Manuel: Montero Can Be Adequate Defensively

6 Responses to Manuel: Montero Can Be Adequate Defensively

1. says:

   February 7, 2011 at 5:09 pm

   I found Manuel’s response even more interesting when compared to Cashman’s recent statements (like that Montero is ‘better defensively, today, than some MLB catchers’). I think people hear something like that and think Cashman is hyping up his prospect to inflate his value a bit, but what Cashman said really isn’t so different from what many independent observers have said about Montero. Cashman didn’t say Montero is an average (or better) MLB catcher right now, he said Montero’s probably better than ‘some’ MLB catchers right now.

   Nobody’s heaping glowing praise on the kid’s defensive abilities, but I do think we’ve heard some people recently expressing an opinion that I think Yankees fans should find relatively exciting: Some people (whose opinions are generally pretty well-respected) seem to think Montero can handle playing the position today, at least part-time, in MLB. That’s not to say he’s going to be winning Gold Gloves back there, but with the way his bat is projected, being able to give even a below-average showing defensively behind the plate should be enough. (And hopefully there’s still room for improvement.)

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2. Scout says:

   February 7, 2011 at 6:31 pm

   This is a decision that should and will be made on the field. If Montero hits well enough to offset his defensive shortcomings, he’ll stick at catcher, at least part-time and at least for several years. The Yankeee DH spot is filled this year, and in the not-distant future others (A-Rod) will need to transition from their current positions as age further reduces their range.

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3. smurfy says:

   February 7, 2011 at 6:58 pm

   I think it’s important for a team to have an excellent defensive catcher. Important for getting the best out of pitchers and for inspiring good defense from the rest of the team. That leads to morale that ellicits clutch hitting, and overall confidence.

   Best to start Jesus as DH and backup, and see if he grows into it.

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4. bornwithpinstripes says:

   February 7, 2011 at 11:38 pm

   when he said better than ‘some’ major league catchers, he meant posada top of that some list..

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5. oldpep says:

   February 7, 2011 at 11:39 pm

   I think having good hitters at premium defensive positions makes completing a roster a lot easier. It’s hard to find adequate fielders at 2B/SS/CA who’re really good hitters. This has been DJ’s biggest asset for most of his career. I think getting Jesus a lot of ABs is going to help the offense a lot, and it’s even better if he can get most of his PT behind the plate and let Jorge et al DH.

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6. Shawn says:

   February 8, 2011 at 11:04 am

   I think we are missing the point. Is he equal to or better than Posada on defense? We have a much better projection of his bat (being Posada-esqe or better). The Yanks have been more than fine with a less than average defensive catcher for the past 10+ years.

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