YANKEES TAKE KAPRELIAN IN THE FIRST ROUND

With the 16th pick in the first round, the New York Yankees selected right-handed pitcher James Kaprielian. A junior out of UCLA, his number indicate that he is a strong strikeout pitcher. Over the last 2 seasons combined, he ranks #1 in strikeouts in the Pac-12.

He began as a relief pitcher in his freshman year, appearing in 34 games with an ERA of 1.55 and K/9 of 11.72.  His next two years saw him start 31 games, and finish with a career record of 17-10 and totals of an ERA of 2.06, 275 strikeouts, and 92 walks over 253.1 innings.

The numbers tell us that he is a solid pick. The Yankees will have to put him through the minors, to see where and how he fits. Most scouting reports say that he is a strong bet to make it to the majors as a starter, though it’s unlikely he will be an ace. Then again, it’s a scouting report, and his future remains to be seen. We wish him the best of luck, and we will be keeping an eye on him.

--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Senior Staff Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon
My blog is: Shots from Murderer's Row







You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!  Also, don't forget to check out the BYB Hub!