John Sickels' Take on Jesus Montero

John Sickels released some excerpts from the 2010 Baseball Prospect Book yesterday at Minor League Ball.com  and among the prospects was Yankees catching prospect Jesus Montero.

Here’s what it said:

“Jesus Montero, C, New York Yankees
Bats: R    Throws: R     HT: 6-4     WT:220   DOB: November 28, 1989

Jesus Montero is an amazing young hitter. He has excellent power to all fields. Although not a walk machine, he controls the zone well and doesn’t strike out very much for a power hitter. He hits fastballs. He hits breaking balls. You might fool him once but don’t try the same trick too soon or he’ll make you pay.

He murdered the Florida State League to the tune of a +45 percent OPS, and he remained extremely successful in the Eastern League at +26 OPS. For now, Montero will remain behind the plate, waiting for a DH spot to open up in New York.

He could also be traded, but any trade involving Montero as a centerpiece would have to be a blockbuster. I have absolutely no doubts about Montero’s bat.  Despite the questions about his glove, Montero rates as pure Grade A prospect. The bat is that good.”

This sounds like a fairly typical assessment of Montero. Sickels is of the belief that Montero is just a DH in waiting which would be ignoring the progress the Yankees feel he has made throwing out base runners in 2009. It is not a done deal that Montero will definitely move out from behind the plate in the future, but 2010 is going to be important in determining his future from a defensive perspective.

We’ll keep a close eye on how he performs this upcoming season so check back for updates throughout the season.

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