Sports

Friday, January 13, 2012

ANALYSIS: YANKEES SEND MONTERO TO SEATLE FOR PINEDA

The Yankees just made their offseason splash, as they acquired pitcher Michael Pineda for prized catching prospect Jesus Montero. The other two players involved were relief pitcher Hector Noesi and pitching prospect Jose Campos. Here's my analysis of this trade:

Mariners side:

Jesus Montero: Montero has an amazing bat with the potential to be a .300 hitter with 35-40 home run power and has tremendous ability to hit to all fields. The only problem with Montero is that he's not a very good defensive catcher and has trouble throwing runners out. I think if Seattle uses him as a first baseman or as a DH, he will thrive.

GRADE: A

Hector Noesi: Noesi did well in limited Major League time in 2011 as he pitched to a 4.47 ERA out of the bullpen. He doesn't throw hard but has a great sinker and good control. He will probably do well in Seattle in a large ballpark which will give him more breathing room in terms of giving up fly balls.

GRADE: B-

Yankees side:

Michael Pineda: Through the first half of 2012, Pineda was the leading Rookie Of The Year candidate. Overall, he went 9-10 and posted a 3.74 ERA in 2011. The highest batting average against him for a single month was .235, .209 overall for the season. His fastball velocity tops out in the upper 90's and he has a changeup in the mid 80's. This combination will help him be a solid number two starter behind CC Sabathia in the Yankees pitching rotation in 2012.

GRADE: A

Jose Campos: Though he's only 19, Campos is already drawing comparisons to Pineda. In 14 starts at A- ball last season he posted an ERA of 2.32, averaged over a strikeout per inning, and held opponents to a .210 batting average. I wouldn't be surprised if he winds up being a solid big league pitcher for a longtime to come.

GRADE: B+

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