3 biggest Yankees spring training surprises who didn’t make roster

2. Greg Weissert

Yanks Go Yard Dot Com: Where We Don’t Forget About Greg Weissert!

Weissert’s spring cameo towards the back of the bullpen was brief, but after Ron Marinaccio went from unknown to must-protect to MLB ready in one calendar year, the slider specialist showed that he might be the next in line this March.

In two different opportunities against the Phillies on March 21 and 25 (man, the effect of a truncated spring really shows while reading these limited stats, huh?), Weissert combined for three shutout, hitless innings, striking out two and walking a pair in the process.

Was Weissert counted on to get (quote-unquote) “big outs” in camp? Not exactly. But his effective cameo confirmed prospect heads’ preconceived notions that he might be next in line for a major opportunity — and soon.

Also worth noting? Weissert’s first post-spring appearance in the Triple-A opener featured two innings and five strikeouts. Not bad for a 27-year-old Fordham boy from Bay Shore.

This spring and into the regular season, Weissert seems to have bought into the new Yankee relief ethos shown off by Clay Holmes last summer: find a two-seamer. Use it to notch called strikes on the outside corner. Complement it with something that dives down-and-in/down-and-away for the swing-and-miss strike three.

Many have tried. Few have mastered. So far, so good for Weissert, who’s very much knocking on the big-league door.