Mitre On His Return To The Bronx

From Matt Ehalt:

"I never wanted to leave here in the first place, I loved it here," said Mitre, who reiterated that he was surprised by the trade. "I went to a good place but I'm happy where I am."

...

For as well as he had been pitching for Milwaukee, Mitre didn't see himself getting traded.

"That's the one thing that caught me off guard the most, no idea that was a conversation I was going to have when I got called into the office, but it's a business I guess, just a little bit tougher to swallow when there isn't anything you can put your finger on," Mitre said. "Maybe I was missing something, whatever it was. In the past."

...

"Just starters have their role and other than (David Robertson) and (Mariano Rivera), every one else is mix and match, I guess that's what it looks like," Mitre said. "Whenever I'm called upon or anyone else is called upon, just get outs and give us a chance to win."

Welcome back, Serg.

The Savior Returns

As per MLB Trade Rumors:

Sergio Mitre is heading back to the Bronx. The Yankees acquired the right-hander from the Brewers for cash considerations, according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (on Twitter). Milwaukee designated Mitre for assignment Monday and he has since drawn interest from other teams.

Mitre, 30, has posted a 3.27 ERA in 33 innings since Milwaukee acquired him from the Yankees for Chris Dickerson in March. The right-hander has a 14K/10BB ratio with a typically high 50.9% ground ball rate in his return to the National League.

There's really no risk here, and the reward ... well ... it's pretty minimal too. Mitre doesn't offer much outside of the realm of low-leverage innings and spot starts, but some additional depth is certainly welcome.

In a corresponding move, the Yankees DFA'd Buddy Carlyle - we hardly knew ye.

Pitching Matchups vs. the O's

Game 1: Tonight @ 7:05 PM | TV: MY9 | Radio: WCBS

RHP A.J. Burnett (2-0, 4.09) vs. RHP Chris Tillman (0-0, 3.38)

Game 2: Wednesday @ 7:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS

RHP Phil Hughes (0-1, 16.50) vs. TBA

Game 3: Thursday @ 7:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS

RHP Ivan Nova (1-0, 6.10) vs. RHP Jake Arrieta (1-1, 8.68)

Yanks Trade Mitre to the Brewers

(Update) In return for Mitre, the Yankees got outfielder Chris Dickerson from the Brewers. Here's what RotoWorld had to say about the trade:

Not a bad get for the Yanks, considering how far Mitre's stock had fallen inside the organization. Dickerson is an athletic outfielder with a decent .257/.356/.403 career batting line and very good speed. He will help ease the pain of Curtis Granderson's sudden oblique injury, either as a member of the season-opening big league roster or from afar at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

This likely means that the Yanks are going with either Color or Garcia as their long reliever to start the year. 

Banuelos To Start Tonight vs. Boston

Mark Fiensand is reporting that Sergio Mitre has been scratched for tonight's start vs. the Red Sox due to "some type of ribcage/oblique type injury". He hopes to get back on the mound by Thursday.

Bryan Hoch is also reporting that Manny Banuelos will take his place. The game is on ESPN and will start at 7:00pm.

Yanks Resign Mitre

Last season, Mitre made 27 appearances (3 starts) for the Yankees, going 0-3, with a 3.33 ERA. In 54 innings pitches, he allowed 20 earned on 43 hits, walked 16 and struck out 29.

The Improved Bullpen (Based on Random Sample Sizes)

Before jumping right in with some numbers, I'd like to point out two things. First, I am well aware of the perils of dealing with small sample sizes and selecting random periods of time (particularly when said selections are biased). Second, I believe the first point is sort of moot, as relievers are incredibly volatile ... so no sample size is safe.

David Robertson, since May 8
34.2 IP, 27 H, 20 BB, 40 K, 1.82 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 1.764 WPA, 2.36 FIP

Boone Logan, since May 23
19.0 IP, 12 H, 6 BB, 18 K, 1.42 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 0.494 WPA, 2.62 FIP

Joba Chamberlain, since July 28
8.0 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 6 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.63 WHIP, 0.260 WPA, 2.83 FIP

Sergio Mitre, as Reliever
22.2 IP, 12 H, 7 BB, 13 K, 2.38 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 0.127 WPA, 4.27 FIP

Kerry Wood, with Yankees
7.0 IP, 6 H, 4 BB, 9 K, 1.29 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 0.134 WPA, 4.63 FIP

Robertson and Logan have been quite good since their early season woes - I'm not sure that there are many that would dispute this, either. Robertson's control isn't quite where I'd like it to be, but he's striking batters out at a tremendous clip (10.4 K/9) and has been garnering weaker contact as the year has progressed. Logan's been better, as well, since Girardi began using him as something of a lefty specialist (as opposed to cannon fodder against righties) - I really can't fault his performance in any reasonable way.

