The son of former major-league star Tony Armas was traded twice before he reached the majors. After beginning his career in the Yankees organization, Armas was sent to Boston for Mike Stanley in August 1997 and on to Montreal three months later, packaged with fellow prospect Carl Pavano in a deal for Pedro Martinez. Armas lost his major-league debut in 1999 (his only appearance of the year) and suffered from poor run support the following season, but notched his first big-league victory in June with a sterling two-hitter against the Orioles.
