Via NYYFans, Alan Horne’s father provides the dirt: “Alan met with Dr. James Andrews yesterday and after a complete hands-on exam and review of MRI/X-Ray pictures, he did a successful scope on Alan’s shoulder. He said there was a partial tear of the rotator cuff that he cleaned up along with some fray but was very specific that it was not considered a typical repair where you actually have to tie anything down. Also there was some fray along the labrum which he cleaned up saying that because nothing was considered a complete repair that Alan’s recovery should go well. Dr. Andrews went on to say that the issues going on with Alan’s shoulder this year would surely prohibit his arm from working the way it can and should, but that this will put him back on track.” That explains a whole lot. (h/t Steve, thanks for the email)

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A tip o’ the old hat goes out Eric at Pending Pinstripes on this one: Dellin Betances is headed to the DL with a one of those fosh “upper body injuries.” The injury likely explains his bad outing yesterday, and if it has to do with his elbow it could explain all those walks he’s been issuing (if you’re a fan of K/BB ratios, check that shizz out, wowza). Who knows, maybe the kid’s just got pink eye.

In happier news, Chad Jennings notes that Alan Horne made another rehab appearance in Extended Spring Training today, striking out 7 in 3.2 innings of work. Horne said he felt great, and expects to make his next appearance for one of the affiliated squads. You take the good with the bad, I guess.

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Text messaging can be an awesome thing. it’s how Chad Jennings has kept up on Alan Horne’s rehab. The latest word is that he’s set to throw from a mound tomorrow and then again on Saturday. If all goes well, he’ll face live hitters a week from today, probably in extended spring training. He could join the Scranton rotation shortly after that, but we can’t be certain. It appears for now, though, that he’s on the road back.

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When Alan Horne left a Scranton game with an injury on the 10th, the prognosis was unclear. The injury — a partial right biceps tear — was not nearly as bad as the Yanks had feared, and last night, Chad Jennings unveiled the the Yanks’ plan for their young pitcher. Horne will begin a throwing program on Thursday as he begins to build up his strength. The team is rightly being very conservative with Horne.

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Yankees prospect Alan Horne sat down with Trentonian staff writer Josh Norris recently, and the result is an interesting and exhaustive Q and A. Horne touches on everything from his Spring Training invite and EL Pitcher of the Year Award to his off-season training and his potential 2008 role in the Bronx bullpen to Roger Clemens and the Mitchell Report. It’s good stuff. (Thanks to RAB fan Bill for this tip.)

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From the Thunder’s press release:

(Trenton, NJ)- The Eastern League of Professional Baseball announced today that Thunder RHP Alan Horne has been selected as the 2007 Eastern League Pitcher of the Year. A ceremony to present his award will be made prior to tonight’s game against the Binghamton Mets.

The 24-year old has been the ace of the Northern Division leading Trenton pitching staff, compiling a record of 12-4 with a 2.97 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP while striking out 158 batters and walking 51 in 142.1 innings of work this season. The 6’4”, 195 lb. hurler has been dominant for the Thunder all season, giving up one earned run or less in 13 of his 25 appearances and striking out at least six batters in a game 21 different times…

Bowie right-handed starter Radhames Liz finished second in the voting for the award and Portland right-handed starter Clay Buchholz finished third in the voting. The award was voted on by respective Eastern League team managers and coaching staffs, writers and radio and television broadcast personnel.

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From NJ.com:

Horne, drafted by the Yankees in the 11th round in 2005 after being drafted by Cleveland (2001) and Anaheim (2004) and not sign ing, is in just his second year of pro baseball. The jump from Single-A to Double-A supposedly is the most difficult in a player’s career.

“No, I don’t think I am sur prised,” Horne said after earning the win last night as the Thunder were victorious for the sixth game in a row, a 2-1 victory over the Connecticut Defenders in front of 3,910 at Waterfront Park.

“I have worked hard for a real long time now. Hopefully, it is a lot of hard work paying off.”
…
“I am just trying to go out there every outing and execute all my pitches,” said Horne, who missed 2002 and 2003 in college due to Tommy John surgery.

“All through spring training I have been concentrating on throw ing more strikes. That was the problem last year. I walked a lot of guys. I am pitching well enough now that I am making the other guys have to hit to score runs. As long as I don’t give them extra base runners, I feel I will be fine.”

Horne is probably my favorite Yankee prospect that is actually pitching these days (I’m talking to you JB). His trouble with walks last year is well documented, but this year he’s completely turned it around, posting a 28-4 K/BB ratio in 22.1 innings. That’s the long running theme amongst pitching prospects, they all have to learn at some point that you have to throw strikes and not be afraid of contact. Thankfully Horne seems to be past that step.

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