Hi guys (and James),

It’s Stace. I know today’s news on Michael Pineda, his labrum tear and impending surgery is not good, at all, but I really think some of you should calm down. (You too James.)

Was Pineda’s decreased velocity a cause for concern? Possibly but even without his 97 m.p.h. fastball, he was still getting batters out in his Spring Training outings. Did this tear happen before he was traded to the Yankees? Absolutely not.

Brian Cashman did not trade for an injured pitcher. The Yankees believe that Pineda’s tear occurred in his extended rehab start. So let’s get rid of that thought, okay? Seattle did not give the Yankees damaged goods.

“In no way do I believe, or do the New York Yankees believe, that the Seattle Mariners had any knowledge of any issues here with Michael Pineda prior to the trade or anything of that nature. He was a fully healthy player we acquired. We had full access to his medicals, which were clean.

“We had the opportunity to do a full physical exam, which we did, which came out clean. Michael has never had a shoulder issue nor has he complained of one with the Mariners, nor has he ever had any tests on the shoulder with the Mariners. This is just an unfortunate circumstance that can happen. It happened.”

Another thing people need to realize is the trade that the Yankees made on January 13 of this year which sent Jesus Montero and Hector Noesi to Seattle for Michael Pineda and Jose Campos was not going to be won in 2012 no matter what happened – even if Jesus Montero ends up hitting 50 home runs this season. The trade is more about the long term.

More importantly, a trade is not won or lost on April 25 and if you think that, you’re being silly.

Is this development bad? Of course it is. Pineda’s recovery from the surgery is expected to take a year. It’s not optimal but it’s also not the end of the world. (Okay, James?)

And one more thing. I know many of you were disappointed when the Yankees traded away Jesus Montero. I know that he was like a God to some of you but he’s gone. Get over it already. Nothing you say will bring him or reverse the trade. What’s done is done.

So let’s all send positive thoughts and vibes to Michael Pineda, hope that his recovery goes well and that when he comes back – hopefully in 2013 – he will be an important part of the Yankees starting rotation.

Chins up kids. (And James.) Like I said before, it may be bad news but it’s not the end of the world.

Your friend (and sister),
Stacey