But, after his first spring outing, one where he got shelled for 10 earned runs, only recording four outs, Taylor was still certain he would make the Yankee rotation for 1992, The Times wrote.
"I look at myself as being real talented," Taylor told reporters, according to The Times. "I feel I'm more talented than the other guys. Eventually that will make the difference."
Whether he was more talented or not, for Taylor, it didn't seem to make a difference. Coming of a rookie season where he started 22 games for the Yankees, Taylor didn't make the Yankees that year. He also didn't make the majors again.
Taylor's career began in 1987, signed by the Mariners as a free agent out of the University of Miami.
Taylor started at short-season Bellingham, going 3-5 in 10 starts. His stay in the Mariners system, though, was brief. For 1988, the Mariners sent him to the Yankees in a five-player deal.
Taylor played 1988 at single-A Fort Lauderdale, then 1989 at single-A Prince William. He made AA Albany-Colonie in 1990 and AAA Columbus that same year. Between Albany and Columbus, Taylor went 12-8 with a 2.51 ERA.
He started 1991 at Columbus. By June, he was in the Bronx. He picked up wins in his first two outings. He picked up a late-July win, going eight innings while giving up one earned run against Oakland. He also won with the help of his defense.
"I was able to throw my breaking ball when I was behind in the count and that's always good," Taylor told The Associated Press. "Four double plays also helps a lot."
By the end of the year, though, Taylor's record stood at 7-12, his ERA at 6.27. In September, he picked up a loss in a game where he made it into the seventh inning, but gave up four earned runs, including two home runs. It was his second-straight tough outing.
"It sure is frustrating," Taylor told The Times after that second game. "I've had my best stuff the last two games and have nothing to show for it."
After his slow spring in 1992, Taylor had an abbreviated season. He only started five games, across three levels of the minors. He then started five more games in 1993 at AAA Columbus, ending his career.
Originally published March, 22, 2012
- Toledo Blade, Associated Press, July 21, 1991: Yankees post third straight win as Oakland can't solve rookies
- New York Times, Sept. 12, 1991: Yankees Continue on Road to Nowhere
- New York Times, March 16, 1992: A Lot of Confidence but No Success So Far for Yanks' Taylor
More: The 1990 Albany Yankees
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