Jordan Montgomery Isn't The Hero The Yankees Need, But The One They Deserve
Was it a bit of a dramatic headline? Yeah probably, but when you have a rotation HEADLINED with names like Michael Pineda and the 2017 shell of CC Sabathia you know you’re in big trouble. It’s a rotation needing saving, and Masahiro Tanaka can’t do it himself. I present to you our white knight, Jordan Montgomery.
With a rotation partially set with Tanaka, CC, Pineda, there are two spots for three men Severino/Mitchell/Montgomery. We knew coming in that Sevy and Mitchell would be in this situation, but Air Jordan has come out of seemingly nowhere. This may be the first time you’re hearing his name so let’s get you up to speed. Montgomery grew up in South Carolina and went to the University of South Carolina (Go Cocks), where he received Freshman All-America honors. He was taken in the 4th round of the 2014 MLB Draft by New York. Essentially since he’s become a Yankee, the 6’6″ southpaw has excelled at every level. In 2015, while splitting his time between low A and high A ball, Montgomery went 10-8 with a 2.95 ERA. He followed that season up with an absolute stellar 2016 campaign that was split between AA and AAA. Combined, he posted a 14-5 record with a 2.13 ERA. So far in his short career, there’s been nothing but positive things to say.
He gets lefties and righties out at about the same clip, hovering around a .230 opposing average against both sides. Last year his fastball was topping out at around 90-91 MPH, but so far this Spring the youngster is sitting comfortably around 95-96 which is very encouraging to see. He’s so much fun to watch as he commands the zone like a seasoned veteran. While Luis Severino struggles with fastball command seemingly every other start, Montgomery peppers the zone with his full arsenal. The real buzz surrounding Gumby, his nickname since college, started when he polished off the Yankees combined no-hitter a few weeks ago when he tossed four perfect frames. Last Thursday, his most recent start against the Rays, solidified his consideration to make the opening day roster, he’s no fluke. Montgomery went 4.1 IP giving up two runs and striking out eight while walking none.
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His delivery is being compared to the likes of J.A. Happ, in terms of his deception, but his ceiling can be David Price if we’re being honest. That’s not getting ahead of ourselves, Montgomery can be that type of front of the line rotation man.
So get Luis Severino the fuck outta here. The inconsistencies with his fastball command are still an issue, I don’t care about his recent three no-hit innings in relief, he needs more time in AAA. Let’s see what the South Carolina kid has? What’s the harm? We know what we’re going to get with Sevy, we know what we’re going to get with Bryan Mitchell, let’s give the kid a shot. This is a weird year for the Yankees as there’s no immediate expectations to win, which normally surround the club. Yes, the offense is very young and exciting, but that just means 2018 and beyond will be loaded with expectations of a championship. There’s no immediate fix with the aging rotation problems New York currently has, but a major piece to the puzzle could be Jordan Montgomery. Worst case you send him back down to AAA if he struggles a bit. Although, I got a good feeling he’ll be up for good.
P.S. Even if Montgomery debuts and gives us consistently five innings, three runs for a few starts, he will still stand out above anything CC or Pineda give us. It’s going to be like the illusion theory in the movie Hall Pass. That’s how much faith I have in our number two and three starters…
P.P.S. Opening Day is fucking SUNDAY!! FIVE DAYS AWAY…let’s fucking go. To get you even more amped up, let’s relive Gary’s first home run in the big leagues. How crazy is it that he’s only be in the majors for two full months and he’s already achieved God status in the Bronx? I’m a believer.
Anyways follow me @ehubbs13 as we get geared up for Sunday
P.S. Also check out @SAlaskaBarstool ‘s MLB Rotation Rankings. Dude has been absolutely crushing these. Great reads as always
Part Four (Includes Yankees rotation)