The Yankees head into the 2010 season with the front four spots of their rotation set, but with an open competition for the final spot. Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain are the front runners for that spot, but manager Joe Girardi maintains that others like Chad Gaudin, Sergio Mitre, and Alfredo Aceves will be give a chance to win the job.
Both Gaudin and Mitre are out of options, and the Chan Ho Park signing means there's only spot left open in the bullpen for these two. Something will have to give.
Gaudin, 27 in March, will earn $2.95MM in 2010 and will become a free agent after the season. In 31 games (25 starts) for the Padres and Yankees, he posted a 4.64 ERA with an 8.5 K/9 and a 4.3 BB/9. He has experience starting and relieving, and has thrown at least 90 innings in each of the last three seasons.
Mitre, on the other hand, with earn $850K in his age-29 season in 2010, and still has another year of arbitration eligibility ahead of him. After missing the entire 2008 season with Tommy John surgery, Mitre posted a 6.79 ERA in 12 games (nine starts) last year, striking out just 5.6 men per nine innings. He should improve as he gets further away from his surgery.
Since both Gaudin and Mitre are out of options, they would need to clear waivers before they could be sent to the minors. Since the Yankees only have room for one of them on their pitching staff, the other could become trade bait. Can you think of any potential fits of either Gaudin or Mitre? Maybe the Dodgers since they need a fifth starter?
anthonymurillo
How about Mitre to the Dodgers for the Yankees to keep the rights of Jamie Hoffmann, that way if he doesn’t make the team out of ST, the Yankees can stash him away in Triple A
Guest 1937
Good point. Plus, I don’t theres a chance that he makes the team given the depth on the Yankees already.
Alldaybaseball
Mitre isn’t worth Hoffman in my opinion. Weaver looks better than Mirtre right now.
Alldaybaseball
Mitre isn’t worth Hoffman in my opinion. Weaver looks better than Mirtre right now.
Guest 1937
Good point. Plus, I don’t theres a chance that he makes the team given the depth on the Yankees already.
Kevin
Mitre is garbage according to last season. He was once a very good pitcher with good movement on his pitches. But now with his surgery, hitters are just smashing him. Gaudin is not only good, but very good. In 7 of his starts and yankees won all 7 games. I think he has more experience and should win the 5th spot of the rotation.
Bullpen:
Mo
Hughes
Joba
Marte
Boone
Robertson
Aceves
yankfandave
Interesting!? Gaudin over both Joba and Hughes, although he is good, he is not that good. Each has better stuff , better upside and are younger than Gaudin. Also, each has performed at least, if not better, as a starter. In addition, you have the Yankees bullpen without Park? I think you just forgot about him. And, Boone would be a unneeded luxury as a second lefty but the others arms are all more valuable so it is unlikely he makes the cut.
Kevin
Yea your right I forgot about Park, he can be a solid relief and might even take Boone’s place. And about Gaudin, I used to watch him pitch when he was with the SD Padres. When hes right he can give you 6 inning and 8 strikeouts. I remember him pitching against the Mets and striking out 11. I do believe that both Joba and Hughes will be better pitchers in the times to come but they still need time to work on they mechanics. They have been taking out of the minor leagues too soon thats why they have limits like the Joba rules. But lets just see who pitches best at spring training and he shall pitch the 5th spot.
Zach
I think that a really interesting idea. Makes a lot of sense for both teams. My only doubt is that if this trade happens and Mitre has a crappy ST and needs to get cut, the Dodgers would be wasting $850K. His contract is guaranteed right?
anthonymurillo
How about Mitre to the Dodgers for the Yankees to keep the rights of Jamie Hoffmann, that way if he doesn’t make the team out of ST, the Yankees can stash him away in Triple A
Kevin Chambers
Just waive mitre or gaudin. If someone claims gaudin you save money.
Mike Axisa 2
Yeah, but you lose him for nothing. Gaudin has value as a league average-ish innings guy.
Mike Axisa 2
Yeah, but you lose him for nothing. Gaudin has value as a league average-ish innings guy.
