[MVB]

Originally Posted by MLB.com

Doug Mientkiewicz is on his way back to playing first base in the Big Apple, this time across town with the Yankees.

Mientkiewicz, 32, has agreed to a tentative one-year contract that will bring him back to New York, where he spent the 2005 season with the Mets.

The deal has not yet been officially announced, pending Mientkiewicz passing a physical examination, though the Associated Press reported the 2001 American League Gold Glove Award winner will earn $1.5 million for his services.

This news means that Andy Phillips will most likely be sent back down to the minors or used as trade bait. Having Mientkiewicz on the team will also allow Giambi to spend less time in the field. Now, I seriously hope the Yanks aren't planning on using Mientkiewicz as their every day first baseman... I know he's good defensively, but yikes! His offensive numbers are dismal (.215 BA in 2004, .240 BA in 2005, and .283 BA in 2006). He should be a defensive replacement (like Phillips was last year).