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Paul Pagnato | Pinstriped Prospects Matt Linder Going into the 2017 draft, Sauer was viewed as a borderline first-round talent.  The Yankees drafted him in the second round, giving him an over-slot $2,497,500 bonus to keep him from attending the University of Arizona.  Over 67.1 innings this season, he had a 3.90 ERA and a K/BB ratio of 45/18, while holding opponents to a .236 BAA.  I saw Sauer pitch during a July start against the Hudson Valley Renegades. Currently, Sauer’s best pitch is his power fastball, which consistently sits between 92-to-94 mph and possesses average two-seam action.  The 19-year-old is able to generate his plus velocity thanks to his prototypical size – listed at 6’4” and 200 lbs.  Sauer’s slider is his strongest secondary pitch, sitting in the low-80s and exhibiting sharp, late break at its best.  His changeup has greatly improved since his pro-debut last season.  Sitting between 86-to-87 mph, he showed an ...

Brendan Kuty Matt Linder Now, it is time for the fourth installment of my Yankees Top 30 Prospect ranking, 11-15. Bobby McDuffie 15. Clarke Schmidt – SP Age: 21 -2017 Performance: Schmidt was drafted by the Yankees with the 16th overall pick in this year’s draft.  He is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and did not pitch for the organization in 2017. -Strengths:  Clarke’s fastball-slider combo was lethal before hurting his elbow.  His heater runs in the mid-90s with heavy sinking action and he has the unique ability to vary the break on his slider.  Schmidt can sweep it left-to-right or tighten it to achieve later, sharper break.  Although his changeup is a distant third pitch, it showed signs of potential before he suffered the injury.  Lastly, Clarke has been praised for his attack-mode mentality, work ethic and makeup. -Weaknesses/Concerns:  There is only one place to begin… the surgery.  When talki...