Guest 1936
I think that Gaudin should be the one to go He certainly has a bit of cash on him for a pitcher that is no number #2 starter to say the least. maybe the Dodgers would give up Josh Lindblom? If the Dodgers still had Juan Pierre this would be the perfect trade. Possibly a trade for…
Eric Patterson?
He’s out of options as well and certainly does not fit in to the A’s plans for 2010. Maybe a swap for the two or just a waive of Gaudin or Mitre as you said will do it.
Zach
Though Gaudin is an average pitcher, I don’t think the Dodgers will try to acquire him because of his contract. The Dodgers already have a TON of guys trying out for the last spot at league minimum or non-guaranteed contracts. Getting a guy that may produce the same as any of those other options for $3Mil seems unlikely especially under the McCourt financial situation. Also a lot of people have been really hyping Lindblom up the last year or so, so unless there’s something wrong with him that I don’t know, shipping him for an average pitcher would be really disappointing.
Guest 1960
Lindblom to me seems kind of like a Broxton type pitcher.
A late inning reliever who throws 98 out of the pen. Zerpa and Monasterios seem more like the two candidates but Mitre on the other hand gets I think 300k more than the league minimum so maybe Mitre for cash if any trade is in place
Guest 1936
I think that Gaudin should be the one to go He certainly has a bit of cash on him for a pitcher that is no number #2 starter to say the least. maybe the Dodgers would give up Josh Lindblom? If the Dodgers still had Juan Pierre this would be the perfect trade. Possibly a trade for…
Eric Patterson?
He’s out of options as well and certainly does not fit in to the A’s plans for 2010. Maybe a swap for the two or just a waive of Gaudin or Mitre as you said will do it.
Kevin Chambers
Just waive mitre or gaudin. If someone claims gaudin you save money.
Jonathan Gallo
Waive Mitre. Gaudin was a great signing mid-season, so why let him go.
Jonathan Gallo
Waive Mitre. Gaudin was a great signing mid-season, so why let him go.
berton226
According to Chad Jennings their contracts aren’t even guaranteed this year…Is that right?
berton226
According to Chad Jennings their contracts aren’t even guaranteed this year…Is that right?
ams223
How bout Gaudin to the dodgers for the rights to Hoffmann….hmm. It’s certainly an original thought.
ams223
How bout Gaudin to the dodgers for the rights to Hoffmann….hmm. It’s certainly an original thought.
mikeitt
is Chamberlain out of options I wonder?
Mike Axisa 2
He has all three left. He’s never gone back down to the minors after being called up in 2007.
Mike Axisa 2
He has all three left. He’s never gone back down to the minors after being called up in 2007.
mikeitt
is Chamberlain out of options I wonder?
Macfan1
“Both Gaudin and Mitre are out of options, and the Chan Ho Park signing means there’s only spot left open in the bullpen for these two. Something will have to give.”
LOL
Why are we wasting time with Sergio Mitre, this joker wouldn’t even be claimed on waivers frankly. He is pure garbage of the highest order.
I would take Gaudin over Mitre any day of the week for the last man in the pen, Gaudin is also 2 years younger.
Gaudin last season
2-2, 3.43 ERA, 42 IP, 41 H, 16 ER, 7 HR, 20 BB, 34 K, .252 BAA
Mitre last season
3-3, 6.79 ERA, 51.2 IP, 71 H, 39 ER, 10 HR, 13 BB, 32 K, .321 BAA (brrrrrr, shivers)
The faster Mitre is let go the better, sadly he will probably wind up in our system in Scranton after going unclaimed by every team on waivers.
The 2010 Yankees bullpen is
Chad Gaudin – R – Long Relief / Spot Starter
Park – R – 5th/6th inning Short Relief
Aceves – R – Long or Short Relief, he can work multiple innings, 1 inning, 1 batter if need be
Robertson – R – 7th inning power arm to bridge to the setup man
Marte – L – Primary lefty
Hughes or Joba – Setup Man
Rivera – Closer
Yankees don’t need a second lefty, Aceves, Robertson, Hughes, Marte, Rivera are all terrific against lefty hitters and last season the only lefty in the bullpen was Phil Coke after Marte was hurt all season.
