PINEDA 1 - MONTERO 0

Sure, some could argue that Montero is up with 1 already because he's actually played a full season for the Seattle Mariners since that dreadful day in Yankeeland (read BRONX SHOCKER: MONTERO TRADED FOR PINEDA for context), but for arguments sake... and because this is a Yankees fan site, let's just say Pineda is winning.

Don't know what I'm talking about? How about this.  It's being reported that Jesus Montero is officially demoted, sent down to AAA by the Seattle Mariners.  According to the Tacoma News Tribune (HERE), " Montero will be sent to Triple-A Tacoma, while catcher Jesus Sucre will be selected from the Rainiers...What position will Montero play in Tacoma? Well, he figures to see plenty of time at designated hitter and some time at first base. Zunino is the catcher of the future, so his playing time should not be affected.

Montero’s demotion to Triple-A seemed to be more likely with each passing day and each failed at-bat."

 

On the Michael Pineda front, it's being reported that Pineda "...threw five innings in an extended-spring game at the team’s minor-league complex in Tampa, Fla. His fastball velocity sat at 93 mph, general manager Brian Cashman said. After one more game at the complex, Pineda could begin a rehabilitation assignment, a 30-day jaunt that could lead him to the majors.
 
'I’m happy so far that he’s healthy,' Cashman said. 'But he’s obviously got a ways to go. We’ll see. But so far so good.'” 

That comes from the Star-Ledger, HERE.  Look, it's my feeling that Brian Cashman may be the smartest man in the room right now. He signed Lyle Overbay, Travis Hafner and Vernon Wells and no one thought he had a brain in his head.  Could you imagine if they keep carrying this team and then Michael Pineda comes back 100% and ready to kick ass?

We'll have to see. I feel bad for Montero but maybe all the hype was yet another Yankees strategy... we'll have to see how it all plays out, but right now the Yankees appear to be in the driver's seat.

Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.