SARASOTA, Fla. — From the beginning of the competition for the fourth and fifth starters, Sergio Mitre was the longest shot.
Not because he didn’t necessarily have the stuff to compete with Ivan Nova, Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon, but because Mitre had experience in the bullpen as a long reliever, which makes him valuable in the thankless role that also includes being a spot starter.
Giving up five runs and five hits (two homers) in three innings yesterday against the Orioles in a 6-2 loss at Ed Smith Stadium likely committed Mitre to a bullpen role. However, manager Joe Girardi isn’t ready to announce the veteran right-hander has a roster spot guaranteed.
“There are still decisions to be made there,” Girardi said.
Until being asked if he felt he made the team regardless of the role, Mitre hadn’t thought about not making the club.
“One thing that never crossed my mind was making the team,” Mitre said after his second appearance since missing 11 days with an oblique strain. “I have done everything and they have seen everything. They know I can get the job done. They know they can rely on me. We have a week to go, we will see which direction they decide to go.”
****Girardi is against shuffling lineups daily, but he isn’t against using different leadoff hitters against lefties and righties.
“You could see two different lineups, one versus right-handers and one versus left-handers,” Girardi said.
Such an alignment would have Brett Gardner batting first against right-handers and Derek Jeter on top against lefties. Jeter would bat second against righties and Gardner would hit ninth against lefties.
****Girardi said he hasn’t seen anything different in Jesus Montero‘s mental approach or changes in his work ethic since Francisco Cervelli went down with a fractured foot. The injury pushed Montero to the front of the line to be Russell Martin‘s backup.
Nevertheless, as the exhibition season moves to a close, Montero has regressed behind the plate and continued to struggle to hit.
Has the 21-year-old stud prospect put too much pressure on himself now that a roster spot is within reach?
“I think so, I think it’s only natural. The first time you have a chance to win a job in the big leagues I think almost everyone puts pressure [on themselves],” Girardi said. “A lot of times you will see a guy do much better when they know they are not going to the big leagues.”
Girardi said Austin Romine, who hasn’t played above Double-A, remains in competition with Montero. The manager also pointed out that Jose Gil, who has limited major league experience, remains in camp.
Though Montero’s defense was a big question when camp opened, it is widely assumed he will hit. But he has hit just .222 (8-for-36) and has fanned eight times.
“He hasn’t hit like he is capable of,” Girardi said. “Why? Maybe it’s not playing every day.”
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According to a report the Yankees showed an interest in Oliver Perez, recently released by the Mets.
That ended with a conversation between team president Randy Levine and GM Brian Cashman.
“Randy Levine asked me to look into it. I have no interest,” Cashman said. “It’s not a fit, not something that makes sense based on what we have seen.”
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Eric Chavez said his right calf problem was behind him, but Girardi won’t play the corner infielder until Friday. Chavez was bothered by spasms.
Chavez was not thrilled to talk about his calf. “Calf is fine. It’s no issue,” he said. “It was just a little spasm.”
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Rafael Soriano pitched against the Blue Jays’ Triple-A team yesterday in Tampa and gave up a hit (a solo homer) in 1 2/3 innings. . . . A.J. Burnett will work a minor league game today in Tampa and Phil Hughes will start against the Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field tonight.
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Damaso Marte arrived in camp and said he is ready to test his surgically repaired left shoulder.
“I think I’m ready for throwing. I’ve been working hard to strengthen the arm. I’m starting to play catch. I hope to be back at the All-Star break.”