Mitre meanwhile belongs in a softball league if even they would want him.
sheelowsh
Hey macfan1,
You are forgetting Logan, a left handed reliever.
Macfan1
No I just left him off. I don’t care for the guy, he was a throw-in in the Vazquez deal.
Don’t need him on the 25 man to start the season, he can go to Scranton until he is consistent.
the bullpen with Gaudin, Park, Aceves, Robertson, Marte, Hughes or Joba, Rivera, already has 7 guys, no room for a Boone Logan.
Our bullpen last season had 1 lefty Phil Coke, since Marte was hurt most of last season. Boone Logan is not one of the best arms in that pen this season, I would rather see Melancon before him.
This is the likely bullpen
Gaudin – R 2-0 – 3.43, 1.45 WHIP, .252 BAA, 42 IP, 41 H, 20 BB, 34 K
Park – R – 2-2 – 2.52, 1.18 WHIP, .231 BAA, 50 IP, 43 H, 16 BB, 52 K
Aceves – R – 10-1 – 3.35, 0.99 WHIP, .218 BAA, 80.2 IP, 65 H, 15 BB, 67 K
Robertson – R – 2-1 – 3.30, 1.35 WHIP, ..216 BAA, 43.2 IP, 36 H, 23 BB, 63 K
Marte – L – 1-3 – 9.45, 1.58 WHIP, 13 IP, 15 H, 6 BB, 13 K (he was hurt all of last season thus only 13 innings all year, he showed what he could do against lefties in the playoffs.)
Hughes – R – 5-1 – 1.40, 0.86 WHIP, .172 BAA, 51 IP, 31 H, 13 BB, 65 K
Rivera – R – 3-3 – 1.76, 0.90 WHIP, .197 BAA 66.1 IP, 48 H, 12 BB, 72 K
Aceves, Robertson, Hughes, Rivera are all terrific vs lefty hitters.
Aceves vs Lefties – 3.79 ERA, 38 IP, 29 H, 16 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 31 K’s, 0.97 WHIP, .210 BAA
Robertson vs Lefties – 1.86 ERA, 19 IP, 14 H, 4 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 30 K’s, 1.19 WHIP, .189 BAA, (induces more ground balls than fly balls against left handers)
Hughes vs Lefties – 1.17 ERA, 23 IP, 16 H, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 29 K’s, 1.17 WHIP, .198 BAA
Rivera vs Lefties – 1.35 ERA, 33.1 IP, 22 H, 5 ER, 3 HR, 9 BB, 35 K’s, 0.93 WHIP, .182 BAA
all to go with Marte, don’t need Boone Logan and his inconsistent junk.
Macfan1
“Both Gaudin and Mitre are out of options, and the Chan Ho Park signing means there’s only spot left open in the bullpen for these two. Something will have to give.”
LOL
Why are we wasting time with Sergio Mitre, this joker wouldn’t even be claimed on waivers frankly. He is pure garbage of the highest order.
I would take Gaudin over Mitre any day of the week for the last man in the pen, Gaudin is also 2 years younger.
Gaudin last season
2-2, 3.43 ERA, 42 IP, 41 H, 16 ER, 7 HR, 20 BB, 34 K, .252 BAA
Mitre last season
3-3, 6.79 ERA, 51.2 IP, 71 H, 39 ER, 10 HR, 13 BB, 32 K, .321 BAA (brrrrrr, shivers)
The faster Mitre is let go the better, sadly he will probably wind up in our system in Scranton after going unclaimed by every team on waivers.
