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The Yankees brought up Kevin Russo to serve as a backup infielder yesterday, following the injuries to Nick Johnson and Robinson Cano. Cano is better, and Nick Johnson will be on the disabled list for some time. With Curtis Granderson also out, the Yankees are going to have to get some miles out of Marcus Thames and Randy Winn, but that also means that occasionally, Nick Johnson’s DH spot will be up for grabs.
Joe Girardi seems willing to use a rotating DH for now. But I really want to ask: why not call up Juan Miranda? Miranda is hitting a solid .261/.374/.455 in his third Triple-A season. He has improved against left-handed pitchers quite a bit, after struggling to hit them in his first Triple-A season. Miranda gives you an effective platoon partner to stick with Marcus Thames, and an offensive improvement over playing one of Francisco Cervelli, or Ramiro Pena every day. Furthermore, Miranda would be a solid threat off the bench against a right-handed reliever.
I get it, the Yankees are banged up. But how much are Greg Golson and Kevin Russo going to be needed? The Yankees have tons of positional flexibility without one them – Cervelli plays third, Ramiro can play 7 positions, Thames can hit the outfield, Swisher can play 1st. Randy Winn can play center in a pinch. The Yankees could get by with just Russo, while Miranda DHs.
Miranda is 27 years old. In any other organization, he would be at least on a major league bench right now. He’s proven himself ably at Triple-A. He gains nothing by playing every day there. Call him up, and platoon him with Thames. If a veteran needs a DH day, then Miranda provides a good late-inning pinch hitter for Girardi to leverage. Miranda missed a few games with a minor injury earlier this week, but he played on Saturday. Its time: bring Juan Miranda to the majors.
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4 Responses to Juan Miranda should be called up
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TIQ IQ
The problem right now is that the Yanks are carrying an extra pitcher since Mitre has to make Pettitte’s start/ Aceves is hurt. When those two injuries work themselves out, they should call up Miranda.
That doesn’t really make a difference in the Golson/Russo vs. Miranda debate
I agree. Also, by giving him MLB at bats, you increase his trade value at the end of the year.
I like Miranda but he’s just a LH hitter with no footspeed or position to play.
Russo not only hits, though obviously without Miranda’s power but can play infield, OF and 1st base in a pinch.
Additionally, if you hit .320′s in triple A and you’re ready like Russo is, you deserve a chance to play.
Winn needs to hit from the Left side good enough or who needs him with Thames the RH’d DH.