Maybe that Montero plan will happen after all

By Matt Imbrogno On June 22, 2011 · 5 Comments · In Roster Decisions

Over at the Pinstriped Bible, Steve Goldman wondered about and his hot start that has since (H/T to friend of the blog Rebecca Glass and her YDB on the Four Letter:

Martin had a great start. He has already hit three-fourths as many home runs as he hit in the previous two years combined. At the same time, Martin really did hit .261/.364/.356 over the last three seasons. That wasn’t a bad dream that can be wished away. The Yankees gambled on Martin and won with his fine April. How much longer do you wait to collect your winnings and walk away from the table?

I wrote about this a week ago when discussing putting Russell Martin on the disabled list. Now it seems that everyone’s original plan for Montero, call him up when Martin starts to fade, could come into play. While the Yankees have given no indication that they’ll call up Montero soon, especially since Cashman wants to play him every day, but if Martin continues to struggle (aside from working walks), the idea is going to start making more sense. There are going to be growing pains with Montero and his offense/defense, but I think he’s a safe bet to OPS .635 as Martin has since May.

Calling up Montero not only gives him his first cup of coffee in the Major Leagues, but it also allows the Yankees to do whatever the hell they want with and shift Russell Martin into the backup role which could help keep him healthy and effective. Talent was never Martin’s problem while playing for the Dodgers; bouts with over-usage were. Even if his defense isn’t refined yet, I think both we and the Yankee organization would be more comfortable with Jesus Montero starting games at catcher instead of Francisco Cervelli.

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5 Responses to Maybe that Montero plan will happen after all

  1. UYF1950 says:
    June 22, 2011 at 11:12 am

    I don’t think there is any argument about Montero being used instead of Cervelli..and while Martin’s offense has struggled of late he does seem to handle the pitching staff very, very well. That’s a plus that Montero won’t be able to fill at least not short term and this season is shaping out as a dogfight in the AL East. Personally I still would prefer to see Montero used as the “back up” catcher and used as the DH perhaps 60% of the time. That’s just my opinion.

    [Reply]

    Joe Reply:
    June 22nd, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    Agreed on all points, unless Jorge can continue his hot hitting when the yanks return to DH rules. The point I most agree on is Martin’s handling of the pitching staff. This cannot be overstated, he has worked wonders. I really believe he has a lot to do with Burnett’s consistency this year. Burnett knows he can bounce that curve in front of the plate and have confidence Martin will get it. Plus, he forces Burnett and Nova to use the change.

    [Reply]

    UYF1950 Reply:
    June 22nd, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    Joe, I think Martin’s handling of the entire Yankees staff has a lot to do with the staff’s success this year, In spite of all their injuries.

    [Reply]

  2. Tom Swift says:
    June 22, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    Matt, I think you are undervaluing Martin’s excellent defense. Combine that with Montero’s shaky defense. If Montero comes up, it won’t be to start, not this year. It would be good to rest Martin regularly — we need him fresh for the playoffs.

    [Reply]

  3. Maybe that Montero plan will happen after all | New York Yankees … | Yankees News Source says:
    June 22, 2011 at 3:02 pm

    [...] more from the original source: Maybe that Montero plan will happen after all | New York Yankees … AKPC_IDS += "22881,"; AKPC_IDS += [...]

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