[SIZE=+1]9. Jacob Lindgren[/SIZE]
Position: LHP
DOB: 03/12/1993
Height/Weight: 5’11” 180 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Acquired: 2nd round, 2014 draft, Mississippi State University (Mississippi State, MS)
Previous Ranking: NA
2014 Stats: 3.86 ERA (11.2 IP, 6 H, 18 K, 9 BB) at Double-A Trenton, 0.00 ERA (7.1 IP, 3 H, 17 K, 4 BB) at High-A Tampa, 1.80 ERA (5 IP, 1 H, 11 K, 0 BB) at Low-A Charleston
The Tools: 6 FB; 6 SL
What Happened in 2014: The southpaw reliever tore up the Southeastern Conference in spring before being nabbed by the Yankees in the second round, and then proceeded to immediately make his presence in this system felt by fanning 48 batters in 25 innings.
Strengths: Loose arm; creates easy velocity; fastball works 91-95; strong movement; some late wiggle; cutting action when thrown glove side; aggressive with pitch; snaps slider at 82-86; late bite in mid-80s; wipeout break; bat-misser; likes to attack zone.
Weaknesses: Command is fringe-average; releases early with fastball (misses arm side and up); can struggle to spot east/west; will start slider too low; needs to throw more for strikes; pace can get uneven; gets over amped.
Overall Future Potential: High 5; late-innings reliever (mid-tier closer)
Realistic Role: 5; late-innings reliever (setup)
Risk Factor/Injury History: Moderate; eight appearances at Double-A; tightening of command; mature arsenal.
The Year Ahead: Lindgren profiles as a reliever all the way, and one who can begin to make an impact in the majors as soon as this season. This isn’t a high-ceiling arm or sexy profile, but in all likelihood should round into a valuable major leaguer. Both the fastball and slider are legit weapons, often overpowering batters and getting a lot of weak swings. The 21-year-old does need some fine tuning with his command, which will bear watching in the upper levels and beyond. Without being reminded that he can fill the strike zone consistently, higher quality hitters are going to be less apt to chase his pitches out of the zone, especially the slider. The athleticism and ease in the arm action points to progress being achievable, especially if Lindgren can slow the game down a tad further and smooth out his pace. This arm has all the makings of a solid setup guy, with closer potential at peak. Expect the lefty to be part of the Yankees’ bullpen during the stretch run this season.
...
With Robertson signing with White Sox, I wouldn't be surprised to see Lindgren break spring training with the big league club. Him and Betances could be a solid late-inning combo.
Position: LHP
DOB: 03/12/1993
Height/Weight: 5’11” 180 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Acquired: 2nd round, 2014 draft, Mississippi State University (Mississippi State, MS)
Previous Ranking: NA
2014 Stats: 3.86 ERA (11.2 IP, 6 H, 18 K, 9 BB) at Double-A Trenton, 0.00 ERA (7.1 IP, 3 H, 17 K, 4 BB) at High-A Tampa, 1.80 ERA (5 IP, 1 H, 11 K, 0 BB) at Low-A Charleston
The Tools: 6 FB; 6 SL
What Happened in 2014: The southpaw reliever tore up the Southeastern Conference in spring before being nabbed by the Yankees in the second round, and then proceeded to immediately make his presence in this system felt by fanning 48 batters in 25 innings.
Strengths: Loose arm; creates easy velocity; fastball works 91-95; strong movement; some late wiggle; cutting action when thrown glove side; aggressive with pitch; snaps slider at 82-86; late bite in mid-80s; wipeout break; bat-misser; likes to attack zone.
Weaknesses: Command is fringe-average; releases early with fastball (misses arm side and up); can struggle to spot east/west; will start slider too low; needs to throw more for strikes; pace can get uneven; gets over amped.
Overall Future Potential: High 5; late-innings reliever (mid-tier closer)
Realistic Role: 5; late-innings reliever (setup)
Risk Factor/Injury History: Moderate; eight appearances at Double-A; tightening of command; mature arsenal.
The Year Ahead: Lindgren profiles as a reliever all the way, and one who can begin to make an impact in the majors as soon as this season. This isn’t a high-ceiling arm or sexy profile, but in all likelihood should round into a valuable major leaguer. Both the fastball and slider are legit weapons, often overpowering batters and getting a lot of weak swings. The 21-year-old does need some fine tuning with his command, which will bear watching in the upper levels and beyond. Without being reminded that he can fill the strike zone consistently, higher quality hitters are going to be less apt to chase his pitches out of the zone, especially the slider. The athleticism and ease in the arm action points to progress being achievable, especially if Lindgren can slow the game down a tad further and smooth out his pace. This arm has all the makings of a solid setup guy, with closer potential at peak. Expect the lefty to be part of the Yankees’ bullpen during the stretch run this season.
...
With Robertson signing with White Sox, I wouldn't be surprised to see Lindgren break spring training with the big league club. Him and Betances could be a solid late-inning combo.
