Eric Reyzelman established his LSU career on one pitch: a vicious fastball that reached 99 mph.
The Yankees think they can help their fifth-round pick to improve his slider and changeup. Even if his backup pitches aren’t perfect, Reyzelman could emerge as a suitable reliever in the future.
“We might get a starter,” said Damon Oppenheimer. “As a floor, we’re getting a heck of a bullpen guy”, he added.
Not too bad actually.
Reyzelman, 21, didn’t have the most dominant figures as a junior last year. He had a 4.04 ERA and walked 3.8 batters per 9 innings in 29 appearances, which was a little too many. He did post a 14.0 K/9, indicating that he could be quite intimidating.
Reyzelman’s stock rose when he played in the Cape Cod League this year. He had a 2.53 ERA in two starts.
In the Cape, Oppenheimer kept an eye on Reyzelman. As a starter, Reyzelman enhanced sliders and changeups to his high-octane heater.
According to Oppenheimer, the scouting crew will likely recommend that the Yankees start developing Reyzelman at first as a starting pitcher, just to give him more innings.
But they could have a fantastic bullpen piece on their way to the Bronx with that fastball.
What do you think, leave a comment below?
