Last year's prospect-heavy trade between the Mariners and Yankees was a game changer for both, at least according to most observations.
Included in the trade for Yankees top prospect Jesus Montero was RHP Jose Campos.
There's consistent talk about the major league readiness of Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos, and while that's a more pressing matter for the Yankees, Campos progress is going remarkably well.
He has an overall 0.56 ERA in 16 innings of work. That's 1 earned run on 5 hits. He's also struck out 18. And against lefties he has a 0.00 ERA. *
Class-A Charleston team boasts No. 3 ranked Gary Sanchez, No. 4 ranked Mason Williams, and Tyler Austin, who is ranked 15th. Campos trade from Seattle to New York put him in the upper ranks of prospects in the system, suggesting a whole new promising future without the gifted bat of Jesus Montero. Updated rankings put Campos at No. 5 for the Yankees.
In 2011 he pitched 81 innings in the Northwest League (short-season) for Everett. He finished with a 2.32 ERA, giving up just 18 walks and striking out 85.
Trades don't fully reveal their value immediately when it comes to prospects. There's no sudden impact on the major league club. But when you're a prospect as highly valued as Montero there's an immediate reaction. The fear is understandable. Did the Yankees give away too much for too little?
Campos' progress in Charleston takes on bigger meaning. He's only nineteen, but organizational eyes are fixed upon him. With Michael Pineda struggling for the big club, then heading to the DL, Campos is 'the other guy'. The one in the equation that could make the risky trade worthy down the road.
For dedicated Montero fans in Yankees land concerned about that risk right now, they should pay close attention to Campos doing his best to prove his own worth. While that doesn't promise major league success, it's certainly a good sign of what might be.
*Stats through Tuesday
