Will Jesus Save? Why The Yankees Need Montero
August 16, 2010 · Craig Miller · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Let’s face it. After Monday’s 3-1 loss to the Tigers, most of us will want someone’s head for another poor offensive performance. Well, who has become the posterboy for the Yankees’ offensive struggles?
Most likely, it is Yankees backup catcher Francisco Cervelli, as his production has essentially gone from “hero” to “zero” in the course of two-and-a-half months. He has become unwatchable with his poor offensive play, no pop, and, lately, even his lackluster defensive skills. He is hitting .244 with 32 RBIs (.171 post-All-Star break), no home runs, and a .315 OBP (ooh, I’m scared).
However, all is not lost, as the Yankees’ future is just a call-up away—that of Jesus Montero. Montero is the Yankees’ highest-rated prospect and the fourth-highest in MLB this year, behind names like Jason Heyward, Stephen Strasburg, and Mike Stanton. In Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre, Montero has a .285 average, 14 home runs, and 54 RBIs in 376 at-bats. In his last 10 games, Montero has three homers, six RBIs, and a .405 average, only helping his cause to be called up in September.
Some worry that Montero is too large to be an everyday catcher and that he, like Jorge Posada, is poor defensively. Yet, at this point, is that anything to worry about? Cervelli is surprisingly second in the majors with errors for a catcher with nine, behind Jason Kendall of the Kansas City Royals with 12. Perhaps Montero can provide the pop that Cervelli lacks, all while getting accustomed to Major League pitching and fielding. Montero is only 20 years old, and with an aging Posada and a weak Cervelli, it would be in the Yankees’ best interest to season their best prospect.
After all, maybe Jesus is the savior they’re looking for.
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