Prospect of the Night

He may not be the eventual replacement for Mariano Rivera, but Eric Wordekemper is dominating Florida State League batters like his much more famous counterpart. The 6'1" right-hander has posted an amazing 0.63 ERA in 40 appearances, and has not allowed a run since May 27th. He's racked up 31 saves, and has a remarkable 29/9 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 43 innings pitched. The Yankees closer has also not allowed a home run.

Wordekemper, a 2005 pick from Creighton University, relies on a 4-seam fastball that tops out at 93 mph, but is usually closer to 90 mph. He also relies on a 2-seamer, a sinker, and began working with a splitter last year.

After 11 games split between the GCL and Staten Island in '05, Wordekemper spent the '06 season with the 'A' level Charleston River Dogs. Making 38 appearances, 4 of which were starts, Wordekemper put up some impressive numbers - 59 hits allowed in 78 innings, 21 walks, and 65 strikeouts. He only allowed 3 home runs while posting a 3-3 record, with a 1.73 ERA and 7 saves.

While he may not have closer stuff, it appears he could definitely be a big part of the the Yankees future plans for the bullpen.

photo courtesy of Scout.com

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