Chamberlain and Mitre are sort of difficult to deal with. I, for one, feel that Chamberlain still has it in him to be a fantastic pitcher. This may be confirmation bias, but he has been excellent over his last few outings and, despite his unsightly ERA, his strikeouts and walks have been solid throughout the season. Many Yankee fans, myself included, still dread the thought of Mitre in the rotation ... but he's done well in the bullpen. Granted, I wouldn't want him in a high-leverage situation - but I think he's done better than a mop-up type of reliever at the same time.

Wood is, in my mind, the very definition of volatile. Brilliant in 2008. Up and down in 2009. Mostly down in 2010. That being said, he's done well with the Yankees. His control's a bit off and he did allow a blast of a home run, but his stuff looks fantastic ... and being out of the closer's role (and looking for his next contract) could work wonders for Wood.

Marte's set to return soon. Aceves's set to return soon. Albaladejo looks like a completely new pitcher. And Rivera's been his brilliant self. While the bullpen's been something of a roller coaster ride this season, I cannot help but feel that a corner has been turned ... and I feel comfortable when Girardi motions for a reliever going forward.

Moseley Will Take Mitre's Place In The Rotation

From Pete Caldera:

Dustin Moseley will be taking Sergio Mitre’s spot in the rotation on Thursday night here in Cleveland. So, it was one and done for Mitre vs. Kansas City as Andy Pettitte’s rotation sub.

“I think he’s disappointed,’’ Joe Girardi said of Mitre. But the manager didn’t like the “crispness’’ of Mitre’s pitches after a long layoff (due to an oblique strain) and Moseley was more built up as a starter in the minors.

After hearing Brian Cashman go on and on about how Sergio Mitre was this team's insurance policy, how this (injuries) is the reason the Yankees have Mitre, and how he'd be in most team's rotation, I find this move pretty hilarious.

At least Cashman's blind faith in Mitre was trumped by Joe Girardi's common sense.

Some "Insurance Policy"

"Our insurance policy is Sergio Mitre"

“I’m not looking for starting pitching. I don’t feel compelled. This is why we have Sergio Mitre.”

- Brian Cashman

... Mitre vs. Royals (10th in AL in runs scored): 4 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 1 K.

Cashman: I'm Not Looking For A Starting Pitcher

Here's another quote from Cashman about the starting rotation situation via Brian Costello:

“I’m not looking for starting pitching,” Cashman said. “I don’t feel compelled. This is why we have Sergio Mitre.”

This is why we have a pitcher who had a 7.19 ERA last year as a starter and a career ERA of 5.42 as a starter? Fan-freaking-tastic!

It Looks Like Mitre Will Replace Andy

So I was already to post my "Who Should Replace Andy?" post when I saw this on LoHud. Apparently the Yankees already have their answer and it's Sergio Mitre.

Sergio Mitre will make a rehab start tonight for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. According to general manager Brian Cashman, Mitre will throw 75 pitches. He’ll be working on short rest — he just pitched Thursday — but this should help him get a little more stretched out.

Cashman said Andy Pettitte’s injury has not changed the way he’s approaching the trade deadline.

“That’s what Mitre is here for,” Cashman said. “He’d be in most teams’ rotations.”

Before Mitre is activated, the Yankees will call-up someone from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of this move. We all have a pretty good idea of what we're gonna get from Mitre and that will most likely be mediocre result. I think their are better arms in the minors, but I'm not the one making these decisions.

Also, if you actually believe that this won't change Cashman's approach at the trade deadline than I have a bridge to sell you.

In the meantime, here's a breakdown of three much more interesting replacements for Andy from Domenic. Three names the Yankees might have to think about in Mitre doesn't do the job.

Zach McAllister (18 games, 7-6, 4.82 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 97 IP, 117 H, 52 ER, 23 BB, 58 K):

In terms of potential, McAllister may have the lowest ceiling of any true prospect in the Yankees system - that being said, his progression through the minors suggests that he has a strong likelihood of meeting that ceiling. McAllister has spent full seasons at each level (splitting one between both levels of Single-A, but that's nitpicking) having a fair bit of success every step of the way. His numbers with SWB are less than enthusing, but his ability to limit his walks and keep the ball on the ground is quite enticing, as well as being part of a skillset that usually translate well to the majors. He's the safest bet of any prospect, in my mind, and I don't think there's much left for him to prove.

