by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/29/2013) The Yankees have optioned outfielder Melky Mesa to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Friday. Mesa went .228 with three home runs, 10 RBI and three steals in 57 at-bats this spring.
Yankees have two dark-horse candidates for outfield
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/17/2013) The Journal News suggests Sunday that after Matt Diaz was reassigned by the Yankees, Thomas Neal could be a dark-horse candidate to make the team as a right-handed outfielder. Melky Mesa also seems to remain in the mix for a roster spot at this point.
The 25-year-old Neal is batting .286 this spring with a homer and four RBI over 28 at-bats and has also stole two bases. Mesa is batting .175 with two homers, five RBI and two steals over 40 at-bats.
Mesa with eye on the prize
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/2/2013) Yankees outfielder Melky Mesa has decided to opt out of playing for Team Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, reports the Journal News Saturday. Mesa would prefer to stay with the Yankees to try and take advantage of the opening in left field with Curtis Granderson injured. Mesa went back and forth with the decision before ultimately deciding to stay.
Mesa an option in LF?
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/25/2013) Yankees manager Joe Girardi told reporters Monday the team is “not looking for a long-term solution” while Curtis Granderson misses the start of the season due to a fractured forearm. Girardi seemed to be leaning toward non-roster invitees Matt Diaz and Juan Rivera to potentially platoon in left field while Granderson recovers. Girardi added Melky Mesa is the best defensive option to replace Granderson and Zolio Almonte could also figure into the team's plans. Mesa and Almonte are already on the 40-man roster. Girardi made it clear, however, prospects Slade Heathcott and Tyler Austin will not be in the mix.
