Yankees Suddenly Are Looking Armed and Dangerous

And even the minors are overproducing. Jordan Montgomery was ranked as only the 13^th best player in the Yankees system, behind other starting pitchers Albert Abreu (11), Chance Adams (8), Justus Sheffield (7) and the sadly mentioned James above Kaprielian (6). But he has come up and looked like more than just a fifth starter.

His release point, calm demeanor, and command of four pitches make him look like a possible front-line pitcher. And he’s a lefty. That alone is an advantage. The Yankees sat Greg Bird, one of their best hitters, after a three-hit game because the White Sox started a lefty. Other teams will sit their best hitters just because Montgomery is the starter.

And remember that he was supposed to be just the Yankees fourth best pitching prospect.

That might still be true, however. Abreu is doing well (0.93 ERA/17 strikeouts in 9.2 innings pitched) but is way down in Low-A. Chance Adams, however, is at Double-A and already demanding a promotion. He has started two games and pitched 11.1 innings. In that time he has pitched to a 0.79 ERA with 13 strikeouts, six walks, and no home runs allowed.