Derek Jeter Offers Advice to Prospect James Kaprielian

Derek Jeter may not know a ton about pitching, but he does know a little something about working his way up in the Yankees’ system, and James Kaprielian is benefiting. 

The Yankees’ 16th overall pick last year, James Kaprielian, was given some advice courtesy of the former Yankees captain and future Hall of Famer.

“One of the things that Derek said, if you look at the big leaguers, they’re just more consistent than us. So that’s just one thing I’m trying to learn: how to be more consistent.” James Kaprielian (courtesy of NJ.com)

The big right hander has a reputation of setting goals, and accomplishing them. A prime example is when he put on 15 pounds of muscle to speed up his fastball to an average of 96 MPH.

The words of wisdom from the five-time World Series champion came during Jeter’s Captain Camp that took place on Monday Night, where Yankee prospects were taken out to dinner.

Believe it or not, Jeter was once an anxious young player looking to establish himself in the farm system, just like the prospects Jeter took out to dinner. After 20 MLB seasons, 14 All-Star seasons, five Gold Gloves awards and five Silver Sluggers awards, Jeter was able to keep his nerves in check and become a once-in-a lifetime player.

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Aaron Judge and Jorge Mateo were the other prospects to attend the dinner.

Kaprielian is noted by Yankee scouts to have a polished arm with a four-pitch mix: fastball, curve ball, slider, and change up and he uses all four pitches regularly. They also plan on moving him quickly through the farm system.

The main focus for him in 2016 is to improve his already improved fastball’s command and to become more consistent with his breaking pitches. Going by the former UCLA star’s reputation, he’ll use Derek Jeter’s advice and never look back.

At the dinner, he mentioned that he has also worked with Andy Pettitte and Alfonso Soriano (along with Jeter) in order to fill himself knowledge of the game.

“Guys who have been around the game, doing it the right way,” Kaprielian said. “There’s all sorts of things we have to take in right now, a lot of knowledge of the game that we’ve been given.”

From the outside looking in, it’s very promising to see the next great Yankee pitcher get familiar and comfortable in pinstripes while learning about the organization.

Related Story: Jorge Mateo Wants to be the Next Derek Jeter

From on the field success to building relationships with coaches, the organization, and his teammates, I commend Kaprielian for working as hard as he possibly can to make his way into the Bronx. And if he could use the Captain’s advice, I can foresee a major league debut as soon as next season.