Chase Whitley
| IP | 167 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.581 |
| WHIP | 1.317 |
| BB/9 | 2.317 |
| SO/9 | 7.275 |
- Full name Chase Coleman Whitley
- Born 06/14/1989 in Ranburne, AL
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Troy
- Debut 05/15/2014
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Drafted in the 15th round (475th overall) by the New York Yankees in 2010.
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Whitley, a two-way player and solid hitter, was attracting more late interest thanks in part to a five-inning, nine-strikeout outing against struggling New Orleans that showed he could go through a lineup more than once. Whitley is physical at 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, and has solid-average velocity at 88-92 mph. His changeup is a plus pitch, but his curve is fringy at best and usually below-average. He had performed (7-3, 3.68, 7 SV).
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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David Robertson's success has the Yankees on the lookout for the next Robertson. Whitley is a candidate who has moved quickly since signing for $68,000 as a 15th-round pick in 2010. Primarily a third baseman in college, he also closed at Troy and has a future as a big league reliever. His positionplayer background is part of the reason for his funky, high-elbow arm action, which gives him some deception. Whitley's fastball is unremarkable at 89-91 mph, so he'll have to be precise with his command at higher levels to make it work. His secondary stuff sets him apart, as both his changeup and slider are plus pitches at their best. He throws his changeup with confidence, good arm speed and late sink. His low-80s slider also generates some swings and missed. Whitley was New York's best performer in the Arizona Fall League after the 2011 season and could push for a role in the majors at some point this year. -
The 2011 season will be the first time Whitley concentrates solely on pitching. He was a three-sport star in high school before playing only baseball at Southern Union (Ala.) JC and Troy. Hitting was his focus for much of his college career, and he led Troy in both hitting (.364) and saves (seven) as a junior last spring. Signed for $68,000 as a 15th-round pick, Whitley finished his pro debut in high Class A, helping Tampa win the Florida State League championship. He resembles former Yankees farmhand T.J. Beam physically but has better stuff and a better future. His fastball sat at 88-92 mph in college, and New York hopes his velocity will jump now that he's a full-time pitcher. His plus changeup is his best pitch, but the Yankees had him shelve it late in the summer so he could develop his fastball and slider. His slider improved, and he could work as a starter if it continues to get better. Whitley has more upside than the average 15th-round pick and should move quickly if New York keeps him in the bullpen. He could finish his first full pro season in Double-A.
