Via mlb.com:

The Yankees dipped into Joe Girardi’s managerial past to produce an option for their future pitching staff on Monday, agreeing to a Minor League contract with right-hander Sergio Mitre.

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.

I’m not certain, but, I think Sergio Mitre is Latin for “Jay Witasick.”