Making the Team Meter: Yankees Spring Training Pitchers - Week Two

The second week of Spring Training is over and and a new round of cuts has thouroughly weeded out the competition so now we have the more serious contenders left.

Boone Logan and Clay Rapada haven't been healthy this spring. It's possible that one or both won't be ready for Opening Day, it's also possible everything will be fine. Strangely enough the Yankees cut Francisco Rondon, who seemed to be getting a close look to replace one of the lefties. Now it looks like Josh Spence is the leading candidate for replacing one of the lefties, if indeed they want to replace a lefty with a lefty.

If the Yankees can replace their lefties with righties it looks like Cody Eppley or Shawn Kelley are the likely candidates for a roster spot. Judging by the fact that Mark Montgomery is still in camp he might actually be getting a legitimate look to join the team. If he was having a better Spring Training he could almost be a lock for a roster spot, but since he has been less than lights out he might just start the season at Triple-A.

It is still unsure whether or not Phil Hughes will be ready for the start of the season. If he's not the likely scenario will have both David Phelps and Ivan Nova in the rotation. If that is the case then Adam Warren or Vidal Nuno could be called up to fill in as the longman in the bullpen. Warren probably has a leg up because he's actually pitched in Triple-A, but Nuno has been more impressive this spring.

Red: Based on performance or situation, this player has a slim to no chance of making the team.
Yellow: Player theoretically could make the team with an overwhelming performance or unexpected development.
Chartreuse : Player has a decent chance of making the team if they can beat out their immediate competition.
Green: Player is in a very favorable situation for making the team. Likely seen as the favorite for an open job.

Juan Cedeno is also still in camp. He's a lefty, so he's sitting around in case they need him, but I expect him to be cut relatively soon. Preston Claiborne and Branden Pinder are two of the organization's righty relief prospects, but neither have enough experience to be thought of as potential roster members. Jim Miller is still here and might simply be for depth. Matt Tracy finally threw an inning of work. He would have been cut by now if he didn't happen to throw with his left hand, but he probably won't be safe for much longer. Now that starters are going longer into games it seems that relievers without roster spots are less necessary.