The Sommer Frieze

The Yanks lost their split squad night game to the Rays 6-2, but Sergio Mitre stayed in the hunt for the #5 starter job. Mitre went 5 innings, gave up 2 runs, struck out 7, gave up just 2 hits and one walk. He and Aceves have really done well for themselves this spring training.

Chad Gaudin however, seems to have removed himself from the #5 starter spot, and seeing how the team is shaking out, may have put himself in line to be traded. Granted not all balls tonight were hit hard, but 2 1/3 IP, 4 R, 3 ER, 7 hits, 3 walks and 1 K really set him back.

I don’t know where Joba rates, since you have to take the flu into account for his first outing, but right now, the #5 leaders have to be Aceves, Hughes and Mitre. The question is, who do the Yanks feel translates better in the 5 hole, and who is best suited to come out of the bullpen? But it is the GOOD type of tough decision because you are choosing from strength—from pitchers who have done WELL this spring rather than taking the best from a group who didn’t perform well. An embarrassment of riches, if you will.

Granderson had two hits but was HBP and was removed for precautionary reasons. Colin Curtis had another hit in his impressive spring. Juan Miranda had two hits and an RBI (a HR), and I really wonder what the Yanks plan with him. From what I’ve seen of him, he does have a good stick but a mediocre glove. His biggest problem is that he has three guys ahead of him playing 1B—Teixeira, Nick Johnson, and Swisher. There just isn’t a place for him, except as trade bait.

Nice to see “my boy,” Jesus Montero, hit a double.

I wound up 14-2 for today’s NCAA games.