So after a quiet offseason, the Yankees made a splash.
As reported earlier, Yankees top prospect Jesus Montero was traded with right-handed pitcher Hector Noesi to the Seattle Mariners for right-handed pitcher Michael Pineda and minor league right-handed pitcher Jose Campos.
Michael Pineda, 22, burst onto the scene with his 6’7″ frame and became a part of a 1-2 punch behind Mariners’ ace Felix Hernandez. Pineda’s first half of the season was strong enough to earn him an All-Star appearance in his rookie season. He finished the season with a 9-10 record, a 3.74 ERA, and a 1.099 WHIP. He struck out 173 over 171 innings pitched. He throws a fastball in the upper 90’s and a sharp breaking slider with a developing changeup. He finished 5th in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.
Jose Campos, 19, throws a fastball that has topped out at 97 while in a 93-94 range, a slider and a changeup. In the minor leagues Class-A level, Campos went 5-5 with a 2.32 ERA and 85 strikeouts over 81.1 innings. Some scouts believe he has huge upside as he has a power arm that can develop with time.
Jesus Montero, 22, was a highly touted catcher within in the Yankees organization and the Yankees fans got to see him when he was a September call-up last season. Jesus Montero hit .328 with 4 home runs and 12 runs batted in. The most notable flaw in Montero’s game would be his abilities as a catcher. Many believed he did not possess the defensive qualities to be a catcher and felt his offensive abilites would justify his spot on a major league team.
Hector Noesi, 24, spent most of the last season coming out of the bullpen for the Yankees but he did have 2 starts. Noesi posted a 2-2 record with a 4,47 ERA.
Pineda is likely going to be the #2 or #3 starter behind CC Sabathia and possibly Ivan Nova.
