- Full name Matt Yeatman
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
Pressed with 40-man roster issues, the Twins took an opportunity to swap two young players on the bubble (catcher Javier Valentin and righthander Matt Kinney) but without clear big league jobs for a pair of Class A righthanders: Yeatman and Gerry Oakes. Though Yeatman signed late in 2000 and didn't debut until midseason 2001, he quickly became one of Milwaukee's better pitching prospects. His fastball sits at 89-91 mph and touches 92-93, and there's room for more projection as he firms up his 6-foot-4 frame. His curveball is his best pitch at the moment. He made strides incorporating his changeup into his repertoire after operating almost strictly with a fastball/curveball attack in 2001. He has drawn comparisons to a young Kevin Millwood, but Yeatman might eventually thrive in the back of a bullpen with two power pitches. He sometimes throws across his body, which causes him to leave his fastball up in the strike zone. He'll move to high Class A in 2003. -
After signing too late to pitch in 2000, Yeatman really opened some eyes in Rookie ball last season with a fastball in the mid-90s and a sharp-breaking curveball. His numbers weren't great but his stuff was electric at times. Used as both a starter and short reliever, he has the stuff to excel in either role. With his two plus pitches and his good frame, he's definitely somebody to watch. "He can be a Kevin Millwood type with better stuff," one Brewers official said. "He has a natural curveball." Yeatman needs to work on his concentration and command, which will come with more experience. He also doesn't have much of a changeup at this point, which won't matter as much if he's used to finish games rather than start them. He should be able to make the jump to full-season ball in 2002 and will open the season in low Class A.