Newman on the Promotions of Banuelos and Betances

Yankees Senior VP of Baseball Operations Mark Newman spoke with John Nalbone about the two recent promotions. Here's is what he had to say:

Newman: “A lot of factors went into it. Their performance in Tampa certainly played a big part of it. The movement of other players played a role and they would not have come if we did not feel they were ready.’’

As for thrusting his two young arms into a heated playoff race in late August, Newman had this to say:

“They were in the same kind of (playoff) situation at Tampa. All of our top three teams (Tampa, Trenton and Scranton) are in first place. But the level of competition up here is better and will prepare them in some ways for next year.’’

Newman said he would not have believed anyone back in March had they told him Betances and Banuelos would have made it this far, this fast.

“Neither one was on the mound at the time … they were both injured. Their performance from the middle of the season until the end has been beyond what any of us could have imagined. They have both been outstanding. In this business if you start making long range predictions about young guys like this, either positively or negatively, you make it tough for yourself. But having all five of the guys we have in that Trenton rotation now, that’s quality stuff.’’

Both pitchers make their Trenton debut this week. Banuelos will start Monday and Betances will get the ball on Tuesday.