MY BASEBALL BIAS

With pitchers and catchers reporting to Tampa in 14 more days, I thought we’d take a daily look at all 26 non-roster invitees in alphabetical order. If all goes according to plan, we’ll wrap up this series on February 13th with infielder Marcos Vechionacci, one day before Yankee camp officially opens.

One word of caution - I do not claim to be a scout. Most of my sourcing will come from various interviews, profiles, videos and looking at statistics. The series is meant to be a learning tool as we prep for the opening of Spring Training. I invite all of you to add to the discussion in the comments section, post links on said player or, if you have a story, feel free to share it.

One more season under .200 and baseball will need to rename the “Mendoza Line” the “Lane Line“…

JASON LANE

Position: OF/INF
Born: December 22, 1976 Santa Rosa, California
Height: 6-2
Weight: 215
Bats: Right
Throws: Left
High School: Santa Rosa (Santa Rosa,CA)
College: USC, Santa Rosa Junior College

2008 Prospect Rankings:

• None

Statistics
Complete Minor League Stats
Complete Major League Stats

Background

Lane was selected by Houston Astros in the 6th Round (203rd overall) of 1999 amateur entry draft. On September 24, 2007 he was traded to the San Diego Padres for player to be named later and cash. He signed a minor-league deal with the Yankees on January, 11 2008.

Scouting Report

What can you say about Lane – low average hitter with some pop. He had one pretty good season with the Astros in 2005 when he batted .267 and belted 26 home runs and 78 RBIs. The 31-year old was released last year by the Astros when he couldn’t get his batting average above the Mendoza line. Defensively, he’s played the majority of his games in the outfield and only four games at first-base. He’s not a particularly good defender.

Projection and Outlook

The Yankees signed Lane to be an insurance outfielder. The loss of Kevin Thompson and Kevin Reese at the Triple-A level left the Yankees very thin on veteran outfielders so the signing makes sense. I doubt we’ll see much of Lane at first base or even competing for the job in Spring Training. He could slip onto the rosrter if Shelley Duncan struggles, but that’s unlikely.

Below are profiles I’ve already completed in case you missed one or all of them:

All non-roster invitee profiles are available in the sidebar as well.

NEXT UP: Daniel McCutchen,

With pitchers and catchers reporting to Tampa in 15 more days, I thought we’d take a daily look at all 26 non-roster invitees in alphabetical order. If all goes according to plan, we’ll wrap up this series on February 13th with infielder Marcos Vechionacci, one day before Yankee camp officially opens.

One word of caution - I do not claim to be a scout. Most of my sourcing will come from various interviews, profiles, videos and looking at statistics. The series is meant to be a learning tool as we prep for the opening of Spring Training. I invite all of you to add to the discussion in the comments section, post links on said player or, if you have a story, feel free to share it.

STEVEN JACKSON

Position: RHP
Born: March 15, 1982 - Eutawville, South Carolina
Height: 6-5
Weight: 215
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
High School: Summerville (Summerville,SC)
College: Clemson University

2008 Prospect Rankings:

• None

Statistics
Complete Minor League Stats

Background

Jackson was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 10th round (296th overall) of the 2004 amateur entry draft. On January 7, 2007, Jackson was traded to the Yankees along with Alberto Gonzalez, Ross Ohlendorf and Luis Vizcaino for Randy Johnson.

Scouting Report

I was very interested in Jackson last year when I learned he would be coming over in the Johnson trade. Having looked at his numbers in Double-A with the Diamondbacks (2.71 ERA, 125 SO’s in 149 IP), I was sure that this was the type of player that was beginning to put it all together. Jackson, however, took a step back last season with the Yankees and his future with the organization is now in question mostly because of the depth of the Yankees minor league pitching.

Jackson began 2007 in Triple-A and struggled for four months. Instead of taking one step forward, he was forced out of the rotation to the bullpen and took one step back when he was demoted to Double-A Trenton in July. He rebounded somewhat and posted a 1.88 ERA in the month of August. But by then, it was too late for anyone to even notice.

Jackson possesses four pitches, a low 90’s four-seam fastball that can touch 94 on occasion, a sinker, split-finger fastball and change-up. He needs to channel his 2006 season when he very successful at getting ahead in counts and keeping hitters off-balance.

