Bottom of the rotation and long relief

by Cbeck3 on Mar 22, 2011 8:50 AM EDT

Bartolo Colon should get a rotation slot. If this spring's performance by Colon doesn't do it, why did they bring him at all? How good were they hoping he would be?

Still the Yanks are saying things like "We want Nova to win a spot." and "We know who Freddy is" Which indicate they may go with Ivan Nova (who has, in fairness, looked better this spring than he did last year to me)

So, the question becomes who is the odd man out. If one of these three can fit the long relief slot the one to go to the minors or be released would be Mitre. Freddy Garcia has been quoted as saying he'd do long relief if asked. I'd like to try Nova there. If he continues to have problems the second time through the lineup he still projects as a reliever.

What do you guys think?

Poll

Who is the odd man out in the 4 man competition for 3 pitching spots?

Nova

2 votes

Colon

1 votes

Garcia

21 votes

Mitre

144 votes

168 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 16 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

I highly doubt the Yankees will release Mitre. In 8 IP this spring, he’s given up only two earned runs and has 6 K’s and 0 BB. It’s going to be Garcia to the pen or DFA.

by Scooby Snacks on Mar 22, 2011 9:05 AM EDT reply actions

Mitre, Nova, and Colon have been great

All with outstanding ERAs and WHIPs, no one thinks they can pitch that well in a larger sample. Garcia has been pretty good, but he has the strongest current resume. Last year’s results keep him in the running.
Tough decision for sure.

"I’m never really surprised, but I am thrilled sometimes." Joe G. 2010

by Cbeck3 on Mar 22, 2011 1:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

They might go with Mitre as the long relief man simply because he is making major league minimum. His stuff its slightly better than Garcia, too.

February 14th, pitchers, catchers, and Messiahs report to Spring Training.

by Wraithpk on Mar 22, 2011 10:12 AM EDT reply actions

He’s making $900k in ’11.

Tim Dierkes: “If the Yankees release Mitre prior to March 28th, he’d only be due 45 days termination pay, which on his $900K salary equals $222,527. If they release him after that they’d owe the full $900K, less the prorated portion of the league minimum if he signs elsewhere. So either way the bill to let Mitre go should be less than $500K.”

by Scooby Snacks on Mar 22, 2011 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Mitre is making a strong play for DFA this afternoon against the Orioles.

I would have voted for him in any event.

by designatedquitter on Mar 22, 2011 2:52 PM EDT reply actions

hopefully mitre is gone

i’d go with colon and garcia in the 4 and 5 spots and let nova be long relief. if either of the retreads need a break or start to fall apart then nova can fill in. its the only way i see him being able to to contribute wihout needing nova rules and getting stretched out with the innings

by leonard b on Mar 23, 2011 2:06 AM EDT reply actions

Nova pitched 180 innings last year, he won’t have an innings limit.

February 14th, pitchers, catchers, and Messiahs report to Spring Training.

by Wraithpk on Mar 23, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Nova long relief?

So you would rather have a retread take the spot of a more than adequate and much younger Nova, who could be a part of the Yankees long term plans for the rotation? Interesting.

I bet it's good to be playing again, huh?

by david d on Mar 23, 2011 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions

As much as they love Lt. Serge, I think they’re ready to let him go because they trust Freddy Garcia’s past success more. I really can’t fault them for that, it’s not like the Serge is a major loss anyway, he pretty much just pitches filler innings in garbage time. They can call up anyone to do that if Garcia sucks.

Did you know Joe Morgan thinks Cano will win a batting title one day?

by Andrew GM on Mar 23, 2011 2:35 AM EDT reply actions

oh yeah and 4-5 will be Nova-Colon

Did you know Joe Morgan thinks Cano will win a batting title one day?

by Andrew GM on Mar 23, 2011 2:35 AM EDT up reply actions

I think 4-5 will be Nova Garcia.

"I’m never really surprised, but I am thrilled sometimes." Joe G. 2010

by Cbeck3 on Mar 23, 2011 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope

that Girardi and Cashman have the common sense to see that if two pitchers that are low-risk high-reward outshine/outperform Mitre, they choose those two pitchers instead of Mitre.

The way I look at it is this: Mitre was NEVER as good as Garcia or Colon in their best seasons. With Garcia willing to work out of the bullpen as well as he and Colon performing immensely better than Mitre this spring, Mitre should be cut, Garcia to the bullpen (ready to spot start if needed), and Colon and Nova to the rotation.

Maybe he’d be more successful on the Arizona Diamondbacks, who probably need cheap pitchers to eat innings.

by phonty on Mar 24, 2011 2:37 AM EDT reply actions

I agree 100%

I bet it's good to be playing again, huh?

by david d on Mar 24, 2011 2:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Absolutely... Nova & Colon as #4 & #5 starters; Garcia as long man & Mitre to the Mets

by YANKEES FOREVER on Mar 24, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions

Sounds like the Amazins have a new ace!

Did you know Joe Morgan thinks Cano will win a batting title one day?

by Andrew GM on Mar 25, 2011 6:04 AM EDT up reply actions

Since Kevin Millwood is about to be signed, it looks like curtains on the Mitre era in the Bronx.

The NY Times reports that the Mets lost $50 million last year (not to mention the $1 Billion dollar suit against the Wilpons by the Madoff Trustee). A $900,000 Ollie Perez replacement clone may be just what the doctor ordered over at CitiField.

My only regret— we won’t have Joe Morgan around to say Kevin Meeuhhlwud.

by designatedquitter on Mar 25, 2011 1:50 PM EDT reply actions