One of the great debates hovering around the Yankees Universe this season has been the future of super-prospect Jesus Montero. There is no question about his prowess with the bat. But there are plenty of questions about whether he'll stick as a catcher.Carig also mentions guys like Joe Mauer who is 6-foot-5, and 225 lbs, and Sandy Alomar Jr., who was also 6-foot-5, but he was 235 lbs.
At 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, it's easy to wonder if Montero's body will ever allow him to be agile enough to learn how to become a capable backstop.
But it is possible, and for proof, all the Yankees had to do was look in the opposing dugout this week.
At 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Orioles rookie Matt Wieters has proven to be a solid defensive catcher in his rookie season. Both have been primarily known for their power potential. But Wieters has achieved what Montero hopes to one day, reach the big leagues as a catcher.
"It's been something I've been doing for so long that it feels sort of natural to me," he said. "You've got to put in a little more time in the stretching and making sure that your body feels good. But catching can be hard on anybody, no matter what size they are."
...
"It's my first love, knowing that you're going to have to be part of every play," Wieters said. "It's something that I really like. It's always something I really want to do."
We've had the discussion here before, several times. Many people outside the organization and fans doubt his potential abilities to catch, many within the organization remain pretty optimistic. Yankees VP of Player Development Mark Newman who recently said, We feel better about [his defense] every month," Newman said. "He keeps getting better every month. He's throwing better. . . . We're very happy with his defensive progress, and I mean very. He's really improved."
If things don't work out he could always move to a corner outfield position or first base, but it will obviously be much better and easier for the Yanks if Montero could turn into a good enough defensive catcher.
6 Comments:
whats the likelihood the game gets rained out tonight?
While I get the point, theres a HUGE difference between Mauer/Wieters and Montero. Those guys are ridiculously great defenders, especially considering their size. Its not that Montero will grow out of the position, people shouldn't be saying that. Its that his catching abilities and mechanics are awful. He doesn't block balls good enough, he isn't a very good receiver and he has a very slow release.
I like that the guy is working extremely hard to stay behind the plate. I really hope he finds a way to do it. If he can learn to throw out about 28-30% of runners while being an adequate catcher at all other aspects, the Yankees can live with it. I mean, Posada never was a very good catcher either. Its just that it remains to be seen that he can improve at catcher that much. Plus lets say in 2010 or 2011 he continues to tear up all minor league pitching and he is ready to be called up, but is catching is far from major league ready? What do you do? Unless the Yankees want to live with getting stolen on by every runner, they'll have to make a decision to move his position.
Of course there is a huge difference in that sense, but nobody is saying Montero will be a great catcher. If he's decent that's good enough. Jorge Posada has four rings and it's hardly because of his glove.
It's a 30-40% of rain all night, they could get it in. I'm going so I really hope they play.
whats a good place to go around the stadium if it's a rain delay? (going with a female...not sure if she wants to be at Stans the whole time)
Joe Mauer's about that size, and he's a great catcher. But I'm guessing he is a better athlete than Montero. He was the #1 football recruit in the nation as a senior in high school.
Post a Comment