Sergio Mitre has pitched well this spring, posting a 3.38 ERA over 16 innings. He has walked only 4 and has struck out 14. More importantly, though, thanks to his sharp sinker, Mitre has kept the ball on the ground, allowing only 1 HR over his 5 appearances. Essentially, barring a complete collapse, he has had a very successful preseason in Tampa and, with the fifth starter race over, he appears to be the team’s “long-man” going into the regular season.
However, even with a quietly effective spring performance under his belt, could Mitre be bounced to make room for left-hander, Boone Logan, who has also pitched rather well this spring albeit over just 8 innings (2.25 ERA, 8 K)?
As we all know, Joe Girardi loves having two left-handers in the bullpen and, one wonders – although I have written about how the Yankees do not need two lefties with Dave Robertson around – whether or not that affinity will cost Mitre. Mark Feinsand wrote about the issue yesterday, after having talked to Brian Cashman, who admitted that the Yankees would “have to make some tough choices to make that a possibility.” Mitre has no options, so he cannot be stashed in the minors. Trade or release are then the probable outcomes if Girardi really wanted Logan on the team.
I don’t think the Yankees will opt for Logan over Mitre, as the rotation depth Mitre provides is of greater value to them, but with Logan still in camp, Girardi’s love for two lefties is probably making Mitre sleep a little less than he would otherwise. Hopefully, rather than make room for Logan, a player without much of a substantive or successful Major League track record, nothing extraordinary occurs and Mitre is still with the Yankees come Opening Day.
Photo by the AP
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4 Responses to Could Mitre lose his spot to Logan?
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TIQ IQ
Honestly, I think the presence of Logan still in camp means there is still a chance that Joba goes to AAA rather than Mitre’s spot being in danger.
If Joba does no pitch well rest of the spring training, it can happen.
It is more likely Hughes will go to AAA for a week to 10 days because the Yanks don’t need the 5th starter till then. Give Hughes one start in Scranton so he doesn’t rust on the bench.
Mitre should bring a decent return from a starter-poor club. If it helps the decision, he declared a couple weeks ago that he is a starter, not a stinking reliever.