First, taking a look at the minors, Steve L. posted about someone that I've been following for the last couple of days: Jose Veras. 13 to 1 K:BB ratio in 8.2 innings isn't bad but I'm not going to get interested just yet as this guy doesn't have a great track record. Outside of two decent-good years (2002, 2005), he's been quite mediocre and sports a career whip of 1.49. Still, he's a young (25) power arm (career 8.2 K per 9) so if he can keep it up, he could be of some use later on in the season either as a filler for the Yankee bullpen or as a chip in a trade (apparently he's under a one-year contract so if he can fetch something that the Yanks can use, great.)

And for more Phil Hughes, Brian Cashman says that he should be promoted to Trenton soon.

Phil Hughes, the 19-year-old pitching prospect who surprised some veteran Yankees with his talent in spring training, has 18 strikeouts, 1 walk and a 0.56 earned run average in 16 innings for Class A Tampa. General Manager Brian Cashman said Hughes would be promoted soon to Class AA Trenton, but he almost certainly would not pitch for the Yankees this season. "You're not going to see him," Cashman said. "If he can't be denied, he can't be denied, but that is not something we're looking for or expecting at all."

In my humble opinion, Brett Gardner should also be considered for a fast track promotion. He's doing very well at Tampa and is a hell of a smart player who knows how to use the tools he has (read legs; on the scouting scale of 20-80, his speed has to be at or near 80). Moving in the opposite direction unfortunately is Tim Battle who cannot buy a hit right now (3 hits in 46 ABs, 3 BBs, 21Ks!) . We'll have to see how long this is allowed to go on.

Speaking of prospects, John Sickels posted a prospect retrospective of Gary Sheffield. If you don't know the man's history, I'd give it a read. Finally, I'd also take a look at the Q&A that MLB.com recently did with Scott Proctor. It's pretty interesting, especially the following answer as Proctor has historically been an extreme flyball pitcher:

MLB.com: What has been the biggest difference for you this season?

Proctor: One is having a sinker, a pitch I can get a ground ball with. But the bigger thing is just confidence. I've talked a lot with the team's sports psychologist, and we're working on just eliminating bad thoughts, and when you have them, learning how to cope with them. I just feel more comfortable and confident on the mound.