Written by Greg Fertel
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31 May 2007
- Age: 26
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 205 lbs
- Acquired: Drafted 4th Round in 2003 out of Baylor
- Position: Starting Pitcher
- Throws: Right
Scouting Report: White is a big guy and is capable of throwing like one. He throws 93-94 mph, with the ability to pump it up a few ticks higher, although he loses a lot of command when he does. If he were to be converted to the bullpen, he might be able to sit at 94-95 on a good day, but don't count on a lot more. He compliments the fastball with an average curveball and an above average changeup, but he's a fastball guy. White has the arm strength to work deep in to games.
History: White had a mixed college career, walking too many and posting ERAs over 4.00 three out of his four years at Baylor. However, his fastball got him drafted by the Yankees in the 4th round, and he signed after the season was over. The Yankees kept him down in both A ball leagues that year, and White pitched very well (ERA under 3.00, 100/47 K/BB ratio in 117 innings). He spent most of 2005 in Trenton, where an oblique strain and several other minor injuries limited him to just 63 innings and an ERA over 6.00. He was sent back to Trenton in 2006, where he dominated hitters with a 2.11 ERA in 68 innings. He struck out just 45 and walked 28. He was promoted to Triple-A Columbus, where his results were mixed. He pitched 107 innings with a 4.71 ERA despite stronger peripherals than he showed in Trenton (7.40 K/9, 3.59 BB/9, 0.67 HR/9) and he didn't prove especially hittable (100 hits in 107 innings allowed). What happened? Well, lefties hit .299/.407/.526 against him, and his BB/9 rose to 4.47 with men on base (versus 2.87 with none on). In short, his nerves got the best of him and White started to overthrow. The Yankees brought White up to New York along with Tyler Clippard, James Cox, and Phil Hughes late in the season to introduce them to the major leagues.
This Season: White entered spring training trying to win a spot in the then-crowded Scranton rotation. Unfortunately, he went down with a mysterious shoulder injury shortly into spring training, sidelining him until late May. Eventually it came out that White had some sort of fluke nerve injury, so we shouldn't be worried about his shoulder any time soon. He has pitched one rehab start in Tampa, allowing 1 run in 6 innings and striking out 6. He should be back in full time starting duty at Scranton this week.
Outlook and Movement: There is an opening for White right now. Chase Wright is not ready while Clippard and DeSalvo are battling for Phil Hughes' spot in the major leagues. If both struggle and White returns to AAA pitching well, he could be the next starter to audition for the major league job. For now, he'll try to master the AAA level. White needs to learn to calm down and throw comfortably, because he's very difficult to hit when he does. I wouldn't suggest promoting him unless he really holds down International League batters, because calm nerves are going to be necessary in New York.
Ranking: A lot of Yankee fans tend to forget about White, but he's a good prospect. The advanced age is a result of some injury problems and a four year college career, but besides that there is a lot to like about him. I think that the Yankees will think about converting White to the bullpen if he doesn't work out as a starting pitcher this season. I'm interested to see how he takes to a short relief role. Will he be able to throw at max effort without sacrificing command? Will his strikeout ability return? No one will know the answers until he's tried out there, but I think that White will be a major league pitcher in some shape or form fairly soon.
Next up: #20
Zach McAllister
