New York Yankees: Why Brian Cashman's Credibility Now Depends on Jose Campos

Who would've thought that when Brian Cashman made the trade that brought Michael Pineda to the New York Yankees, the success of the deal might hinge on a high-value throw-in, Jose Campos.

But after Michael Pineda's injury ended his season, the Yanks' GM might take a hit in the credibility department once again, adding more fuel to the Yankee fan fire that Cash has created over the years.

Here are a few reasons why Cashman's credibility might depend on a Low-A prospect.

Who Cash Traded for Pineda

The potentially toughest thing to swallow if this trade doesn't work out is the fact that the Bombers' traded prized-prospect, Jesus Montero, in exchange for the troubled right-hander.

Montero, though not known for his defense in the least bit, was and still is thought to be a future star with the bat. While the Yanks have plenty of stars who can handle the bat, it still doesn't make it any easier if Cash wasted a talent like Montero's for nothing.

It will always be the deal that is compared to the Ken Phelps-Jay Buhner trade decades back that involved the same teams as the Montero-Pineda deal. That is, if Pineda-Montero works out the same way the Phelps-Buhner trade did for the Yanks.

At this point, the Seattle Mariners are winning this deal solely based on the fact that Montero has actually taken the field while Pineda has yet to do so in pinstripes.

The only way this trade won't be a bust if both Pineda and Campos don't work out is if Montero totally stinks it up. The jury is still out on that happening, but for the start to his rookie season, Montero is pretty solid in the batter's box.

I just don't see Montero being that type of bust.

2012 stats through 23 games played: 4 HR, 13 RBI, .292 AVG.

Look familiar? That's because they mirror the output Montero had in 18 games with the Bombers last season. I guess sometimes even a small sample size can be telling for a young player.

Past Mistakes

With all the past mistakes Cashman has made while GM of the Yankees, his credibility is already shot amongst most fans who have criticized him to no end for some of his moves.

And while this one might not be as costly as some of his past moves money-wise, the cost of losing a potential star could put it right up there with the others.

Overall, Cash has an impossible job.

If he makes a good move, then it's a product of the Yankees' pay roll and money advantage, not a job well done. If Cash makes a move that doesn't work, he is to blame and nobody else.

If this move doesn't pan out, it'll be another example Yankees fans can use to bash their team's general manager. While I try to defend most moves Cash makes, this is one I'd have to agree with Yankee fans on.

Pineda's Future

I do expect Pineda to recover from this injury, but still, at 23 years old, shoulder surgeries are the last thing you want for an up-and-coming starter.

Instantly, doubt will be raised about his future and while other starters have recovered from similar injuries, nothing is set in stone. Not to mention, Pineda has had a run of bad luck, some self-imposed, making it hard to imagine things will go right.

This trade's success or failure doesn't have to ride on the arm of Campos if Pineda returns. But if Pineda doesn't return or isn't the same pitcher down the road, Campos will be all the hope Cash has left of saving some of his credibility.

Warning Signs Ignored?

I know Pineda passed a physical and the Yanks GM has done everything to shoot down the "damaged goods" theory, but to me, there were signs Pineda wasn't quite right going back to last season.

After pitching a solid first half of 2011 that earned him an All-Star appearance as a rookie, Pineda struggled mightily in the second half and sported a higher ERA.

To top it all off, his velocity was clearly down and while every explanation in the book was given other than having shoulder problems, the trend continued into this season.

There is where the deal gets troubling to me.

Cash was shocked to find out the young right-hander's velocity was down in spring training, something that shouldn't have been had he done his homework on Pineda's 2011 season.

I certainly don't buy into conspiracy theories that are out there, but I do believe the Bombers, namely Cashman, ignored a lot of red flags and brought Pineda to the Bronx anyway.

Will This Cost Cash His Job?

Hell no, nor should it.

General managers make blunders all the time and this one could shape up to be no different. Besides, Cash is on a three-year deal he signed in November, and that isn't nearly enough time to evaluate this deal fully in order to peg it as a bust or a success.

Especially since Pineda won't take the mound for the Yanks big-league club for another year.

If Pineda's shoulder problems become a deeper issue moving forward, the deal then hinges upon the success or failure of Campos, who is currently multiple years away from taking a big-league mound.

It's in my opinion that Cash will remain a regular with this organization for years to come and that the Yankee brass has a ton of faith in their current general manager. Cashman will be the one to decide when he leaves, barring something unforeseen, and not the other way around.

Bottom line: Cash could be long gone before this deal's boom or bust status is determined without debate.