The big news in prospect-land today is, of course, last night's huge trade. The Seattle Mariners spent pitchers Michael Pineda and Jose Campos to the New York Yankees in exchange for DH/catcher Jesus Montero and pitcher Hector Noesi.
Some thoughts below the fold:
I was out of touch and off the internet last night and didn't hear about the trade until this morning. I logged onto Minor League Ball and saw a fanpost headline about a Pineda/Montero trade. My first impulse was that someone was discussing a fantasy trade, but then I saw that there were more than 100 comments in the discussion thread.
Of course it turned out to be real.
I have Jesus Montero rated as a Grade A prospect in the 2012 Baseball Prospect Book. I know he isn't a complete player. His defense is weak and he's basically a born DH, but I am completely sold on his bat, to the point that I do see him as a Grade A and one of the best prospects in the game even with his defensive limitations. I'm no Yankees fan and I don't think I can be accused of "east coast bias." Although Montero has spent two seasons in Triple-A, he just turned 22 in November. If he develops along any sort of normal age curve, he will be one of the leading hitters in baseball over the next decade.
Pineda, meanwhile, had a very strong rookie season for the Mariners. I had him rated as a Grade A prospect entering 2011 and he certainly would be again if he was still rookie-eligible. If he stays healthy, he will be a legitimate ace in the coming years.
Campos has a live arm but is at least two years away from being able to contribute in the majors. I think he can be a mid-rotation starter if all goes well.
I am busy with a family commitment at the moment, but I will have a more formal write-up about this trade later this evening. Thanks for your patience.
In the meantime, who do you think won this trade?
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