Written by Greg Fertel
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01 June 2007
- Age: 19
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 230 lbs
- Acquired: Drafted 3rd Round in 2006 out of HS
- Position: Starting Pitcher
- Throws: Right
Scouting Report: McAllister was a light thrower in high school, tossing mainly 2-seam fastballs around 90 mph. However, he grew almost 6" and gained around 60 pounds after his 16th birthday - gaining the eye of the Yankees. He was a rare find for the 3rd round - a well polished right handed pitcher with a lot of projection. They set him throwing a 4-seam fastball to compliment his 2-seamer, and he was clocked around 93 mph. With more work, the Yankees believe that they can get McAllister even faster than that. He came out of high school with a good changeup and a good slider, but has since added a curveball. He has plus command, especially with the 2-seamer.
History: The Yankees sent McAllister down to the Gulf Coast League immediately after drafting him. As per organization policy, they did not change anything about his approach for the first month. He pitched 35 innings with 28 strikeouts, 12 walks, and an ERA of 3.09. Batters just could not lift the ball off the ground, and he posted one of the best (sample size aided) GO/AO that I've ever seen at 4.29. Nevertheless, the Yankees decided to shelve his 2-seam fastball and slider combination in order to cultivate a 4-seamer and curveball. They are confident that McAllister can be a power pitcher, not unlike Phil Hughes (whose body type he is often compared with).
This Season: McAllister has been working out and pitching in extended spring training. He has been pitching well, showing great command and life on the 4-seamer. The Yankees have not allowed him to throw his 2-seam fastball at all. He has not yet made his minor league debut, but should make it any day now. He could be sent to Charleston, though some combination of Staten Island and the Gulf Coast League is a possibility.
Outlook and Movement: McAllister won't get higher than the low A ball leagues this year, but could see some time in Tampa in 2008. He has a completely new approach to work on, so expect him to take awhile. The Yankees will probably let him break the 2-seamer and possibly the slider back out by the time he hits Trenton (probably early to mid 2009). Don't expect to see him in the majors until 2010 at the earliest, when he will be 22 years old.
Ranking: I was tempted to rank McAllister higher. The Yankees have to have a lot of faith in a guy's potential to take a Marquez-like potential sinkerball pitcher and transform him into a power, strikeout, Hughes kid of guy. They clearly had this planned out when McAllister was drafted. I like the determined and aggressive approach, but I can't rate McAllister higher until he puts in some time with the new style this season. He's definitely got the potential for a big rise six months from now when I come up with my fall rankings. For now, it's time to wait and see.
Next up: #19 Reegie Corona
