Minor League Updates

Found out updates on key players thanks to a link from Peter Abraham. Chad Jennings, who blogs about the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees, spoke with farm director Mark Newman and found out the following:

Juan Miranda will start the season in Triple-A, splitting time at 1B and DH with Eric Duncan. Newman and the Yankees still have high hopes for Duncan, but the rest of us are getting a little concerned about the local boy.

Mark Melancon and J.B. Cox will be ready for spring training after undergoing elbow surgery in 2007. Humberto Sanchez will not be ready, as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

The Yankees are trying to resign Bronson Sardinha to a minor league deal. The Hawaiian born outfielder, who made a big splash this past spring training, was recently removed from the Yankees 40-man roster. The Yankees have also signed infielder Nick Green, who was with the club in 2005, to a minor league deal.

Finally, Newman stated that any open bullpen spots will be a battle royale between every un-slotted pitcher in camp, current minor league starters included.

* * *

Couple of other quick notes - Darrell Rasner signed a minor league deal the other day, and could still win a spot in the Yankees pen as a long man. Meanwhile, he'll be at Scranton, where Dave Miley will return as manager.