Projection and Outlook

2007 was a season where Jackson needed to build on what he had done in 2006. He didn’t do that, and now, will probably start the 2008 season back at Double-A Trenton. He could be in the reliever mix at Triple-A if there is an injury or if he is spectacular in the spring. I wouldn’t hold your breath on that last thought however.

Below are profiles I’ve already completed in case you missed one or all of them:

All non-roster invitee profiles are available in the sidebar as well.

NEXT UP: Jason Lane, OF/INF

With pitchers and catchers reporting to Tampa in 16 more days, I thought we’d take a daily look at all 26 non-roster invitees in alphabetical order. If all goes according to plan, we’ll wrap up this series on February 13th with infielder Marcos Vechionacci, one day before Yankee camp officially opens.

One word of caution - I do not claim to be a scout. Most of my sourcing will come from various interviews, profiles, videos and looking at statistics. The series is meant to be a learning tool as we prep for the opening of Spring Training. I invite all of you to add to the discussion in the comments section, post links on said player or, if you have a story, feel free to share it.

Could this guy be the Yankees starting centerfielder in 2009?…

AUSTIN JACKSON

Position: OF
Born: February 1, 1987 - Denton,Texas
Height: 6-1
Weight: 185
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
High School: Ryan (Denton,TX)

2008 Prospect Rankings:

• Ranked as a B- prospect (5) by John Sickels
• Ranked 3rd in the Yankee system by Baseball America
• Ranked 3rd by Pinstripes Plus
• Ranked 3rd by Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus

Statistics
Complete Minor League Stats

Background

Jackson was drafted by the Yankees in the 8th Round (259th overall) of 2005 amateur entry draft from Ryan High School in Denton Texas for $800,000. He turned down a basketball scholarship to Georgia Tech and followed his dream of playing baseball. After a stint in 2005 with the GCL Yankees, he struggled in 2006 at Single-A Charleston when he batted (258/.338/.344). In 2007, however, things really took off for Jackson. He started slowly again in Charleston (.260/.336/.374 but was magnificent when bumped up to High-A Tampa (.345/.398/.566). After an equally impressive Hawaiian Winter Ball debut where he was ranked by Baseball America as the second best prospect in the league, all the major prospect lists have placed him in the top five of their rankings. Other than the big young three (Chamberlain, Hughes and Kennedy), Jackson’s name is the one talked about most in the system these days.

Offensive Skills

Jackson is easily the best athlete in the Yankee’s minor league system. He can run, hit and field which makes him a true five-tool player. His bat speed is tremendous which makes it easy for him to turn on inside pitches. A rebuilt swing has allowed him to shorten his stride and stay back longer. He still has a tendency to chase the breaking stuff and some scouts worry that when his frame fills out he’ll lose some speed. As of now, however, he has above average speed and a 77% success rate on the base paths.

Defensive Skills

A true centerfielder, Jackson’s speed gives him great tracking power on balls hit his way. He also possesses a plus arm. Jackson has all the tools that could make him a Gold Glove outfielder one day.

Projection and Outlook

Jackson will more than likely continue his development at Double-A Trenton in 2007. A mid or late season call-up to Scranton/WB is not out of the question. As of now, I think Jackson has the highest ceiling of any player currently in the system. He could easily become a 20/20 type all-star outfielder if he continues to hone his game.

Below are profiles I’ve already completed in case you missed one or all of them:

All non-roster invitee profiles are available in the sidebar as well.

NEXT UP: Steven Jackson, RHP

With pitchers and catchers reporting to Tampa in 16 more days, I thought we’d take a daily look at all 26 non-roster invitees in alphabetical order. If all goes according to plan, we’ll wrap up this series on February 13th with infielder Marcos Vechionacci, one day before Yankee camp officially opens.

One word of caution - I do not claim to be a scout. Most of my sourcing will come from various interviews, profiles, videos and looking at statistics. The series is meant to be a learning tool as we prep for the opening of Spring Training. I invite all of you to add to the discussion in the comments section, post links on said player or, if you have a story, feel free to share it.

Who will be the 2008 version of this guy…?

Alan Horne

Born: January 5, 1983
Height: 6-4
Weight: 195
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
College: Florida

2008 Prospect Rankings:

• Ranked as a B prospect by John Sickels
• Ranked 5th in the Yankee system by Baseball America
• Ranked 5th by Pinstripes Plus
• Ranked 5th by Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus

Statistics
Complete Minor League Stats

Background

A former first round pick of the Cleveland Indians in 2001 out of High School, Horne turned down their offer and instead went the college route playing for three different schools (Mississippi, Chipola Junior College and Florida). In 2004 he was taken in the 30th round by the Anaheim Angels but opted for Tommy John surgery instead and didn’t sign. Finally, in 2005, after pitching Florida to the College World Series, the Yankees took Horne in the 11th round (349th overall) of the amateur entry draft and signed him for $400,000.

