New York New York

So nice they named it twice. Last night the New York Yankees traded top prospect Jesus Montero and Hector Noesi for Micheal Pineda and Jose Campos. I am for this deal even though I would have much rather traded for the miraculous Felix Hernandez. Either way Pineda will be a definite addition to the Yankees' rotation.

Also shortly after the trade previously mentioned The Yankees signed free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. Kuroda pitched for the LA Dodgers this past season posting his best season yet.  This deal was worth 1 year 10.5 million.

To get back to the trade, this trade worked well for both teams. The Yankees received a hard throwing, young, right handed starting pitcher with a lot of promise. The Seattle Mariners received the ranked 3rd best prospect in all of baseball, Jesus Montero, who had an exceptionally excellent September. The Yankees needed starting pitching and the Mariners terrible offense needed a spark. I don't think the Mariners will be contending with the Angels and Rangers, but it will be nice to see how things stack up 5 years from now.

The Yankees already have one of the best lineups in the MLB. Now their pitching ranks pretty well also. They're rotation will shape up something like this: Sabathia, Nova, Kuroda, Pineda, Garcia which is pretty strong.

Now for The Yankees, they are left over with AJ Burnett and Phil Hughes. I believe The Yankees should keep one in the bullpen and trade one. I love to watch Burnett pitch, but it is agonizing sometimes. If I was general manager Brian Cashman I would see how AJ performs in spring training and if it ins't up to par, trade him to a team for a relief pitcher.  Phil Hughes has had experience in the bullpen before and he might add some depth. A friend of mine says Phil Hughes should be sent to AAA and recreate himself and come up later in the season.

Giving up Jesus Montero wasn't too hurtful. It was nice to get a little taste of what he can do in September, but the Yankees have Austin Romine and Gary Sanchez in the minor leagues, whom are also promising. But now the Yankees have interest in free agent slugger Carlos Pena, he would bat mostly against right handed pitches, and play DH. Andrew Jones will bat DH against left handed starters. Both can play the field to give every day players a "Half day off."

This 2012 season is shaping up well for The Yankees, for the 2013 season Cole Hamels and Matt Cain will be free agents. With one year deals to Garcia and Kuroda, the Yankees may land one of them.