The 2010 Yankees bullpen is
Chad Gaudin – R – Long Relief / Spot Starter
Park – R – 5th/6th inning Short Relief
Aceves – R – Long or Short Relief, he can work multiple innings, 1 inning, 1 batter if need be
Robertson – R – 7th inning power arm to bridge to the setup man
Marte – L – Primary lefty
Hughes or Joba – Setup Man
Rivera – Closer
Yankees don’t need a second lefty, Aceves, Robertson, Hughes, Marte, Rivera are all terrific against lefty hitters and last season the only lefty in the bullpen was Phil Coke after Marte was hurt all season.
Mitre meanwhile belongs in a softball league if even they would want him.
berton226
Chad Jennings mentioned that both of their contracts are not guaranteed this year…is that right?
Mike Axisa 2
Right.
Mike Axisa 2
Right.
berton226
Chad Jennings mentioned that both of their contracts are not guaranteed this year…is that right?
djeter808
Red Sox need them both but I guess that’s neither here nor there…
djeter808
Red Sox need them both but I guess that’s neither here nor there…
101andcounting
i’d like to see either one back in a cubs uniform – gaudin especially. i always liked him
101andcounting
i’d like to see either one back in a cubs uniform – gaudin especially. i always liked him
Guest 1938
Mitre is not trade Bait.
Mitre is nothing.
Guest 1938
Mitre is not trade Bait.
Mitre is nothing.
bigpat
If the Yanks send Gaudin to the minors, for another team to claim him, wouldn’t they have to assume his total salary? If that’s the case, then no one will claim him, but if by some chance they did they could save almost 3M on a mop up reliever.
I still don’t totally understand the waiver process, because Byrnes was let go but the Mariners only had to pay 400K, but I think that’s because it was a flat out release.
bigpat
If the Yanks send Gaudin to the minors, for another team to claim him, wouldn’t they have to assume his total salary? If that’s the case, then no one will claim him, but if by some chance they did they could save almost 3M on a mop up reliever.
I still don’t totally understand the waiver process, because Byrnes was let go but the Mariners only had to pay 400K, but I think that’s because it was a flat out release.
S8P7W
Watch the Blue Jays pick one of them up 😛
Guest 1939
I bet they will. Isn’t Gaudin a former Blue Jay in his own right?
S8P7W
Yes. They Jays acquired him from the Rays for Kevin Cash way back when.
S8P7W
Yes. They Jays acquired him from the Rays for Kevin Cash way back when.
Guest 1939
I bet they will. Isn’t Gaudin a former Blue Jay in his own right?
S8P7W
Watch the Blue Jays pick one of them up 😛
dickylarue
Mitre will be cut by the end of spring training. He’s around for depth/insurance should someone go down during the spring.
Gaudin is the better pitcher and should make the club.
I hazard to guess that if Mitre were cut, he’d be resigned to AAA once he cleared waivers since I don’t see any team thinking he’s part of the 25 roster this year unless they are loaded with pitching injuries.
EvilEmpireMember
Mitre for Hoffman is a win win for both teams.
EvilEmpireMember
Mitre for Hoffman is a win win for both teams.
Ray R
Mitre should be the one to go. Even if he’s fully recovered from his surgery, his best pitch is a sinker and I’ve yet to see a sinkerballer who was effective as the last guy out of the pen. They need regular work.
I’d see if a team in need of a fifth starter was willing to give up a 3rd base prospect in AA. A-Rod has 2-3 years left as en effective corner infielder before he’ll need a new position, and the Yanks are thin at that position.
How about the Royals?
Ray R
Mitre should be the one to go. Even if he’s fully recovered from his surgery, his best pitch is a sinker and I’ve yet to see a sinkerballer who was effective as the last guy out of the pen. They need regular work.
I’d see if a team in need of a fifth starter was willing to give up a 3rd base prospect in AA. A-Rod has 2-3 years left as en effective corner infielder before he’ll need a new position, and the Yanks are thin at that position.
