Did anyone read the article in Baseball America about Ian Kennedy and Joba Chamberlain? Kennedy’s fall pitching coach was trying to shorten his stride to the plate. From what I understand about pitching, if his stride is shorter he will be throwing even flatter and his velocity will drop. Probably not something you want to do to a first round — or any prospect. The Yankees even have some impressive minor league pitching talent in the lower levels. Guys such as Daniel McCutcheon, George Kontos, Tim Norton, Eric Wordekemper etc. One thing all these young pitchers have in common? – control. Most, if not all, have very low walk totals. This past 2006 draft will be looked upon as one of the best pitching drafts the Yankees have ever had. Also, it is about time they really increase Philip Hughes’ innings this year. He needs to be prepped to pitch over the long haul. Any thoughts?

The Yankees took Kennedy with their first pick and gave him a huge signing bonus. He’s a polished college pitcher and it’s my guess they see him making the team sooner than ‘09. I don’t know what their thoughts were for Chamberlain, but his stuff tells you he’ll be up before ‘09, too. Even if it’s in the bullpen. He has a big-time fastball and excellent control. He’ll be here in one capacity or another. Marquez’s issues are apparently all mental/physical.

Actually, Joba’s k/bb was 46/3.

The thing I like about Kennedy is he actually had a higher k/9 rate than Joba. And he didn’t allow a single HR in all his 30.1 innings (whereas Joba gave up 3 in 37.2).

We may not have to wait until ‘09. Joba & Kennedy will probably start at Tampa next year, so there’s a chance – if they dominate – to see the show in ‘08.

Still, at best, you won’t see these guys in the Bronx until 2009, at best. So much can happen in that amount of time.
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Ya, but I can’t help but to be encouraged by the news.

Depending on their progress, you may see these guys in ‘08.

I hope to see Joba in pinstripes soon. I think he will be the first of the new Baby Bomber pitchers to come up this year.

42-3 K/BB??? That’s nuts.