Justin

Pope

Pope, a first-round pick in 2001, doesn’t have overwhelming stuff, but his minor league ERA is under 2.00. He could reach Double-A this year and the majors in 2004.

And once again we’re left to wonder why teams give up talent for the Yankees’ trash. Pope has been limited by injuries since being drafted in the first round in 2001, but he still has fourth- or fifth-starter potential. He’s someone who could be shipped to another team in the future. Julianel’s a lefty reliever with a 1.05 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 51 2/3 innings for Single-A Peoria. He’s more likely to have a future in New York than Pope is.

Pope, a 2001 first-round pick of the Cardinals, was 4-4 with a 3.80 ERA, 66 H and 44/7 K/BB in 66 1/3 IP for Single-A Tampa. He’s no longer much of a prospect.