Via Chad Jennings of the Journal News:
Once a highly touted pitching prospect in the Yankees system, right-hander Christian Garcia was released last season after a series of injuries derailed his promising career. The Yankees are aware that Garcia, 25, has been working out and plans to throw for scouts, but I was told today that the Yankees have no plans of bringing Garcia back to the organization.
Garcia was one hell of a prospect. He had a good fastball, a great curveball, and a solid changeup. He was potentially as good as Phil Hughes or better. The problem is that he can not stay healthy.
He was drafted by the Yankees in the 2004 draft and seven years in the system he was only able to stay healthy for one season. Not a good track record. So the Yankees cut him loose after he underwent Tommy John surgery last April.
It’s a little bit surprising that the Yankees are not at least interested in seeing him throw, but perhaps they are tired of watching him get injured. Either way, they are stocked with good pitching at the higher levels of the minor leagues. So there really isn’t much room for Garcia anyway.
@DKnobler Danny Knobler: Nationals thinking about bringing up Christian Garcia (0.79 ERA, 61 Ks in 45 1/3 IP) before Sept. 1. Could impact down stretch/playoffs
Great interview with Garcia, with interesting insight on the signing process. He also noted the huge velocity loss -- two years ago. Would like to see some recent scouting reports with velocity updates.
http://minormatterstrenton.blogspot.com/2012/04/christian-garcias-ready-for-his-third.html
