Yankees Late-Round Pick Having Breakout Season
By Aaron Somers
New York Yankees Outfield prospect Shane Brown is having an impressive season in the New York-Penn League. Brown was originally selected in 2009 in the 47th round of the draft, returned to school another year and was selected in 2010 in the 23rd round. Brown isn’t on anyone’s top prospect list, and most likely he wont be there when the 2012 books come out.
In the 2009 season for the University of Central Florida his batting average was .341 with a slugging percentage of .519. Deciding to return for his senior year proved to be wise, as his average went up to .428 and his slugging went to .692.In ‘09 he had 20 walks and 32 strikeouts, and improved his plate discipline in 2010 earning 34 walks and only 19 strikeouts.
In his debut season (2010) with the Staten Island Yankees, Brown hit .234/.375/.297 he only had two home runs and twenty-five RBIs on the season. His .375 on-base percentage was the only above average statistic. These stats were through 60 games in the short-season league.
This season through 19 games, Brown has proven to be much more valuable. Currently the outfielder is batting .468/.564/.688 with an impressive OPS of 1.252. He currently has 30 hits, 18 runs scored, and two home runs (the same number he had last season through 60 games). This season he already has twice as many walks as strikeouts.
A quick outfielder who can get on base is a valuable asset for any team. While the industry hasn’t caught up to Brown just yet, you can be assured that the New York Yankees know what they have.
Shane Brown is the reason I enjoy Minor League Baseball, Brown in particular is playing his best every day. He isn’t getting the superstar money, and therefore cannot afford to take plays off. He should move up soon, at the very least start next season with a full-season team. He is currently 23 and needs to keep producing in order to see himself in a big league uniform.