EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: DANTE BICHETTE JR.

We here at Bleeding Yankee Blue have tried to give you things that the other blogs don't. One of the big things that make us unique are our interviews with former Yankee players as well as stars like Kimberly Jones. Well, It's my pleasure to offer an interview with one of our favorite "new" Yankees and down to earth guy, Dante Bichette Jr.

Dante is the future of the New York Yankees and when we were able to secure an interview with him, we were psyched. So here it is, our BYB Exclusive with Dante Bichette Jr. Enjoy!


BYB: First of all, congratulations on the Gulf Coast League MVP this season and your GCL Championship. How satisfied are you with your first year?

Dante Bichette Jr: My first year in pro ball was an awesome experience. I was lucky enough to go to the team I wanted to go to and lucky enough to have a crazy good Gulf Coast League team. One thing that made the jump from high school to pro ball such a great experience was having the coolest combination of coaching staff and management that I have ever played for.

BYB: What's it like to be drafted by the biggest sports franchise in the world, the New York Yankees, as compared to say, a smaller, less successful franchise?

Dante Bichette Jr: Being drafted to a franchise that just wins and wins is a great thing. The way to have the most fun in this game is to have success and win. I was on two winning teams this year, and will have two rings! That is something I feel like I could only have done being a Yankee.

BYB: Can you try and explain to Yankee fans what the draft process is like? Is it similar to the NFL draft, etc?

Dante Bichette Jr: I have never watched another draft other than mine so I cannot compare. But I can say it is basically a year of interviewing for a shot at a dream job, except you don't really know who your future employer will be until you are actually chosen.

(In Photo: Jesus Montero)
BYB: When you look up at the Yankees roster at the Major League level and see Montero and Romine making names for themselves, can you see yourself doing the same thing soon?

Dante Bichette Jr: It has been my dream since I was a little kid to be doing what they are doing. I think that if I keep putting in hard work consistently and making adjustments when I need to make them, and if God keeps me safe then I can definitely see myself there when it is my time.

(In Photo: Dante Bichette Sr)
BYB: Growing up as the son of a celebrated ballplayer, Dante Bichette Sr, what was it like growing up watching your dad play?

Dante Bichette Jr: I remember some things here and there. One thing I remember vividly was when my dad took me out to hit at Fenway Park. That was a pretty awesome experience.

BYB: Who are some of the other players you looked up to?

Dante Bichette Jr: My favorite player now is Derek Jeter. I love how you knew who just walked in the clubhouse when he showed up at our facility to rehab earlier this year. Of course, I like how he plays when he's on the field but I really admire his quiet confidence when he goes about his business.

BYB: What will you be doing during the off season to continue your development?

Dante Bichette Jr: This off season I will be hitting the gym hard to try and get my strength up. I have a pretty good routine of ground balls, hitting with my dad, running and throwing that I will be doing as well.
BYB: Growing up, who was 1 baseball player, besides your father, that you admired and wanted to emulate?

Dante Bichette Jr: I thought Barry Bonds was the man growing up. He was in the same division as my dad so it was easy to watch him. I was too young at the time to realize any controversy surrounding him, but I just knew he was a beast.

BYB: Have you ever read Bleeding Yankee Blue?

Dante Bichette Jr: As a rule, I don't read anything that has to do with me, but I have run across a few things from Bleeding Yankee Blue that have been tweeted to me.

BYB: We here have written about you extensively and are excited that you're part of the Yankees. Any kind words you'd like to say to the readers of our site?

Dante Bichette Jr: It's great to know people are rooting for me. I appreciate it a lot! Hopefully I will continue to give you reasons to be excited about me.

Dante Bichette Jr reminds me alot like Derek Jeter. Proud to be wearing the pinstripes and eager to please, he works hard and knows that nothing is handed to you in life. He has a good head on his shoulders and that clearly stems from an upbringing of tremendous parenting.

We truly appreciate Dante interviewing with us here at Bleeding Yankee Blue. Our Senior Writer, Mikey Blue gave me the assist on this interview with Dante. Thank you Mikey.

One more thing to Dante Bichette Jr...go get'um kid, we're all rooting for you and can't wait to see you in the pros!

