Yankees Draft Organization Report
Brackman Has A Backer
NEW YORK--Andrew Brackman already had a supporter in the Yankees' clubhouse before he was drafted by the club.
"When I saw that we picked him, I said, 'I know this guy,' " Alex Rodriguez said of the Yankees' first-round pick (30th overall) out of North Carolina State. "I am pumped about this guy."
Two years ago A-Rod went to Raleigh to see neighbor Ramon Corona, the Wolfpack's second baseman and wandered into an indoor throwing area where the 6-foot-11 Brackman was throwing.
"He stood behind the catcher and it was unbelievable," Brackman said.
A student of the game, A-Rod gushed about Brackman and was shocked the Yankees had a chance to get him.
"I expected him to go in the top three (picks)," A-Rod said.
Brackman, who said he would give up his N.C. State basketball career for baseball, may have slipped since he cut short his season short.
"I haven't thrown this many innings (78) before because I have been playing basketball," Brackman said. "The condition of my arm is fine. We just decided to shut it down so nothing serious did happen."
Brackman, who attended Moeller High in Cincinnati, said he experienced elbow soreness and tightness in the forearm.
He was 6-4, 3.81 in 13 games for the Wolfpack as a junior.
Since he is being advised by Scott Boras, Brackman was asked about negotiations.
"I want to be on the field as soon as possible and I think the process will go smoothly," Brackman said. "It will take time to work things out but I am looking forward to being on the field as soon as possible."
He may have been the final pick of the first round but Brackman believes he is in a better spot than the other 29.
"The prestige of being in the first round or the top pick, it really doesn't matter," Brackman said. "I have it better than all the first-rounders because I am with the greatest baseball powerhouse. This is a dream come true."
Brackman Has A Backer
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Print| Jim Callis' Quick Take |
| North Carolina State righthander Andrew Brackman is a high-risk, high-reward pick that could pay off huge. Even if his injury requires surgery, elbow problems are more easily corrected than shoulder woes. If he were fully healthy and pitched as expected, he was a top-five talent, so that's a potential great value at No. 30. Texas third baseman Brad Suttle (fourth round) is another tough sign with a lot of ability. I really like his feel for hitting. |
"When I saw that we picked him, I said, 'I know this guy,' " Alex Rodriguez said of the Yankees' first-round pick (30th overall) out of North Carolina State. "I am pumped about this guy."
Two years ago A-Rod went to Raleigh to see neighbor Ramon Corona, the Wolfpack's second baseman and wandered into an indoor throwing area where the 6-foot-11 Brackman was throwing.
"He stood behind the catcher and it was unbelievable," Brackman said.
A student of the game, A-Rod gushed about Brackman and was shocked the Yankees had a chance to get him.
"I expected him to go in the top three (picks)," A-Rod said.
Brackman, who said he would give up his N.C. State basketball career for baseball, may have slipped since he cut short his season short.
"I haven't thrown this many innings (78) before because I have been playing basketball," Brackman said. "The condition of my arm is fine. We just decided to shut it down so nothing serious did happen."
Brackman, who attended Moeller High in Cincinnati, said he experienced elbow soreness and tightness in the forearm.
He was 6-4, 3.81 in 13 games for the Wolfpack as a junior.
Since he is being advised by Scott Boras, Brackman was asked about negotiations.
"I want to be on the field as soon as possible and I think the process will go smoothly," Brackman said. "It will take time to work things out but I am looking forward to being on the field as soon as possible."
He may have been the final pick of the first round but Brackman believes he is in a better spot than the other 29.
"The prestige of being in the first round or the top pick, it really doesn't matter," Brackman said. "I have it better than all the first-rounders because I am with the greatest baseball powerhouse. This is a dream come true."
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