Scouting Report

When the Yankees drafted Horne, they knew they were getting a high risk, high reward prospect. Mostly a power pitcher, his four-seam fastball sits consistently between 92-94 mph. He has also developed a two-seam fastball with good running/sinking action. Last year at Double-A Trenton, Horne led the Easter League in strikeouts (165) and ERA (3.11) in 153.1 innings. Other pitches in his repertoire include a power slider and curveball that he throws with good consistency, plus an above-average changeup that’s still developing mostly because he throws it to hard.

Horne still has a little work to do to refine his game, however. Poor release points due to his long arm action and slow movements to the plate can cause control problems. He’ll need to develop a better pick off move as well. Horne is not an adept fielder at his position

Projection and Outlook

Having already dominated Double-A ball, Horne projects to start the ’08 season at Triple-A Scranton/WB in the rotation. He will, however, get a look at Spring Training for the major league bullpen and a spot on the 25-man roster is not out of the question. If he remains a starter, he projects out as a middle of the rotation guy who can eat up a lot of innings for a major league team. Horne is further evidence of the pitching depth the Yankees organization has in the minor leagues.

Below are profiles I’ve already completed in case you missed one or all of them:

All non-roster invitee profiles are available in the sidebar as well.

NEXT UP: Austin Jackson, OF

With pitchers and catchers reporting to Tampa in 18 more days, I thought we’d take a daily look at all 26 non-roster invitees in alphabetical order. If all goes according to plan, we’ll wrap up this series on February 13th with infielder Marcos Vechionacci, one day before Yankee camp officially opens.

One word of caution - I do not claim to be a scout. Most of my sourcing will come from various interviews, profiles, videos and looking at statistics. The series is meant to be a learning tool as we prep for the opening of Spring Training. I invite all of you to add to the discussion in the comments section, post links on said player or, if you have a story, feel free to share it.

Here’s a guy you may remember from ‘06…

NICK GREEN

Position: INF
Born: September 10, 1978 - Pensacola, Florida
Height: 6-0
Weight: 180
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
High School: Duluth (Duluth, GA)
College: DeKalb Junior College

Statistics
Complete Minor League Stats
Complete Major League Stats

Background

Green was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 32nd round of the 1998 amateur draft, but didn’t sign with the team until May of 1999. After six seasons in the Braves system, he was traded to the Devil Rays in 2005 for Jorge Sosa. Since then, he’s played for the Yankees, Pirates and Mariners. This is his second trip around in Pinstripes.

Offensive Skills

Not much you can say about Green offensively other than he occasionally shows some power, but strikes out way too many times to be anything more than a utility player. I remember him playing for the Yankees in 2006 and came away unimpressed, but he’s a bench guy so what do you expect. A .255 career hitter in the minors and a .240 career hitter in 703 major league at-bats, Green put up a .337/.385 /.600 line in the PCL last year including 16 home runs and 46 RBI’s in 285 at-bats. It must have been a fluke, however, because he has never shown the ability to put up those type of numbers at any level of professional ball.

Defensive Skills

The reason you have Green on your squad is for his defense. He’s really an exceptional defender whether it be second base (his natural position), shortstop, or third base. He can even spot in the outfield if there’s a need. If you look at his defensive numbers, most of his errors came early in his career.

Projection and Outlook

Green will compete for a spot on the Yankee bench in Spring Training. If he doesn’t make the 25-man roster, he’ll begin the year at Triple-A.

Below are profiles I’ve already completed in case you missed one or all of them:

All non-roster invitee profiles are available in the sidebar as well.

NEXT UP: Alan Horne, RHP

With pitchers and catchers reporting to Tampa in 19 more days, I thought we’d take a daily look at all 26 non-roster invitees in alphabetical order. If all goes according to plan, we’ll wrap up this series on February 13th with infielder Marcos Vechionacci, one day before Yankee camp officially opens.

One word of caution - I do not claim to be a scout. Most of my sourcing will come from various interviews, profiles, videos and looking at statistics. The series is meant to be a learning t