H/W: 6-3 215 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/28/85
Tabbed by many as the Yankees' closer of the future, the former Arizona Wildcat did his part to confirm that honored distinction by breezing through three separate minor league stops from High-A Tampa to AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre. Melancon went 8-1 with a 2.27 ERA and 22 BB/89 K in 95 IP. His fastball sits at 92-95 MPH and his hammer-like curveball is quite effective at inducing groundball outs (1.54/FO in '08). Melancon has an intensely competitive demeanor on the mound which goes a long way towards intimidating hitters. He is a hard worker on and off the field and has all of the intangibles to be a highly successful closer. Team officials have been concerned about Melancon's strenuous delivery and continue to tinker with it to take some of the effort and stress out of it in order to diminish his risk of injuries in the future. Mariano Rivera is on the finishing rounds of his legendary career and Melancon is the top candidate to fill a very big pair of shoes.
2009 Projection: While Melancon seems to be ready for a definitive role in the Yankees' bullpen, it is more likely that he will be back at AAA to await his opportunity. The Yankees seem to be well stocked with good power arms in their bullpen, but a solid spring turned in by Melancon should open some eyes for opportunities later in the season. His predecessor, Super Mariano, shows no signs of slowing down and the Yankees have him under contract through the 2010 season. That should give Melancon plenty of time to nestle into a regular relief role with New York, increasing his odds of being the closer for the Bronx Bombers in 2011.
Key Mark Melancon Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Collegiate Patches Auto #/240
- 2008 Donruss Threads Diamond Kings
 2011 Topps Update Series Cognac Diamond 281 Mark Melancon $1.00 |
 2011 Topps Update Series Gold 281 Mark Melancon /2011 $1.00 |
 2009 Topps Update UH284 Mark Melancon Yankees Rookie Card $0.99 |
 2012 Topps #153 Mark Melancon Astros $0.99 |
 2012 Gypsy Queen #275 Mark Melancon Boston Red Sox $1.00 |
 2012 TOPPS WAL MART BLUE BORDER MARK MELANCON #153 ASTROS *22763 $1.75 |
 2011 Topps Update Series Baseball 281 Mark Melancon $1.00 |
 2012 Topps Mark Melancon Baseball card #153 Astros $1.00 |
 2012 Topps Opening Day BB #45 Mark Melancon Boston Red Sox $1.00 |
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