"A few bits about last night's blockbuster Yankees trade (and key signing):

-- The Yankees have embraced the idea of solving their problems by working smarter and not necessarily writing the biggest check. The deal that will send slugging prospect Jesus Montero to the Mariners for ace-in-waiting Michael Pineda is a prime example.

-- Since the summer of 2010, with A.J. Burnett already showing signs of wobbling, the Yankees have looked for a suitable partner to pair at the top of the rotation with CC Sabathia. Twice, Cliff Lee was the answer. Twice, the Yankees whiffed. This summer at the deadline, the Yankees looked in on the likes of Ubaldo Jimenez, only to be put off by their prices. (A boatload of prospects). The pattern emerged again this winter, with the Yankees scoffing at the cost in prospects to land Gio Gonzalez and Matt Garza via trade.

For holding off on a deal, the Yankees were rewarded by Pineda, whose upside is far superior to the other options that had been available for the Yankees. As an added bonus, Pineda came at a cheaper price. While Jesus Montero is headed to the Pacific Northwest, pitchers Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos remain in pinstripes. As does Nova.

The Yankees got their hands on perhaps the scarcest commodity in the sport -- good young pitching -- all without having to cash in all of their best prospects.

-- Yes, Montero is a loss. He may not have a true defensive position. But there's no denying his ability to crush at the plate. He'll do it for years. If he sticks as a catcher, the deal might sting a bit more for the Yankees. There has been a lot of perspective shed on Jorge Posada's career in the aftermath of his decision to retire. Perhaps Posada's most important contribution was giving the Yankees a great hitter -- capable of getting on base and hitting for power -- at a defensive position that often provides little in the way of offense."