Pitching wins games, plain and simple. We all know this. If we don't, we're oblivious to the fact that the sentiment is consistently beaten into our brains by analysts, writers, and broadcasters alike. Just look at the track record of nearly any organization in any given year and the proof is right there.
With all of this in mind, the Yankees made the first of what should be many off-season moves earlier today when they signed 28 year old righty Sergio Mitre to a split minor league deal. The deal will pay Mitre a very affordable sum - $1.25 million - if he makes it to the Major League roster sometime during the 2009 season and the club has an option for 2010.
Mitre, who knows current Yankee manager Joe Girardi from his season in Florida, was released by the Marlins at the end of the past season as his contract was ready to expire. He underwent Tommy John surgery early this past summer after being unable to pitch through Spring Training due to tightness in his arm and won't be ready for game action again until probably June or July but he gives the Yankees another legitimate option, either in the bullpen or rotation.
The sinkerballer's career stats aren't overly impressive. In 300 innings spread out over the past five seasons (disregarding 2008 since he missed the entire season) he holds a career record of 10-23 with a 5.36 ERA. However, you have to keep in mind that 2003-2005 he bounced back and forth between the Cubs and their AAA affiliate before an off-season trade that sent him to Florida. His time with the Marlins coincided with two years that the team was terrible. It's tough to win games without any support (both run support and from the fans). Mitre's always had high upside but has never been able to completely pull it together.
The bottom line is this is a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing. Worse case scenario he fills out the rotation for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and tests the free agent market next winter. Yet, with his age and promise it's a signing that could prove to be beneficial to the organization.
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