With the 16th round pick of this year’s draft the New York Yankees selected Gonzaga left-hander Derek Callahan. He is a big physical left-hander which always intrigues scouts; his listed height and weight are 6’4, and 205 pounds. The Washington State native, is a four-pitch pitcher, who could be used in the rotation if/when he signs with the Yankees.
How did it feel when you found out you were drafted by the Yankees?
“Honestly, felt honored and blessed to be drafted by any MLB Team. But being taken by a franchise like the Yankees is a great honor. Every kid imagines pitching game 7 of the World Series for the Yankees.”
Were you a Yankee fan growing up?
“No, I grew up a Mariners fan, but even if you aren’t a Yankees fan, they’re still a team that you’d want to play, there’s so much history there. Also, the Yankees took a friend of mine in 2011, Bubba Jones, so I have followed them for the past few years.”
Where were you when you found out?
“I was home, my family was with me. It was amazing that they were all there for me. The Yankees called near the 15th round, and said they were close to selecting me. They said they can’t guarantee anything, but they would pick me soon.”
What player would you compare yourself to?
“I’ve been compared to Jon lester, he actually pitched on the same summer team that I did, but like 8 years before. The coaches say that we have some similarities in how we pitch. I also watch a lot of Clayton Kershaw games, and would try to emulate the way he pitches.”
What type of pitches do you throw? Velocity?
“I throw a fastball, which sits in 89-91 MPH range, but I have recently touched 94 MPH. A slide, which I throw in the 78-81 MPH range, this is my strikeout pitch. A curveball, which sits in the 74-76 range, and a changeup, which sits in the 80-82 MPH range.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.