Yankee GM, Brian Cashman, says that he feels "pretty good" about the Yankee bullpen prospects. But he says the same thing every year. However, this season he may be right. Especially if Humberto Sanchez finally develops. He's the player they got from the Detroit Tigers in the Gary Sheffield trade, circa, 2005.
The Tigers raved about this guy, and for good reason. In fact, Sanchez was in the same mold as curent Tiger aces, Justin Verlander, Joel Zumaya, possessing a strong 'upside'. The fact that Sanchez was physically imposing--6'6"/280--with an excellent fastball and only 21 (at the time) were pluses. He'll turn age 26 this coming May. He throws righthanded...a 'flamethrower'.
Like many young pitchers he experienced some soreness in his throwing arm, setting out the first-year after the trade, and appearing in only 2-games near the end of last season. Sanchez speak the entire season (2007) on the DL. He'll get a little bullpen duty, this week-end.
The Yankees knew of his condition at the time of the trade. But a 'sore-arm' is not untypical for young pitchers. Especially one with a positive upside. You might say it was 'concern' well placed!
The Tigers raved about this guy, and for good reason. In fact, Sanchez was in the same mold as curent Tiger aces, Justin Verlander, Joel Zumaya, possessing a strong 'upside'. The fact that Sanchez was physically imposing--6'6"/280--with an excellent fastball and only 21 (at the time) were pluses. He'll turn age 26 this coming May. He throws righthanded...a 'flamethrower'.
Like many young pitchers he experienced some soreness in his throwing arm, setting out the first-year after the trade, and appearing in only 2-games near the end of last season. Sanchez speak the entire season (2007) on the DL. He'll get a little bullpen duty, this week-end.
The Yankees knew of his condition at the time of the trade. But a 'sore-arm' is not untypical for young pitchers. Especially one with a positive upside. You might say it was 'concern' well placed!