New York Yankees Add Another Starting Pitching Prospect to the Stable

By Craig Williams

The New York Yankees are enjoying something that is still relatively new to them – quality starting pitching throughout the farm system.  Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos are the two names that most New York Yankees fans are anxiously awaiting, but there are a number of other arms as well – both of the safe and high ceiling variety. Since there is never any such thing as ‘enough pitching’ the New York Yankees continue to add.  Welcome 21-year old right-hander Rafael DePaula.

DePaula was actually already under contract with the Yankees, but was stuck in the Dominican Republic waiting for his visa.  DePaula lied about his identity which usually winds up creating a lot more trouble than it is worth for these kids and their families.  Anyway, DePaula finally received his visa and will now be able to start his professional career stateside.

DePaula is probably somewhat of a long shot.  Most Latin prospects start their pro careers at a very young age – sometimes as young as 16 – and the fact that DePaula is 21 is a bit discouraging.  You might argue,”college draftees start their pro careers at the same age, what’s the big deal?”  That’d be a fair question, but it’s not nearly the same thing because college draftees have been playing against strong competition.  I’m not sure I can say that DePaula has been challenged by his competition over the past couple of years.

At this point, DePaula still remains a raw power pitcher, but indications are that he possesses good stuff.  According to Baseball America he works with a sharp breaking ball and a fastball that can reach the mid-90’s.  A significant amount of time has elapsed since that scouting report was generated so who knows where he’s at now with his stuff.  It could be worse or for all we know, it could be better.

I’m interested to see how the New York Yankees move him up the ladder.  Developmentally, he’s probably behind the typical college pitcher that starts off in short-season ball, but the only ones that will know for sure are the guys running the organization.  This coming season should give us a small hint about Depaula’s future in the short and long term.  I’m looking forward to seeing what he’s got.

For more New York Yankees prospect talk,  follow me on Twitter @craigmwilliams.

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