he topped out at 95 today, and he's capable of throwing harder. He has a strong slider, though it's clearly not a plus pitch. It works pretty well against left handed batters, but he rarely throws it to a righty. He has a changeup, but it's not very good, and likely on the shelf now that he's in the bullpen. Henn should have the ability to spell Ron Villone in the bullpen, and should be able to eat a few innings in a blowout.
Henn very well could put together a decent little season. If he doesn't, then the Yankees didn't lose anything by keeping him. He's got the potential to be better than Mike Myers. I liked how he looked on the mound today. I wouldn't expect an ERA lower than 4.00 from him, but if he can handle lefties, he'll be of use in the middle innings.
It was nice to see a win that counted, wasn't it? Three days until the minor league games start counting.
