Monday, January 28, 2013

Slade Heathcott: A Name to Remember

By: Donny Finkle

Slade Heathcott is a name not many know right now but, very soon they will. Heathcott was drafted in the first round by the New York Yankees in 2009. A projected 5-tool outfielder with an unruly past to say the least. Born in Texarkana, Texas to a Mother and Father who continuously fought which lead Slade to point a shotgun at his father. Needless to say he lost his scholarship to LSU and was an afterthought in the 2009 MLB draft. Also contributing factors were the shoulder and knee surgeries.

The Yankees took a chance on a kid who didn't fit their bill of players with spotless backgrounds and always willing to say the politically correct answer over what they believe. So far they have been right about Slade, who hit above .300 with high a Tampa, and carried that over to the Arizona Fall League. Named the sixth best prospect in the AFL according to Baseball America and the 2nd best ranked prospect in the Yankees organization, to fellow CF Mason Williams.

The director of Amateur Scouting for the New York Yankees, Damon Oppenheimer said that Heathcott could be an "impact" player this year. Why not? He is 22 years of age which is behind the fast track of some prospects i.e. Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Manny Machado. So why not let him come up and try his hand with the big club. Sooner or later they have to bring prospects into high pressure situations to see if they can be more than just a prospect. If Heathcott continues to impress this year with Trenton and even Scranton Wilkes-Barre possibly. He could be in the Bronx quicker than you think.

Follow me on Twitter @donnyfinkle

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