Brackman finally shows his potential

Andrew Brackman has always had a major league body. The 2007 first rounder (30th overall) by the Yankees is 6"10, 240 pounds. Of course, that great size gives him great stuff. He throws a mid-90's fastball with a curveball that's just as effective. He also mixes in a changeup. So, why is Brackman only showing his potential now? Well, shortly after being drafted, he underwent Tommy John surgery and didn't make his minors debut until '08. '08 was a conplete disaster for Brackman. Altough he only gave up a hit per inning and had an 8.7 K/9, he went 2-12 with a 5.91 ERA for Low-A Charleston. The reason; a terrible 6.4 BB/9. But, pitchers always have problems their first year after Tommy John surgery, so the Yankees remained patient. In '09, their patience finally paid off. To start off '09, Brackman went 5-4 with a 5.10 ERA in 12 starts for High-A Tampa. That doesn't sound so good, but he lowered his BB/9 to 1.4 while keeping his K/9 at 8.4. But, he gave up 7 more hits than innings pitched. The Yankees noticed the improvement in Brackman's BB/9, and promoted him to Double-A Trenton. Brackman has shined in Double-A. He has gone just 3-7, but with a 3.68 ERA, a 8.7 K/9, a still decent 4.0 BB/9, and just 1.1 more hits than innings pitched. He just hasn't gotten very much run support. This is the Brackman that the Yankees drafted and the 1st round. If Brackman continues to improve, look for him to make the big leagues by the end of 2011 and compete for a rotation spot by 2012 or 2013.