--Mikey Blue, BYB Senior Writer
Email: DonnieBaseball2323@gmail.com
Twitter: @MikeyBlu23

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WHY RIVERA'S 602 IS SWEET NO MATTER WHAT

I respect Joe Girardi. I swear. He didn’t break away from the Girardi binder because as much as it made sense to put Jorge Posada in to catch Mariano Rivera’s 602^nd save, the reality is, why break momentum? Why break stride? The Yankees just needed to do their thing today and get the win. After all, that’s what we’re really playing for, right?

I’m a baseball traditionalist and I love the history of the New York Yankees. Everything that happens in the Bronx happens for a reason. Big games, big records to be broken and big wins. Today was the sweetest moment next to Derek Jeter’s 3000^th hit and the Yankees winning the World Series back in 1996 after a drought going back to 1978. It was destiny and it was meant to happen this way. Yes, I wanted Jorge Posada to catch Mo's 602, but I'm happy no matter what. Today to friggin' special in Yankeeland.

A lot of people don’t realize that we can actually credit AJ Burnett for doing something right today. He continues to implode. Today, that was important believe it or not. Alright, it's a stretch, but humor me. Once again Burnett couldn't get out of the 5^th inning and our awesome bullpen took over and held the Twins to 4 runs. It was the perfect storm for Mariano today. So, as much as we want to gang up on AJ Burnett, you really have to smile and thank him today. After all, he’s probably pitched his way out of the starting rotation this time, right? While he started out very strong, he just fades so quickly.

But I’m not writing this to hammer AJ Burnett, we have the rest of the season for that. This moment is for Mariano Rivera... the best closer ever. Dante Bichette Jr. said it best today when he tweeted this:

This is a kid that will be the future of the Yankees and you know what? He’s right. The Yankees do everything big and while the hype for Mariano wasn’t big until 600, it’s huge right now and with good reason. Mariano is "the Sandman", the biggest, baddest and best closer in the history of baseball. If you look at the list, he's tops to greats like Lee Smith, Dennis Eckersley, Rich Gossage and Tom Henke. Unbelievable. You can tell me that Saves are stupid and they don’t matter and as a traditionalist of baseball, I understand the argument. But while this record doesn’t seem important to some, it does to Mariano Rivera who went out there 602 times to close out a game and secure a win for the New York Yankees. Believe me Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a big deal... it’s a huge deal. Plus, it’s another record in the history books that the New York Yankees own.

Congratulations Mariano Rivera. You derserve everything great that comes your way and you deserve this record. Amazing work and an amazing career. Thanks for keeping it going and it's been a privilege to watch you in your great career. You're simply the best...ever.

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WHY BICHETTE'S FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT IN PINSTRIPES

When someone gets an MVP award, it’s clear why they are given it. Most Valuable Player is simple to understand and it’s just not given to anyone. Well, Dante Bichette Jr. just snagged one for his ability to play ball as he works his way up the minor league ladder to the New York Yankees. He earned the Gulf Coast League MVP and I’d say, that’s a good start.

Back on June 18^th the Yankees drafted Bichette, who, by the way, is the son of former baseball great, Dante Bichette, Sr. , a close friend of Joe Girardi. We wrote about it in YANKEES FIRST PICK: DANTE BICHETTE JR. Bichette eventually signed and immediately went to train with the Yankees and this season in the Gulf Coast League, Bichette put up very respectable numbers. A .342 average, that 67 for 196. He had 3 home runs, 47 RBIs, 17 doubles and 3 triples. His OBP was .446.

This kid’s going to be something special. We here at Bleeding Yankee Blue hope to get a chance to talk to him about his wild year, and hopefully we do, and we’ll bring it to you. As for now though, congrats to Dante, great job, we can’t wait to see you in the Bronx.

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THE YANKEES & DRAFT SIGNINGS

(In Photo: Dante Bichette Jr.)

The Yankees were able to secure 7 players that they selected in the draft before the deadline. We here at Bleeding Yankee Blue wanted to bring them to you.

(In Photo: Greg Bird)

Gregory Bird: This kid was in the 5^th round, 179^th overall and signed for $1.1 million. Bird played in the California Collegiate League. He's a catcher. Click on his name to read more. Bird had this to say about the Yankees, brought to you by the Denver Post: “It’s exciting... There’s still a long way to go."

