Well... well. well. Do you know anything about this Pineda who we just gave our best guy for? To be honest i know nothing about him. Damn, Montero gone. I don't know how to feel. Is this Pineda guy worth it?
Pineda's a stud, but there are concerns. He's got great strikeout numbers, but he's primarily a flyball pitcher (a concern in Yankees stadium--he used to pitch in a pitcher's park). His numbers really tailed off a bit last year, particularly against the AL East, but he's also only 22 and just finding his game. He's a legit starter. Campos could be a solid pitcher down the line as well (he's still a teenager IIRC). With the Yankees' depth at catcher, it was a move that makes sense. Pineda, at worst, will be a # 3 starter. If everything pans out for him, he could be a Cy Young winner.
I understand how you're feeling. I'm terribly sorry to see Montero go, too. But I'm taking comfort in this... Yankees Address Rotation Issues - Joel Sherman, N.Y. Post Also, on replacing Montero...
Ex-Yankee news... --Bartolo Colon has agreed to a 1-year deal with the A's. --Scott Proctor signed a 1-year, $300,000 contract with South Korea’s Doosan Bears!
Pineda is a top pitching prospect. He was the Mariners second best pitcher last year, behind only Felix Hernandez, which is no shame. Right now there he's still a bit of a project however. He's a pitch away from being a real top of the rotation pitcher. He's got a great fastball and slider, but his change up is ehhhhh. If he ever gets that going, well, you are set for years to come. Don't worry, you know a trade is fairly even when you are saying, who is Pineda? And Mariner fans are saying, who the heck is Montero? Why the hell did we just trade our awesome pitcher for this guy. Frankly I think the initial return is the Yankees came out ahead because they got a guaranteed solid pitcher for next year with top of the rotation upside, plus a player with the highest ceiling in the trade. But the Mariners also did well because they have a strong stable of young arms and no offense. Frankly I didn't see a place for Montero in New York. He's not going to be a catcher and first base is taken.
God, how much of that 33M will we have to eat to get rid of him. Hope it isn't like 60% or something. DH signing is needed too. I have a soft spot for Damon. Godzilla is in my heart too but his knees are totally gone. Damon can still do a job. He'll have to take the 2M we're offering though.
Honestly, I'd rather stick with the players already on the payroll. There are some young backups who need some games, and some old starters who need some regular rest. Rotate the former through the latter with a bit more regularity, and maybe A-Rod and Jeter won't break down so often.