#5. Alan Horne, RHP
Position: P Full Name: William A. Horne
Born: January 5, 1983
Height: 6-4 Weight: 195 Bats:R Throws:r

Alan Horne was drafted out of the University of Florida in the 11th round by the Yankees in 2005. Horne was ranked by some as the top high school pitcher in the 2001 draft, but fell to the Cleveland Indians at #27 due to signability concerns. Horne is a 6' 4" righty who sports four effective pitches with a peak 94-95 MPH fastball. Horne did have Tommy John surgery while at the University of Mississippi (he's played for a total of three colleges).

Horne is ranked by Baseball America as the Yankees number 5 overall prospect. He had a impressive 2007 season at Trenton where he was named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year, after leading the Thunder to their first ever Championship. Horne should begin the season at AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but there does seem to be a logjam at this level. Are we actually presuming that the Yankees have multiple pitching prospects? Wow!

Anyway, we see Horne making a mid-season impression at the Major League level. Possible injuries and the doubtful future of Mike Mussina (could not put anyone away in his Spring Training start yesterday) should push Horne into the Yankee rotation; if not just for a couple of starts. Right now, Horne projects somewhere along the lines of a number 3 or 4 starter.