(In Photo: Jake Cave)

Jake Cave: Cave is a left hitting outfielder who signed for $825,000. He was in the 6^th round and 209^th overall. Cave is a position player. The goal is to make him a center fielder by the beginning of his major league career. Cave played in the Coastal Plains League. More HERE from Yankees Daily.

(In Photo: William Davis)

William Davis: Davis a right hander in the 14^th round. It's reported the "Rookie" Davis will make $550,000, the "largest handed out to a player outside the top three rounds this year," according to the Jacksonville Daily News. While David can play shortstop and first base, the Yankees like him as a pitcher.

(In Photo: Daniel Camarena)

Daniel Camarena: This left hander was in the 20^th round. He signed for $335,000. MLB's Daily Dish says it best "Camarena is a polished lefty starter that tends to sit in the high-80's these days, but he flashes a quality curve ball and could develop into a quality pitcher down the road."

(In Photo: Chaz Herbert)

Chaz Herbert: Herbert is a left hander from the 27^th round. Herbert said of the signing, "It really came down to the last two days and me deciding what I really wanted to do, In the end, I did what I've always wanted to do and that's play professional baseball." That is brought to you by The Daily Advertiser. Herbert will please in the Rookie Gulf Coast League to finish out the minor league season and then report again in March to really start his professional career.

(In Photo: Joseph Maher)

Joe Maher: Maher is a right hander in the 38^th round. "The fall prior to his sophomore season, Joey Maher threw a pitch that registered 87 miles per hour on the radar gun," according to the Bedford Patch. and here's more from the Patch: "As a senior, he produced a .442 batting average while playing first base, third base and designated hitter on his non-pitching days."

(In Photo: Jordan Cote)

Jordan Cote: Cote was in the 3^rd round and signed for $725,000 instead of attending Coastal Carolina on a baseball scholarship. Cote is a former New Hampshire Union Leader Player of the Year and a right hander. He’ll report to Tampa, Fla. and play rookie ball in the Gulf Coast League. Read more HERE.

(In Photo: Dante Bichette Jr.)

Dante Bichette Jr: As you know, Bichette signed a $750,000 deal back on June 18^th and we wrote about it here on Bleeding Yankee Blue. Currently, Bichette is with the Gulf Coast League. He’s batting .338 with 13 doubles, 3 homers and 41 RBIs. Bichette is the son of former baseball great and friend of Joe Girardi, Dante Bichette.

Here's the full list of who the Yankees signed:

3B Dante Bichette Jr. (Comp. A)

RHP Jordan Cote (3rd rd.)

INF Matt Duran (4th)

C Gregory Bird (5th)

OF Jake Cave (6th)

1B Austin Jones (7th)

RHP Philip Wetherell (8th)

RHP Zachary Arneson (9th)

RHP Mark Montgomery (11th)

OF Cody Grice (12th)

OF Justin James (13th)

RHP William Davis (14th)

RHP Branden Pinder (16th)

RHP Hayden Sharp (18th)

RHP Robert Paullus (19th)

LHP Daniel Camarena (20th)

INF Zach Wilson (21st)

RHP Corey Maines (23rd)

LHP Matthew Tracy (24th)

LHP Chaz Herbert (27th)

RHP Joseph Maher (38th)

(Source: NJ.com)

Remember these names folks, we may see some of them n the Bigs one day. Exciting stuff coming out of Yankeeland.

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YANKEES SIGN DANTE BICHETTE JR.

It was announced today that the Yankees officially signed third baseman Dante Bichette Jr. Read about it HERE.

If you remember, Bichette was the team's top pick in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft. We wrote all about about Dante Bichette Jr in a piece called YANKEES FIRST PICK: DANTE BICHETTE JR. back on June 7th. Grant Cederquist wrote a terrific piece. Check it out.

Bichette is the son of All-Star Dante Bichette and was taken 51st overall by the Yankees and has already reported to the team's Spring Training facility in Tampa. Nice.

MLB.com has this quote: "We were excited to be able to draft Dante and are even more excited to get him signed," said Damon Oppenheimer, Yankees vice president of amateur scouting. "Coming to an agreement this quickly will allow Dante to get a full season under his belt in 2011, and gets him ahead of the curve in many ways."

The Future in Yankeeland looks promising, yes indeed.

