|
|
| 9th March, 2009 - 7:56 pm | San Francisco Chronicle - Michael Ynoa, a 17-year-old right handed pitcher from the Dominican, went through his first workout on U.S. soil since the Athletics gave him an eye-popping $4.25-million signing bonus in July, he set an optimistic timeline for reaching the majors.
"God willing, I believe two years, if I work very hard," Ynoa said Monday.
Keith Lieppman, the A's longtime director of player development, oversaw Ynoa's work last summer in the Dominican Republic and Monday's workout at the team's minor league complex.
"You just see how effortless his mechanics are, especially for a big guy," Lieppman said. "Some 6-6 or 6-7 guys are clumsy or their deliveries are a little herky jerky. He has none of that. He's coordinated. He's athletic. His arm action is free. It's effortless as the ball jumps out of his hand."
Ynoa throws a fastball in the mid-90s, along with a curveball and a changeup. He finished Monday's 25-pitch session with a few changeups that particularly impressed Recker.
"They had a little cut to them," Recker said. "It's not something you learn, especially at that age."
Ynoa will workout with A's minor leaguers this week in Phoenix, then return to the Dominican Republic for a few weeks. He'll participate in extended spring training from April to June. [READ] |
|
|
Get Oakland Tickets
