MLB: Jesus Montero Creates Troubling Domino Effect for New York Yankees
March 30, 2011 · Larry Barnes · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Jesus Montero losing the major league back-up catcher’s job—a job the New York Yankees desperately wanted him to win—has had an impact above and beyond sending GM Brian Cashman on a mad search for a reliable back-up catcher.
In fact, Montero’s being dispatched to the minor leagues has created an unfortunate domino effect; the results of which can be felt throughout the organization. To understand the issues, you have to know what the Yankees‘ plan was heading into the spring.
New York intended for Jesus Montero to be the backup catcher in the major leagues, serving as a sort of apprentice to Russell Martin. That formula, by the way, is one Joe Girardi is quite familiar with after having served as mentor to Jorge Posada in 1997.
The idea was for Montero to be in the majors, play a couple of times a week and, more importantly, take part in all the scouting and pitchers’ meetings; all while learning on the job.
But the plan didn’t stop with Montero, who is just one of many prized Yankees prospects at the position. The plan also called for Austin Romine to step up to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to continue his development.
Additionally, the Yankees’ plan called for the catching spot at Double-A Trenton to be available, at some point this season, for Gary Sanchez, who might be the best of the organization’s catching prospects.
Unfortunately, when Montero failed to hold the job in the majors, he was sent down to catch everyday at Scranton, which prevents Romine from advancing and forces him back to Trenton, which has the potential to lock Sanchez.
To be fair, all of these issues could resolve themselves if Montero, or perhaps even Romine, takes off in the minors and quickly makes his way to New York.
As of now, however, Montero’s losing the job the Yankees had set aside for him is having a much greater impact than the Yankees organization would have you believe.
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