Melkman 2.0 Decides Not To Deliver To The DR

(Courtesy of the AP)

It's been a strong start to Spring Training for Melky Mesa.  In just 16 plate appearances he's hit 2 home runs, stolen 2 bases, driven in 4 runs, showcased his athletic skills that make him a plus defensive player at all three outfield spots, and even drawn a walk.  That strong start may have led him to believe it was in his best interests to stick around in camp rather than leave to participate in the World Baseball Classic, and per Chad Jennings of LoHud that's exactly what he's going to do.

In Jennings' report, he mentions that the Yankees did not encourage Mesa to skip the WBC, and I don't see any reason why they would.  As long as guys are playing in the spring and getting regular reps, that's all that matters.  But in the same vein as Francisco Cervelli, Mesa probably saw the opportunity in front of him to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster after C-Grand went down and decided he stood a better chance of winning that spot by staying in camp and continuing to prove himself to the Yankee coaching staff.  That plan has worked very well for Cervelli so far, and if Mesa can continue to display his power and speed it could end up working for him as well.