Ivan Nova (17 games, 7-2, 3.21 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 103.2 IP, 101 H, 37 ER, 40 BB, 78 K):

While I was against Nova being used in relief, I'd love to see him get a few starts under his belt with the Yankees. Nova's tossed 170-plus IP at Triple-A and has improved his command, control, and groundball rate in 2010. Many view him as having a higher-ceiling than McAllister, but I'm not so sure - he may have more swing-and-miss type stuff, but that hasn't translated into many strikeouts (particularly considering the level of competition). That being said, I do think that Nova's a solid option, and a fairly valuable commodity to be
showcased.

David Phelps (3 games, 1-1, 2.04 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 17.2 IP, 21 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 19 K):

Phelps has been nothing short of dominant at every single level since being drafted in 2008. Since being promoted to Triple-A he has not allowed a walk or a home run in three starts (17.2 IP). He keeps the ball on the ground, limits home runs, limits walks, and garners a solid number of strikeouts - a great recipe for success in the majors. Some have questioned his stuff a la Ian Kennedy, but Kennedy allowed more flyballs (and has actually been fairly successful in Arizona). I'd prefer to see Phelps stay in Triple-A to finish out the season, but it'd be interesting to see him get a few starts.

Updates From The Disabled List

Here's a summary of some injury updates from Chad Jennings:

Marcus Thames - Is rehabbing with the SWB Yanks and will play a full game for them today. He could be back with the Yankees as soon as tomorrow.

Sergio Mitre - He threw a 10-pitch inning yesterday for the Single-A Tampa Yankees. On Monday, he is set to throw two-innngs for Tampa.

Girardi said it’s “reasonable to assume” that Mitre will be ready to join the team after the all-star break.

Alfredo Aceves - Monday, Aceves will throw his first “advanced” bullpen session, is scheduled for 40 to 45 pitches off a full mound, and will throw all of his pitches. He's still behind Mitre in returning to the Yankees, but this is a good sign.

Nick Johnson - Johnson is still a long way away. He's "scheduled take dry swings with a light fungo bat this afternoon," and he could he’ll hit up to 20 balls of a tee. If he gets through that with no problems, Johnson will go to Tampa to continue his rehab.

Girardi said Johnson is “weeks” from rejoining the team. “This is a process we understand is going to take a while,” Girardi said.

Out of this group, I think Aceves is the most important. I've said this many times, but he was one of the keys to last year's bullpen success, and the Yankees could use him desperately right now.

Sergio Mitre Headed To The DL

Here's an injury that comes out of nowhere. According to Dave Hutchinson, Sergio Mitre injured his oblique muscle while "putting a Babe Ruth-type batting practice display on Sunday," and has been placed on the DL.

"Unfortunately, Sergio tweaked his side a little bit doing batting practice and when he got up (Monday morning) it felt worst,'' said manager Joe Girardi. "The doctors felt it would be more than a couple of days. Obliques are funny. That's what (AL) managers don't like about interleague play."

Damn you interleague!

Boone Logan has been called up to replace him on the roster.

Romulo Sanchez Called Up

Prior to tonight's game the Yankees called up RHP Romulo Sanchez. Greg Golson was sent down to make room. He will be taking Sergio Mitre's place in the bullpen, while Mitre will head to the rotation for at least one start in place of the injured Andy Pettitte. In five games for the SWB Yankees, Sanchez was 0-2, with a 6.48 ERA. In 25 innings pitched he allowed 18 ER on 27 hits, walked 14, and sturck out 22.

Pettitte Will Miss At Least One Start, DL Trip Possible

From Bob Nightengale:

The New York Yankees are relieved that left-handed starter Andy Pettitte has no structural damage in his elbow, but he will miss at least one start with inflammation, and could wind up on the disabled list.

The Yankees say he will be treated conservatively and evaluated on a daily basis.

"The ligaments are good, the doctor said the MRI is good news," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says, "but at the very least, (missing a start is) probably likely."

Mark Feinsand has a similar story, but according to him nothing is official:

The Yankees braintrust will gather tomorrow to mull over Andy Pettitte’s situation and whether he will make his next start, which is scheduled for Tuesday in Detroit, according to GM Brian Cashman. Cashman said Pettitte called the team doctor today to tell him he is “feeling good.”

