As we get closer and closer to opening day the obvious roster cuts to slim to down to the 40-man and the 25-man roster are inevitable. Well today was one of those days, according to reports out of Tampa there are some empty lockers this morning, even some names we know.
It looks like the most familiar name on the list is reliever Preston Claiborne. After yesterday’s horrible outing, in which he gave up six earned off four hits, Claiborne didn’t record an out and was awarded the loss in yesterday’s game. That was probably the final nail in the coffin for him. His spring numbers were equally bad. In 7 games and 5.2 innings pitched he had a record of 0-1 with an astronomical 14.29 ERA. Definitely not the same guy we saw at the start of last season. Claiborne was expected to be a piece of the Yankees bullpen this season, but as of right now he will be optioned to Scranton to start the season.
Next guy who I thought a had a shot at one of the backup utility spots was Scott Sizemore. The 29-year old infielder has missed a ton of time with injuries and hasn’t played a full season since 2011. His spring numbers weren’t too bad, in 11 games he batted .316 with 11 RBIs and a .778 OPS. But his lack of at-bats and overall playing time didn’t help his cause. Sizemore was a non-roster invitee this spring so what happens next is up to GM Brian Cashman. If they decide he’s worth a spot on the 40-man roster he could possibly stay in Tampa and continue working out in extended spring training or head to Scranton. But as of right now he will be reassigned.
The rest of list isn’t too surprising. Pitchers that were cut today included righties Jim Miller, David Herndon, Danny Burawa Chris Leroux and Japanese journeyman Yoshinori Tateyama, who actually pitched fairly well this spring. The list also included lefty Fred Lewis. All of them pitched great according to manager Joe Giradi, but we all know it’s a simple numbers game. The seven are being reassigned to minor league camp.
The last name on the list is outfielder Zoilo Almonte, who is in the lineup today, but will be optioned to Scranton after today’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This move clears up the outfield, leaving no doubt as of right now that Ichiro will have fifth and final outfield spot. Today’s game will also probably be the final audition for the remaining roster spots. Dean Anna, Yangervis Solarte, Zelous Wheeler and Eduardo Nunéz are all fighting for the two backup utility spots with Brendan Ryan starting the season on the 15-day disabled list. Nunéz and Anna gave the leg up, being on the 40-man, but Solarte’s amazing spring will be hard overlook.
