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New York Yankee’s Latest Hero: Marcus Thames

Posted by on 16 August 2010, 12:04 am

New York Yankees Marcus Thames has been the talk of the town lately—and for good reason.

Thames has come up big for the Yankees as he led the team in victory over the Texas Rangers Cliff Lee, this past Wednesday night.

The switch-hitter went 3-5 with two hits, a homer, and two RBI. Thames had the game-winning single in the top of the ninth inning that put the Yankees on top.

In 2001, Thames caught the Yankees attention after being named to the Baseball America minor leagues All-Star team after hitting .321, with 97 RBI and 31 homers in AA.

Thames started his pro career in pinstripes on June 10th, 2002. In his first at-bat, Thames hit a homer off Arizona Diamondbacks Randy Johnson and received a monstrous curtain call from a packed house at Yankee Stadium.

One year later, Thames was traded to the Texas Rangers for Rubin Sierra, but free-agency landed him with the Detroit Tigers three months later.

Thames remained a Tiger through 2009, playing mainly in left field but also used as a DH and first baseman.

In 2008, Thames hit eight home runs in eight games, making a new Tigers record.

Thames’ solid hitting in the clutch, along with proving success against left-handed pitching, appealed to the Yankees.

GM Brian Cashman signed Thames to a minor-league contract with nothing promised but the possibility of a good match.

Thames fought in Spring Training and made the 2010 Opening Day roaster as an outfielder competing with Brett Gardner and Randy Winn for playing time.

After spending most of June on the DL, Thames’ return has been been a difference maker for the Yankees. His reliable hitting has gained the trust of Yankee fans.

Since rejoining the Yankees, Thames, in 116 at-bats, has had 37 hits, five doubles, four home runs, 16 RBI and has a .319 batting average.

Yankee fans everywhere are happy to welcome back Marcus Thames.

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Player Profile: Andrew Brackman #64 P

Posted by on 5 March 2010, 6:52 pm

Pitcher Andrew Brackman stands at an enormous 6’10.

He was the Yankees 2007 first round draft pick out of NC State University.

Thus far, Brackman’s actions speak louder than his words (stats in baseball terms).

In his first two seasons, as well as coming off Tommy John surgery and an emergency appendicitis, Brackman has been rough on paper.

As a starter Brackman struggled with his mechanics and control, resembling that of a young Randy Johnson, aka ‘Big Unit’.

Johnson has talked of his early struggles on the mound due to his height, and that Brackman needs some more time to adjust.

Just like Johnson, Brackman’s move into the bullpen marked a substantial improvement. That is why Brackman’s stats do not provide accurate description of his future or ability.

No one knows if this even ‘Bigger Unit’ will ever fair like his predecessor, but he throws at 94-97 mph and that is big leagues level.

Now the question is can Brackman get the same control to match.

Brackman finished up in the minors showing significant improvement in the bullpen. He came into Spring Training weighing 230 pounds down from 270 a year back; and at the young age of 23, there are many reasons to hope for a big future.

Look for Brackman to come out of the Yankee bullpen, unlikely that anyone could miss him.

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