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YANKEES FIRST PICK: DANTE BICHETTE JR.

(In photo: Dante Bichette Jr)
If you follow Bleeding Yankee Blue closely, you’ve probably noticed every other article with my name on it says PROSPECT ROUNDUP. The majority of the articles I’ve written here have been related to the minor leagues, whether it’s about Jesus Montero (PROSPECT ROUNDUP: JESUS MONTERO), the Killer B’s (FEATURE: ATTACK OF THE KILLER B's), Slade Heathcott (PROSPECT ROUNDUP: SLADE HEATHCOTT), or even Bryce Harper (WHY BRYCE HARPER COULD BE A YANKEE). It shouldn’t be a surprise that I’m pretty big on prospects, and have eagerly anticipated the 2011 draft for weeks. That being said, I have all you need to know about the Yankees first draft pick, Dante Bichette Jr.

First off, let me start by explaining that the Yankees did not have a first round pick this year, since the Yankees acquired Type A free agent Rafael Soriano from the Tampa Bay Rays during the off season. If you're not aware, when a team signs a Type A free agent they forfeit their first round pick to the team who lost that player. Although they did not have a first round pick, the Yankees did have the 51st overall draft pick as compensation for the Marlins signing Type B free agent, Javier Vazquez. Sounds confusing I know, but stay with me.The Yankees selected Dante Bichette Jr. The name sounds familiar right? Bichette’s father, Alphonse “Dante” Bichette Sr. was one of the most feared players of the mid-1990s while he was with the Colorado Rockies. In 1995 he was perhaps the most dominant batter in the game, batting to a .340 average with 40 HRs and 128 RBI, nearly winning the Triple Crown, and finishing 2nd in NL MVP voting.

The Yanks are hoping that translates to Junior, because if it does, they just picked a Golden boy.
That being said, know this; Bichette has raw talent. I say raw, I don’t mean inexperienced because Dante has lived and breathed baseball since he was little, as you might expect from the son of an MLB star. When I say raw, I mean he’s got odd mechanics and the success he’s had thus far in his career has come mostly from pure talent and hard work. (In photo: Dante Bichette Jr)
Based on some scouting reports and videos first thing I noticed about Bichette is his excellent bat speed. Best of all, his quick swing seems to effortlessly generate huge power. One video below has him depositing a ball 423 feet into the right field bleachers in a home run derby contest… as a sophomore. He doesn’t have to sacrifice as much bat speed as most players do when taking a power swing, which leads me to project that he’ll have plus power if he develops as we all hope.



As a senior at Orangewood Christian High School in Florida, he batted a team best .640, with 10 long balls, 14 doubles, 40 RBI, and 58 runs. It may just be high school ball, but that’s simply phenomenal. If the Yankees can make adjustments to improve his reaction time and bat speed, then he’ll be able to accomplish a lot on a professional level.

Some say he may be a difficult signing seeing as he’s committed to the University of Georgia and has said he’s always wanted to go there, but I think the Yankees have a shot. Why? Because Joe Girardi and and Dante Bichette were best friends. Joe’s son is named Dante. The two of them have undoubtedly been in contact, and if Bichette Jr. wasn’t planning on playing for the Yankees, his father would have told Joe “Don’t draft my kid, he’s set on going to college and you’d just be wasting a pick.” It’d be a huge shock if he passes up the Yankees offer, even more so when you consider the big bucks they have to offer him.

Bottom line, If everything goes according to plan, I project him to be a middle of the order power hitter, perhaps 5th. There’s even less information available on his defensive abilities, but he supposedly has a good arm and about average 3rd baseman accuracy. He’s also played shortstop, but he’s expected to be a 3rd baseman or corner outfielder at the next level.



The only low point of Draft Day 2011 was watching former Yankee 1st round pick Gerritt Cole going 1st overall to the Pittsburgh Pirates, but I guess the joke’s on him. Sure the Yankees lose out on a potential ace, but he’s going to end up on one of the worst teams in baseball, and if he indeed signs he will be skipping his senior year of college, and he’ll be on a bad team. His loss.(In Photo: Gerritt Cole)
So, are you happy with Dante? Are you impressed? Tell me what you think. Make sure you comment.




--Grant Cederquist, BYB Staff Writer



--Jeana Bellezza, BYB Associate Editor

Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.