Did Brian Cashman make a wise decision when he sent 22-year old offensive wunderkind Jesus Montero to Seattle in exchange for 23-year old phenom Michael Pineda? As much as it pains me to answer that question with a cliché, in this case, it applies: only time will tell. However, what we do know is Pineda represents a very rare breed for the Yankees, which is appropriate because they had to sacrifice another to get him.
In the 111-year history of the Yankees’ franchise, 122 pitchers have taken the mound for the team before their age-24 season, but only 21 threw enough innings to qualify for the ERA title. Adding further perspective, since 1981, only two pitchers from this group, Andy Pettitte and Dave Righetti, have a taken a regular turn in the Yankees’ rotation for an entire season. So, if Pineda is able to accomplish that task, he’ll join a very small fraternity. Considering the relative success enjoyed by each of the most recent qualifiers, the Yankees would probably be very happy if Pineda’s 2012 season resembles the group.
10 Most Recent Seasons by a Yankees Pitcher Age-23 or Younger
| Player | Year | Age | IP | ERA+ |
| Andy Pettitte | 1995 | 23 | 175 | 111 |
| Dave Righetti | 1982 | 23 | 183 | 105 |
| Dave Righetti | 1981 | 22 | 105.1 | 174 |
| Steve Kline | 1971 | 23 | 222.1 | 111 |
| Stan Bahnsen | 1968 | 23 | 267.1 | 140 |
| Mel Stottlemyre | 1965 | 23 | 291 | 129 |
| Al Downing | 1964 | 23 | 244 | 105 |
| Al Downing | 1963 | 22 | 175.2 | 138 |
| Bill Stafford | 1962 | 22 | 213.1 | 103 |
| Bill Stafford | 1961 | 21 | 195 | 140 |
Note: Only includes pitchers who qualified for the ERA title.
Source: baseball-reference.com
Entering his age-22 season, Jesus Montero would have also been a novelty for the Yankees. Since 1901, the team has only had 22 hitters age-22 or younger qualify for the batting title. However, these prodigies have been a little more common of late. During the dynasty years, Derek Jeter, Melky Cabrera (twice) and Robinson Cano each compiled at least 524 plate appearances before turning 23, so had the Yankees retained Montero, it’s likely he would have joined that succession.
10 Most Recent Seasons by a Yankees Batter, Age-22 or Younger
| Player | Year | Age | PA | OPS+ |
| Melky Cabrera | 2007 | 22 | 612 | 88 |
| Melky Cabrera | 2006 | 21 | 524 | 95 |
| Robinson Cano | 2005 | 22 | 551 | 106 |
| Derek Jeter | 1996 | 22 | 654 | 101 |
| Willie Randolph | 1977 | 22 | 624 | 101 |
| Joe Pepitone | 1963 | 22 | 615 | 108 |
| Tony Kubek | 1958 | 22 | 597 | 72 |
| Mickey Mantle | 1954 | 22 | 651 | 158 |
| Mickey Mantle | 1953 | 21 | 540 | 143 |
| Mickey Mantle | 1952 | 20 | 626 | 161 |
Note: Only includes hitters who qualified for the batting title.
Source: baseball-reference.com
No matter how you slice it, Pineda and Montero are rare talents. Because Yankees’ fans have long been awaiting the arrival of Montero, his departure has led to understandable disappointment. However, Pineda has the potential to be just as exciting in pinstripes, and, if he continues his progression, fans in the Bronx should warm up to him very quickly.
I am still convinced that the Yankees significantly hurt Righetti’s career by sticking him in the bullpen.
I think a lot of people forget how successful Rags was as a young starter. When they converted him to a closer, he was a 24-year old lefty with an ERA+ of 117 in over 500 innings. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say he could have been a top starter had they left him in the rotation, and considering how good the offense was in the 1980s, maybe they’d have won a division or two with him anchoring the staff.
I was 9 years old when Rags threw the No-No..still makes me so happy to see the highlights every July 4th.
[…] My judgment regarding this deal remains clouded by emotion; I imagine this is similar to how I’d have felt had Phil Hughes been traded during the 2007-2008 offseason. Still, many of the top analysts in the business have mostly been on board with the transaction being a net positive for the Yankees, while my blogging cohorts seem to be slightly more mixed, though some feel more positively about it than others. […]