TAMPA – In the same way the vice president is a heartbeat away from the Oval Office, Jorge DePaula is a groin pull away from the Yankee rotation. Or a sprained ankle, or a blown elbow, or any other malady you can think of for a starting pitcher.
With Kevin Brown the victim of a bruised ankle last week and with Jon Lieber currently on the shelf with a balky groin, it’s fortunate for the Yanks that they have a nice insurance policy in the 24-year-old righty from the Dominican Republic.
If you remember DePaula, it’s likely from the six no-hit innings he tossed against Baltimore last September at the Stadium in his major-league debut. Yankees GM Brian Cashman said DePaula begins camp as the No. 6 starter, backing up a veteran rotation that has a history of injuries.
“We’re high on Jorge,” Cashman said. “He’s an interesting player. He’s definitely a prospect, and we’re looking forward to seeing how he throws.”
Luis Sojo, DePaula’s manager at Double-A Norwich in 2002, is even more enthusiastic.
“If he stays healthy, he’s gonna be in the big leagues this year,” Sojo said. “Maybe not when we break camp, but at some point.”
DePaula played winter ball for Escogido in the Dominican and was his team’s No. 1 starter. His English is halting, but he said he’s excited to be training with an star-studded roster.
“I’m happy,” he said. “In the Dominican, I see those guys on the TV. [Being with] these guys, it’s great.”