River Avenue Blues

River Ave. Blues » Rafael DePaula » Page 4

Report: Yankees to sign Rafael DePaula

by 48 Comments

Via Melissa Segura, the Yankees are expected to sign Dominican right-hander Rafael DePaula later today. The bonus is said to be around $700,000. DePaula was suspended from signing for a year after lying about his age and identity, but he was cleared by MLB’s verification process earlier this year. The soon-to-be 20-year-old (in March) was considered one of the best available this year, standing 6-foot-3 with a fastball that has touched 97 in workouts. Here’s video.

The Mariners, another Latin American powerhouse, made DePaula an offer as well.

Link Dump: Granderson, Hughes, DePaula

by 85 Comments

Some stuff worth mentioning, but not worth their own posts…

Curtis Granderson gets contacts

Despite having 20/30 vision, new centerfielder Curtis Granderson will be wearing contacts for the first time in his career this season. “They said, ‘Your vision is 20/30, so let’s see if we can improve it,'” said Granderson. “For most people, they’d let it go, but since we can possibly make me see better to hit, who knows. We’ll see.” They considered Lasik at one point, but I guess they didn’t see the need to go that far just yet. Neither side is using his eyesight as an excuse for Granderson’s struggles against lefties or pop ups or anything like that, they’re just looking to make an improvement wherever they can.

Phil Hughes is throwing changeups

About a week ago, we heard that the Phil Hughes was going to focus on developing his changeup this spring in an effort to boost his repertoire in anticipation of returning to the rotation. Of course, we’ve heard this before. During his bullpen session yesterday, Hughes threw about a dozen changeups (40 pitches total), and he’s going to continue doing so all through the exhibition season. Given his fastball-cutter-curveball trio, Hughes doesn’t need the change to be anything more than a show-me pitch to lefthanders, but if he can develop into something better than that, then great.

Yankees still in on Rafael DePaula

Even though he’s sitting on an offer from the Mariners, the Yankees are still trying to sign Dominican righty Rafael DePaula. The 17-year-old was suspended by MLB for a year because he apparently lied about his age, however his birthdate has since been confirmed and he’s free to sign with any team. DePaula stands 6′-3″ and has reportedly hit 97 in the past, which puts him in line for a seven figure payout. The largest bonus the Yanks have ever given to an amateur pitcher from Latin American is the $800,000 they gave Arodys Vizcaino back in 2007.

A look at the history of stadiums and stadium names

Wezen-Ball put together a great infographic showing each club’s stadium and it’s name, dating back to the 1800’s. I love stuff like this. So much I didn’t know…