Controversial Prospect: Jesus Montero

by John Sickels on Jun 17, 2008 9:01 AM EDT

Jesus Montero was signed by the Yankees out of Venezuela in 2006, earning a robust $1.6 million bonus. There was some controversy about this: Montero's power was evident, but it quickly became clear he was extremely raw defensively. He had a strong arm, but doubts about all other aspects of his defense seemed to indicate he would face a move to first base or even DH, thus increasing the pressure to hit and justify the bonus.

He made his pro debut in 2007, hitting .280/.366/.421 in the Gulf Coast League, showing decent plate discipline and raw power potential. I gave him a Grade C+ in the book this year...remember that's a good grade for a rookie ball guy...and noting his power potential but pointing out the defensive issues and some concern about what his batting average and OBP might look like.

Batting average and power haven't been problems in 2008: he's hitting .309/.348/.453 for Charleston in the Sally League. Plate discipline is an issue: he's drawn just 14 walks against 44 strikeouts in 278 at-bats. The good news is that while the walk rate is low, the strikeout rate is also low for a young guy with power. Scouts like his swing, and even marginal improvements in his strike zone judgment will go a long way towards helping him maintain his hitting at higher levels. He is still just 18, and hitting like this in a full-season league is an excellent marker at that age.

Montero's defense is still a work in progress and he has spent a lot of time at DH this year. However, the numbers aren't bad: he's fielding .991 right now, has an average range factor, and has caught 26 percent of runners trying to steal on him, which isn't good but isn't as bad as what he did in the lower minors. He's made progress, but will it be enough? End-of-season scouting reports and stats will help us know.

In the meantime, I'm definitely impressed with the bat and will raise him to Grade B- with higher potential...he could go higher by the end of the year.

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Saw him play last week

Main thing I watched for was defense. His arm is very solid.
He does not move around poorly back that by any means. Made a nice play on a bunt – getting out of his croutch in a hurry. For a kid his size he is not a bad athlete..just looks a little funny.

With that said, I can see why there are doubts that he will stick at cacther…at 18 his legs are already big..he could simply just outgrow the position.

His strike zone judgement was solid..hit a missile for a double and took a walk. he has a little bit of a funny load, I guess it is not a big deal since I havent heard much about it.

by jsmall404 on Jun 17, 2008 10:28 AM EDT reply actions

Jesus Returns!!!!

I am a huge Montero fan. He has strength, power, and a great willingness to learn his craft. He may not stay at catcher but his bat is so good, he will play at first.

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Jun 17, 2008 1:12 PM EDT reply actions

OBP

I think when a player is hot, especially in the minors, they’re not really inclined to be patient. Austin Jackson is the first example that comes to mind. After he cooled off, he was back to his normal level of patience. Montero walked more last year, so what’s worth watching in this regard is how he reacts to a slump.

by number_twentyone on Jun 17, 2008 4:37 PM EDT reply actions

+1

There is the old saying that ‘you don’t walk your way off the island’. Players from the Domican are less likely to be patient when they are young because they know that patience isn’t something the scouts put as much focus on when judging Domican players. Young players know that to get noticed, they usually have to smack the hell out of the ball, throw very hard, or run extremely fast. It may not be the smartest baseball strategy, but it tends to be true.

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Jun 17, 2008 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions