Prospect Yankees surrendered in Ryan McMahon trade is lighting it up with Rockies

Power downturn aside, Ryan McMahon has certainly filled the Yankees' third base void nicely since coming over from the Rockies, turning a blank space in the order (and defensive alignment) into something that must be accounted for. It was a low bar to clear, but he's cleared it nicely (though we're still waiting on that flourish).

You have to give to get, though, and while it can help future trade relations if the pieces you surrender perform up to code in their new organizations, it still stings a bit to see a helium-alert prospect building on their tools even further with a different club.

We all knew Griffin Herring was good, polished, and would pop in any environment (except, uh, maybe Coors Field). Through his first five starts at High-A Spokane, he's certainly doing that.

Now up to No. 9 in the Rockies' pipeline after upping the altitude, Herring just dominated the Mariners' talented group with the Everett Aquasox in back-to-back starts, totaling 10 innings. Across both outings, he allowed three hits, one earned run, six walks, and struck out 15, lowering his ERA in the system to 1.71. That comes on the heels of a 2.22 mark in eight starts with Hudson Valley, and gives him a matching 1.71 mark on the season overall.

21 starts. 110 1/3 innings. 65 hits. 135 Ks. Certified menace.

Former Yankees prospect Griffin Herring hasn't been interrupted by Ryan McMahon trade

You'd think that being uprooted and forced to take your baseball life across the country — and into the hands of an organization with very different resources than the Yankees' development staff — might cause a disruption or blip. Nope. Same old, same old for the dominant Herring, who's been completely undeterred by something that would toss a lesser man off his axis.

It is sometimes difficult to remember the Rockies are a Major League Baseball team, and may face off against the Yankees someday in a game of consequence. Until that day arrives, it'll be easy to root for Herring to escape purgatory with his poised left arm.

Now, all the Yankees need to see is McMahon's swing match his smoothness at the hot corner. He's been quite professional thus far. He's going to have to be slightly more than that moving forward to consider this trade a win. After all, his acquisition came at a high cost (guaranteed salary and Herring included).