Why 55 you ask? Well, for the first time since 2002 Brian Cashman and company did not own a first-round draft pick due to the extravagant off-season that saw the high-profile free-agent signings of Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann, and Carlos Beltran.
So who exactly is this guy?
Jacob Lindgren, a southpaw out of Mississippi State University, has emerged as one of the country's premier relievers this past season, posting an incredible .081 ERA in 26 relief appearances. Currently in his third year at Mississippi State, the junior posted a 6-1record while striking out 100 batters to just 25 walks. Lindgren led the SEC conference with a 0.55 ERA and a .114 OBA. He also led the entire nation with a 16.3 k/9 for relief pitchers.
A local scout who monitored Lindgren all season had this to say;
"He's got two big league pitches right now. His slider is a plus pitch right now, a 60 or 65 (on the 20/80 scale). He's a set up guy who can move quickly. He doesn't have to stay in the minors very long at all. If you need a left-hander in the majors, he can probably help you in September and get outs."In his scouting report, most scouts mentioned that Lindgren spent time as both a starter and reliever at Mississippi State, but saw an increase in velocity with his fastball when he became a reliever, as it went from 90-91 to 94-95.
They also suggested that Lindgren could be a potential project to become a future closer in the bigs, but for now he'll enter the Yankees farm system as a left-handed reliever with a lively arm.
Hopefully the Yankees don't put too much pressure on this kid, but I'd be excited to see him as early as this September.
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