Written by Greg Fertel
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15 November 2007
Age: 26
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 205 lbs
Position: Starting Pitcher (for now)
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 dont count on a lot more. Note - I've heard unconfirmed reports that he lost some velocity this season, but He compliments the fastball with an average curveball and an above average changeup, but hes a fastball guy. White has the arm strength to work deep in to games.
History: White's path has been an erratic one. Drafted in the 4th round in 2003, he spent some time as the Yankee's top pitching prospect. He brought experience to the table and threw heat, so White looked like a shining star on the dark horizon. 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 didnt prove especially hittable (100 hits in 107 innings allowed). What happened? 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). 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's season was initially delayed due to a mysterious nerve condition in his shoulder. It took the Yankees some time to figure it out (not unlike what the NHL's Jeff Friesen had to deal with a few seasons back), but White made his way back to Scranton and had a very successful season. The final line at AAA was 91 2/3 innings, 3.34 ERA, 32 walks (3.14 per 9), 55 strikeouts (5.40 per 9), and just 3 home runs allowed (0.29 per 9). He didn't suffer from a flukey BABIP (.292), but did have a big platoon split (.313/.397/.456 vs lefties, .198/.268/.258 against righties). That's a big problem, and makes me believe even more than before that White will finish 2008 in the bullpen.
Outlook: He's ready. White has nothing left to prove at AAA, unless you really believe he needs to learn how to pitch out of the bullpen. The Yankees should and will call him up as soon as they need him
Ranking: I had White ranked at #20 while Eric left him off altogether. I'm not sure if Eric no longer considered him a prospect, or just that his ceiling wasn't high enough. I understand that 26 is getting old for a prospect, but it's not like White's been around as long as say Chase Wright. He spent four years at a big time baseball program, and has missed significant time due to two major injuries. Still, White has brought power and experience to every level, and should be some kind of major league player. Don't expect too much, but any pitcher who can contribute at the major league level immediately should be considered a serious asset.
