Former T-Yanks involved in a Blockbuster Trade

A three-team trade took place on December 9, 2009 that involved the Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and the New York Yankees. The New York Yankees acquired one of the top center fielders in the Major Leagues, Curtis Granderson, but it wasn't for a small price. Two of the New York Yankees top prospects, Ian Kennedy (starting pitcher) and Austin Jackson (centerfield), plus relief pitcher Phil Coke, were the bargaining chips. New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman was quoted in an article by Bryan Hoch on MLB.com, "We're excited about what we're getting, and we're distraught about what we gave up at the same time...It's not like I'm doing handstands. It's a tough decision. You're trading the future for here and now."

All three Yankees involved in the blockbuster trade played for the Tampa Yankees in a past season. Austin Jackson played in 67 games with the Tampa Yankees in 2007 and displayed why he is a highly touted prospect. He had a .345 batting average with 10 homeruns, 34 RBI's, and stole 13 bases in 258 at bats. Jackson spent the 2009 season with the Yankees Triple-A affiliate the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. His numbers continued to impress scouts, and was regarded by many as one of the Yankees top prospects in the Minor Leagues. In 2009, Jackson had an even .300 batting average, four homeruns, 65 RBI's, and 24 stolen bases. Looking ahead to the 2010 season, Jackson is hoping to take over in centerfield for the Detroit Tigers where Curtis Granderson once resided.

Ian Kennedy, a former first round draft pick in 2006, was the sole Yankees player traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 2007 Kennedy started the season with the Tampa Yankees, but pitched well enough to get a taste of every level, including the Major Leagues. Kennedy was having a Cy Young type year with the Tampa Yankees before being promoted to the Double-A affiliate, Trenton Thunder. With Tampa, Kennedy had a 6-1 record, a 1.29 ERA, 72 strikeouts, and 63 innings pitched. Kennedy will join the Diamondbacks and what many claim is possibly the best starting pitching staff in the National League (Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Edwin Jackson).

Phil Coke was the final former Tampa Yankees player included in the deal, and the one with most Major League experience. Coke played for the Tampa Yankees in 2006 and 2007 as a starting pitcher, but would later be converted to a reliever in 2008. Phil Coke's combined numbers with the Tampa Yankees explains why he is so effective at the big league level. In 209 innings pitched, Coke had a 12-10 record, a 3.32 ERA, 166 strike outs, and only 72 walks. Phil Coke joins Austin Jackson and the Detroit Tigers in hopes to be a key factor in the bullpen.

The New York Yankees organization would not be were they are today without the Tampa Yankees or their other minor league affiliates. Each player contributes to this winning organization, not matter what level they play. We want to wish Austin Jackson, Ian Kennedy, and Phil Coke the best of luck in the 2010 season.