When news broke that the Mariners had traded the 'untouchable' Michael Pineda to the Yankees, you didn't need to read the rest of the story to know which New York prospect simply had to be coming back to Seattle: there was only one worth such a high price.

Universally regarded as the best available international free agent of his class, Jesus Montero was signed by the Yankees in the summer of 2006, instantly becoming New York's best catching (and hitting) prospect. While some wanted to see him move to first base or a corner outfield spot, the Yankees continued to develop his receiving and game-calling ability with receiving in mind.

At 6-4 and 230 (and still growing), Montero's definitely got the muscle for the American League. According to a Yankee scout, when he first arrived in the USA, Montero 'looked like Travis Hafner already, at age 16.'

In Seattle, he takes over as the team's best offensive catcher, best DH, best power hitter and maybe best hitter overall... immediately. Most scouts peg his power rating as top of the scale, so it's only a matter of how long it'll take for the rest of his tools to develop. He could leave camp as a starter on the 2012 Mariners, and if he does that, he shouldn't see the minors again.