Montero to Triple-A is The Right Move

When Francisco Cervelli went down with an injury, it appeared as though stud prospect Jesus Montero was in the driver seat for the New York Yankees backup catcher job. After watching closely as their prized youngster got more playing time, manager Joe Girardi and the Yankees staff have decided against giving him that roster spot.

Montero has been sent down to the minors and will begin the season in Triple-A Scranton. This is a smart move by the Yankees.

Sure, it would be nice to see the big guy slugging away in pinstripes this season. However, he would have been a backup, most likely not seeing regular playing time. In Scranton, Montero will get a chance to play every day and continue his development.

The catcher struggled this spring while trying to earn a spot on the major league roster. Many scouts say he was trying to hard. His defense behind the plate which has always been a concern, was inconsistent. The bigger surprise, or disappointment, was his struggles with the bat.

Known for his big bat, Montero hit .250 this spring, including just two extra base hits in 40 at bats. The swing is still there, according to the scouts who watched Montero throughout spring training. He just needs to relax and once again enjoy playing the game.

Playing every day in Triple-A should allow that. Montero can now take the pressure of earning a major league roster spot off his mind, go out and use his talent. There is no need to rush the young star, especially to be a backup. Starting him in Triple-A is a very good move on the part of the Yankees organization.

Ramiro Pena, Justin Maxwell, and Doug Bernier were also assigned to Triple-A, while Austin Romine was sent to Double-A. Romine is another top catching prospect. He was sent to Double-A so both he and Montero could play every day.

Utility infielder Ronnie Belliard was released and the contract of Romulo Sanchez is being sold to a Japanese team. Veteran pitcher Mark Prior will stay in Tampa to continue working in warm weather before reporting to Triple-A Scranton.

Eric Chavez and Eduardo Nunez have made the 25-man roster for Opening Day as backup infielders. Chavez who is hitting .405 this spring will backup the corner spots occupied by Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira. Nunez brings speed to the bench while providing a better bat than Ramiro Pena. He will backup the middle infielders.

Gustavo Molina is the last remaining backup catcher. The Yankees have not yet added him to the roster however, a sign that could mean the organization is looking to acquire another catcher.

This past weekend, the Yankees announced that Ivan Nova and Freddy Garcia would begin the year in the starting rotation with Bartolo Colon coming out of the bullpen. Reliever Pedro Feliciano will indeed begin the season on the DL while centerfielder Curtis Granderson’s status is still uncertain.

The last minute decisions on Granderson and the backup catcher spot will certainly be determined before Thursday’s season opener at home against the Detroit Tigers.