“I’m inclined to skip him a start, but that’s not officially what we’re going to do yet,” Cashman said. “We’re going to discuss it first.”

Will Carroll wrote earlier today that based on the injury, a DL trip was likely.

I think it's a safe bet that he will miss that next start, and I'd assume that Sergio Mitre will start in place of Pettitte while he recovers.

King Wonders If Yanks Regret Moving Hughes Into The Rotation

Complaining about Posada's defense after one bad inning in the first game is bad enough, but having any opinion on any team's bullpen based on a few innings could be a sign of a serious mental problem.

Could the Yankees regret Phil Hughes beating out four other arms to cop the fifth spot in the World Champions' rotation?

...how good would Hughes have looked Sunday night out of the pen in that ugly 9-7 loss to the Red Sox in Fenway Park?

Of course, the onus falls on CC Sabathia since he couldn't hold a 5-2 lead in the sixth. But the bullpen, which struggled a year ago until Hughes became the "Accidental Reliever" when Chien-Ming Wang briefly returned, was a mess.

"Phil Hughes claimed that spot [last year]. That's something that will work it's way out. The sooner, the better for us."

Sooner wasn't Sunday? And based on the body of work from the bullpen (four runs and six hits in 2 2/3 innings) better has to surface soon because it's hard to be worse.

You can't base anything off a "body of work" that consists of a measly 2.2 innings. Not a damn thing.

He then goes on to argue that the Yankees maybe should have gone with Alredo Aceves or Sergio Mitre as their fifth starter and kept Hughes in the bullpen. He mentions Hughes' troubles as a starter in the past as one of the reasons he "may be more useful in the pen."

And all of this is after a grand total of one game and 2.2 innings in relief. The media in this town never ceases to amaze me.

Could Hoffmann still be in the Yanks plans?

From Mark Feinsand:

Hoffmann heads back to the Dodgers for now, but don't be surprised to see him back in the Yankees organization at some point. There have been plenty of whispers in recent weeks about the Yankees sending either Chad Gaudin or Sergio Mitre to Los Angeles for Hoffmann, who the Yankees could then send to Triple-A. As a Rule 5 pick, Hoffmann had to stay on the 25-man roster or be returned to the Dodgers.

I'm sure the Yankees would have loved to keep Hoffmann and start him in Triple-A, but thanks to the Rule-5 rules that wasn't possible. Trading for him would open up that possibility, and since we've already heard that Gaudin or Mitre will almost certainly be traded before the season this would make sense.

Sherman: Yanks "Almost Certain" to Trade Gaudin or Mitre

Joel Sherman of the New York Post says in his morning column that the Yanks are "almost certain" to trade Sergio Mitre or Chad Gaudin before the season begins. Here is the full quote:

The Diamondbacks are concerned about the depth of their rotation, especially with former Cy Young winner Brandon Webb continuing to work back from labrum surgery and not ready to start the season. They are concerned enough that one NL executive told me that the D’backs are shopping for a starting pitcher. We provide this information because the Yankees are almost certain to trade either Chad Gaudin or Sergio Mitre before the season begins.

It makes sense. If you read the bullpen breakdown post earlier you can see that both Gaudin and Mitre seem to be on the outskirts. The D'backs have a need and have made deals with the Yankees in the past. If one of them is traded I bet it will be Gaudin, maybe he has less upside, but he has been healthy and has pitched as a reliever and a starter. Plus, Girardi likes Mitre, he proved it late last season continuing to start him down the stretch while defending his 6.79 ERA.

Yanks and Mitre Agree On Deal... And Other News

From Jerry Crasnick:

Pitcher Sergio Mitre avoids salary arbitration, agreeing to $850,000 deal with the Yankees. Contract includes some performance incentives.

This is a decent move for the Yanks. Mitre could be valuable if and when the Yanks lose a starter to an injury. Like I always say, you can never have too much pitching.

Two more bits of info for you:

- The entire Yankees coaching staff will be back next year.

- Eric Hinske agreed to a one-year deal with the Braves.

Yanks Will Now Try To Trade Gaudin or Mitre

From Joel Sherman:

With Vazquez, Yankees will try to save some $$ by trading Gaudin or Mitre to team seeking backend help before spring training ends

I doubt they'll get much for either, but they don't really need them so why not.