Mitre, who turns 28 in February, is recovering from Tommy John ligament replacement surgery in July and was a member of Girardi's stable in 2006, when both were in Florida Marlins uniforms.
"We've agreed in principle to a Minor League contract," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "He's rehabbing from Tommy John and he's on a Minor League contract, so it doesn't really affect anything on the Major League side. We hope someday it could."
The Major League portion of Mitre's contract is for $1.25 million, and there is a team option for 2010.
Due to the severe surgery on his right elbow, Mitre may not be ready to pitch until midseason, according to his agent, Matt Sosnick. Normal recovery time from Tommy John surgery is 12-18 months.
"About eight teams showed interest," Sosnick said. "The Yankees showed the most interest."
When healthy, Mitre has tremendous upside. He could be a key contributor for New York in the second half, working either out of the rotation or in the bullpen.
"We'll help finish off his rehab, and hopefully have someone that could, once healthy, push his way into the mix at some point," Cashman said. "Once we get him healthy, we'll get a look and a feel what's best for our needs, but first, we've got to get him healthy."
"We've agreed in principle to a Minor League contract," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "He's rehabbing from Tommy John and he's on a Minor League contract, so it doesn't really affect anything on the Major League side. We hope someday it could."
The Major League portion of Mitre's contract is for $1.25 million, and there is a team option for 2010.
Due to the severe surgery on his right elbow, Mitre may not be ready to pitch until midseason, according to his agent, Matt Sosnick. Normal recovery time from Tommy John surgery is 12-18 months.
"About eight teams showed interest," Sosnick said. "The Yankees showed the most interest."
When healthy, Mitre has tremendous upside. He could be a key contributor for New York in the second half, working either out of the rotation or in the bullpen.
"We'll help finish off his rehab, and hopefully have someone that could, once healthy, push his way into the mix at some point," Cashman said. "Once we get him healthy, we'll get a look and a feel what's best for our needs, but first, we've got to get him healthy."