How about the Royals?
yanks28th
Mitre’s and Gaudin’s contracts are not guarantieed, So they are avilible released 30~45 days at low costs. I wanna to release Mitre,Giradis’s son-in-law~!
yanks28th
Mitre’s and Gaudin’s contracts are not guarantieed, So they are avilible released 30~45 days at low costs. I wanna to release Mitre,Giradis’s son-in-law~!
wcg1380
Maybe they can trade one of them for Kyle Farnsworth… I am sure the Yankees would love to have him back.
wcg1380
Maybe they can trade one of them for Kyle Farnsworth… I am sure the Yankees would love to have him back.
pageian
Yanks would be wise to wait as long as possible before letting one of them go just because of the likelihood of someone else on the staff getting injured, or one of Gaudin or Mitre getting injured and being stashed on the DL. That said, if one has to go they should probably get rid of Mitre. Gaudin is more expensive but that shouldn’t be a factor for the Yankees. He’s also younger and probably a better pitcher than Mitre, more versatile.
pageian
Yanks would be wise to wait as long as possible before letting one of them go just because of the likelihood of someone else on the staff getting injured, or one of Gaudin or Mitre getting injured and being stashed on the DL. That said, if one has to go they should probably get rid of Mitre. Gaudin is more expensive but that shouldn’t be a factor for the Yankees. He’s also younger and probably a better pitcher than Mitre, more versatile.
baruchk
the only way you trade mitre for hoffman is if you want thames on the team. i see the merit of that. however, i think keep hoffman on the team, waive mitre and after nobody claims him, put him in AAA for depth, and trade gaudin since they dont really need him, cause i say the last reliever should be logan as a second lefty, or melancon. a few teams will definitely use gaudin as a 4-4 starter. the angels could possibly use him, as well as the mariners, dodgers, and mets, to name a few. they should be able to get something usefulish for him
Yankeeboy11
They need to get rid of Mitre really. Gaudin did very well for us last season.
rockiesfan_303
If they can get any value for either, they should make the trades. If not, then let them battle for the last bullpen spot. If the loser refuses minor league assignment then I think the Yankees are set with rotation depth with Joba/Hughes/winner of Gaudin/Mitre.
YanksFanSince78
This is really a non-issue really. Why bother rushing to dismiss either one? Let them go thru the motion of a battle for the #5 spot and hopefully one of them will step up and show a glimmer of being at least a #5 starter on a non-contending team. To me, the bullpen should shape out to be Mo, Hughes, Robertson, Marte, Park, Aceves with Gaudin or Mitre as a luxury. Not to many teams carry more than 6 bullpen arms. In fact if we were to carry 7 bullies then I would prefer it to be Boone Logan since he is a lefty. I’m assuming Logan has options left but we can afford to stash him in AAA for the start of the season.
Gaudin or Mitre as a 7th arm out of the pen seems a little crazy. I would rather they add a 5th body to the bench to go with Cervelli, Pena, Winn and Hoffman/Thames.
As far as Mitre is concerned, people can dog him all they want but I think calling him a scrub during the 1st year off of TJ surgery might be premature. Usually it’s the second season after TJ surgery where a pitcher returns back to form. He’ll never be more than a #5/long relief guy but if he can throw strikes and keeps inducing GB then he can catch on, especially in a big NL park with a good IF defense.
yankeesfan88
i really want to see them bring melancon along. he shows he has a power arm and hes younger, hes essentially david robertson with more velocity, a slider instead of a curve, and a good changeup.
bambino84
If i had to choose i would have to go with Gaudin but i do think everyone is being a little too hard on Mitre. I mean lets face it, the guy isnt a cy young winner but you have to give a guy a chance after he just came of major arm surgery. Thats like someone coming off knee surgery and you expect him to run just as fast as he did before. Give his arm so time to heal and if he still sucks then you cut him, trade, or but him on waivers.
mattinglyfan
The Dodgers might need a fifth starter but Gaudin and Mitre aren’t better than any of the guys they have competing for that spot right now. Both are pretty much spot starters/mopup swingmen.
matt
Gaudin is much better than a mopup guy. They should DFA Mitre and let him stay until he’s needed, unless he beat Gaudin in ST.
yankeepowerhouse2010
People,
Get real…
Mitre is the choice…
He’s CY Young material