The anger directed towards Brian Cashman and the Yankees following the Jesus Montero trade shocks me. I know that this community loves Montero more than any out there, but I always thought that if the right deal came along the community would get past that and approve of such a deal.
The Yankees acquiring Michael Pineda is exactly the deal that Jesus Montero is expendable in.
Let's take a look at what the Yankees managed to do:
-Get the #2 starter for the present and future of the Yankees. Pineda's potential is through the roof, and he has already had success at the major league level. Some were calling Felix Hernandez and Pineda the best 1-2 combo in baseball, so CC Sabathia-Pineda should strike similar fear.
-Keep Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, Adam Warren, David Phelps and still acquire a top two starting pitcher. The Yankees pitching depth is now one of their strengths, not their weaknesses. You can argue that the Yankees did not need Pineda, but the argument that Pineda does not extremely help the Yankees is silly. The ability to keep the main prospects AND get one of the top young pitchers in the game is huge.
Not only did the Yankees help the present in those ways, but by acquiring 18 year old Jose Campos, the team helps increase their lower level pitching depth, while only giving Hector Noesi, who became expendable because of Pineda.
The argument against the trade that the "team didn't hit in October it wasn't about pitching," well wasn't the argument against trading Nick Swisher that it was a small sample size? The Yankees lineup will be fine, regardless of if the Yankees sign a new DH.
Jesus Montero is a tough loss, but taking all emotions out of it, the Yankees made a great trade. The rotation of the present and future is set, and that is something to smile about, Yankees fans.