Monday, September 1, 2008
NY Daily News: Yankees’ Minor League Report
Phil Coke was a “fringy prospect” until this season, says Mark Newman, the Yankees vice president of baseball operations. But Coke was the first name Newman uttered in a recent conversation about Yankee minor-leaguers who made significant strides this season.
“Now we think he’s a very good prospect,” Newman said. “He’s got his velocity to 94 (mph) and his slider has more depth and a late break.”
He’s made such strides that he will be called up to the Yankees today, when rosters expand.
Coke, 26, was mostly a starter at Double-A Trenton and went 9-4 with a 2.51 ERA before being promoted to Triple-A Scranton. He switched to the bullpen so the Yankees could manage the number of innings he pitched and see how his stuff translated to relieving. In 14 games at Scranton (one start), he’s 2-2 with a 4.67 ERA.
“He can start or relieve,” Newman said. “He’s got enough pitches to start because he also has a changeup. He’s certainly a possibility for the major-league team for next year.”
Coke debuted today against Detroit and looked pretty good I thought.
Newman also discusses Zach McAllister, Juan Miranda, Jesus Montero and Austin Romine in this article. Hat tip to Was Watching.
Page 1 of 1 pages: