Quick notes: Molina looking like a roster favorite
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes on Mar 25, 2011 
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More notes a little bit later, but for now, here are some of the immediately noteworthy items from the Yankees clubhouse. First and foremost, it’s beginning to look like Gustavo Molina is going to make the team.
Today, a reporter told Joe Girardi that Molina’s chances — at the very least — seem to have improved in the past few days.
“Very good observation,” he said.
You’ll remember that earlier this spring Girardi was talking about the value of a young catcher learning at the big league level. Today, his answer about the backup catching situation was much, much different.
“(Molina)’s a guy we’re looking at,” he said. “With Cervi going down, and you have young kids that you really consider as everyday players, prospects. You want them to play everyday. If you feel there’s a need that you have to take one of them, you will. Molina does have big league experience. We’ve given the young kids a lot of looks, and we’re giving Molina some looks now too so that we feel that we’re making the right decision, what’s right for everyone, the team (and) these young guys careers.
“These are kids that have only caught every day one year. The determination is, do you want to take them out of that for a month (or) a month and a half and retard their development a little bit? That’s a decision we have to make. Or do you want to go with a veteran guy who has caught in the major leagues and knows how to do it?”
—
• Cervelli will go to the doctor this week and said he expects to have the protective boot taken off on Tuesday.
• Curtis Granderson will do some light running and agility today. Girardi said it’s still uncertain whether Granderson will be able to open on the big league roster, but new addition Chris Dickerson is someone the Yankees would look at to take his place if necessary.
• Nick Swisher probably could have played right field, Girardi said, but they decided to give him a DH day instead. Swisher fouled a ball of his foot yesterday.
• Manny Banuelos will start tomorrow’s big league game. CC Sabathia will pitch at the minor league complex.
• Girardi wouldn’t fully commit to Freddy Garcia, Ivan Nova and Bartolo Colon making the roster, but he made it clear that all three are almost certainly going to break camp with the team in one role or another. “You don’t want to say everything is etched in stone,” Girardi said. “But it’s a little clearer.”
Damn! I wanted to montero to make the team. I might lose my bet with my friend
Cervelli will go to the doctor this week and said he expects to have the protective boot taken off on Tuesday.
***************************
yay!
Dumb, but better than Romine for a month.
And completely unnecessary “This is a cage fight between Montero and Romine” comments by the Yankees if Molina makes the team.
So celebrating Cervelli’s injury may be for naught?
A clue???
Ledger_Yankees Bartolo Colon high end reliever? Girardi think his stuff could play up down there.
“Viewed by who”
The media, ignorant Yankee fans…..
“If some in the media and/or portions of the fan base take the dim view and say he’s failure, it really doesn’t matter all that much”
sure but is it really good to put the crosshairs on a kid before he even gets to the big leagues. It’s not the end of the world but if they send him back to SWB then I think they probably shouldn’t have ever given an indication that he might make the team
Maybe by the time Jesus is brought up to join the big club, Granderson will be 100% and everyone else will be full strength.
Even Mitre is someone I’ve been waiting for to come back a bit after the all-star break this year. He’s another potent lefty if he’s healthy, in case Logan slips somehow or pedro is fatigued after all his innings.
I’m excited for this season but especially for the next 2-3 years to come. This organization is stronger than it has ever been in it’s existence, unmatched by probably any other professional organization in the country.
Go Banuelos!
“but if they send him back to SWB then I think they probably shouldn’t have ever given an indication that he might make the team”
Don’t totally disagree, but would point out that Montero could have earned himself a spot on the MLB team. The Yankees weren’t saying Montero could make the club on a lark. Once Cervelli was hurt, he had a legitimate opportunity.
I don’t think Montero is going to be called up at this season. Why would they if this is their thinking? Martin is the everyday catcher. Molina is the backup, Cervelli once he’s healthy. If Martin goes down, Cervelli catches and Molina is again the backup.
Right now, this is how I’m seeing it.
** called up at ALL this season
LGY March 25th, 2011 at 3:27 pm
So celebrating Cervelli?s injury may be for naught?
***********************
the PFOFs put a curse on anyone who was celebrating his injury.
That was supposed to be a
not a 
I need to go home.
“Don’t totally disagree, but would point out that Montero could have earned himself a spot on the MLB team. ”
Yea he could’ve….but he could have won the job just the same without anyone knowing he had a chance to.
# Chase March 25th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
This organization is stronger than it has ever been in it’s existence, unmatched by probably any other professional organization in the country.
=======================
As if the first half of that sentence wasn’t hyperbole enough, the last half makes me think you were trying to set a world record.
I don’t think Montero is going to be called up at this season. Why would they if this is their thinking? Martin is the everyday catcher. Molina is the backup, Cervelli once he’s healthy. If Martin goes down, Cervelli catches and Molina is again the backup.
Right now, this is how I’m seeing it.
–
That would be silly I think. Unless the Yankees don’t believe in Montero and are actively working to trade him.
Colon as the long reliever/spot starter replacement we have been looking for since Aceves went down with the back problems sounds good to me. Have him pitch 1-2 times per week, a couple of innings each outing – that could be a real nice addition to an already deep bullpen.
“Yea he could’ve….but he could have won the job just the same without anyone knowing he had a chance to.”
Maybe. Though once Cervelli was hurt, there’s no way there wasn’t going to be rampant speculation that he’d make the team.
Martin hardly won a job either.
It would have been a huge confidence boost for Montero if the team had show similar faith in him that they are in Martin, based on scant facts.
“And completely unnecessary “This is a cage fight between Montero and Romine” comments by the Yankees if Molina makes the team.”
Sometimes you just have to think outside the cage.
If it’s Molina, I will consider this a complete validation of my earlier prediction that Cervelli would be the choice to start the season as the BUC. I will file that with all my bad predictions.
I was doing some original thinking and I came up with something else to consider: Montero is from some steamy Latin American country — no one knows which one — and probably doesn’t have a lot of experience playing baseball in cold NY April weather. So perhaps they wouldn’t want that to be his first experience in the big leagues. If you disagree, that just shows how you need to turn down the heat in your mom’s basement and live a little in the real world of baseballs and yellow snow.
Right now, this is how I’m seeing it
****
I look forward to next off season when the Yankees sign some average veteran and we can have these conversations about Montero all over again.
Maybe. Though once Cervelli was hurt, there’s no way there wasn’t going to be rampant speculation that he’d make the team.
–
Speculation is one thing, but feeding into it by suggesting he was in a cage fight to make the team was dumb. They could have just said he will come up when he is ready.
Ledger_Yankees Indeed, welcome boys and girls to The Gustavo Molina Experience.
Doreen March 25th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
Thanks Doreen. I myself wouldn’t even consider Nunez for one of my Fantasy Team roster spots.
Rich,
Let’s be fair here, Montero hasn’t done anything well this spring. At the very least, Martin has shown he could be average to good defensively.
“I don’t think Montero is going to be called up at this season”
Doreen
Care to make a wager that would benefit the winner’s favorite charity?
“Maybe. Though once Cervelli was hurt, there’s no way there wasn’t going to be rampant speculation that he’d make the team.”
Maybe, though they could have squashed it instead of perpetuating it.
‘That would be silly I think. Unless the Yankees don’t believe in Montero and are actively working to trade him”
Jack Z told Cashman to keep his arbitration clock from starting? Just kidding….or am I?
Craw
I don’t think ST should matter more than a player’s body of work. That’s the way Garcia is being treated, or so it seems.
You don’t leave the top hitting prospect in AAA when he is rampaging through the league unless there is more at work. What happened to all the positivity surrounding his catching? About working to find him PA?
Why was all of that even necessary if they were going to bail on him?
“I look forward to next off season when the Yankees sign some average veteran and we can have these conversations about Montero all over again”
if he doesn’t see the big leagues at some point this year then that’s exactly what will happen.
“I don’t think Montero is going to be called up at this season”
I think Montero has an excellent chance of being called up this season. He’s a lot better than what he’s shown this spring. Let’s remember, he’s still only 21 years old.
Montero had a poor spring training. If he had played well he would be going north.
Montero will need to be on the 40 man after this year anyways, so I hope they don’t leave him in AAA.
“I don’t think ST should matter more than a player’s body of work. That’s the way Garcia is being treated, or so it seems.”
Then that’s the way Martin is being treated then and why they gave him a 4M contract.
Montero had a poor spring training. If he had played well he would be going north.
–
Spring training isn’t about the results but the process getting there.
I’m just not a big Cervi fan…..sorry…..
But of course the yankees might not have been pleased with things that are not outwardly apparent for Montero.
Montero needs to get some work at bat again and get his stroke back. he will be here again by june.
Nick,
What if we all chip in to buy Jesus a nice sweater? Maybe even a sweater vest he could wear over his chest protector to keep him warm and cozy and feeling South American?
I think the most interesting thing I’m learning is apparently that Scranton is a tropical climate. I’m getting my speedo ready and heading to sunny Scranton this weekend!
Does Girardi believe you can develop a lot at this level or does he believe not playing everyday would retard development?
I think Montero has been pressing all spring.
Bobby – tip of the hat for calling
Molina right.
Montero needs to get some work at bat again and get his stroke back. he will be here again by june.
–
His hard outs and right center double and pulled left center near HR told me he had his stroke, but not the results.
I posed this scenario to Chad at the live chat and he shot me down. I guess I’m more observant than I thought
“Then that’s the way Martin is being treated then and why they gave him a 4M contract.”
Yes, Craw, money trumps all.
btw, I can’t wait to hear Sweeny Murti to parrot the company line as if he is passing on sage insight. Not.
I’m assuming Swish didn’t foul another ball off his foot yesterday at the Harry Potter thing, an instead Chad meant on Wednesday?
Vineyard Yankee -
The only reason I came across it is I have a starting player who is DTD and I’m looking at possible replacements if necessary and Nunez’ name was there. I thought, hmm, not a great player necessarily to have, but I could plug him in at 3B, SS or maybe 2B, until I saw him listed at just a 3B.
That was all. He’d not be a first choice, certainly.
Jerkface – Montero didn’t play well enough defensively and he didn’t hit. Its not that complicated he’s not ready to catch in the major leagues.
“btw, I can’t wait to hear Sweeny Murti to parrot the company line as if he is passing on sage insight. Not.”
When did Sweeny say that? By the way, Murti has never broken any significant news.
“When did Sweeny say that? By the way, Murti has never broken any significant news.”
He didn’t. I just think he sucks.
Then we agree about Sweeny then.
Montero didn’t play well enough defensively and he didn’t hit. Its not that complicated he’s not ready to catch in the major leagues.
–
You’re putting too much emphasis on spring training. They said he caught up defensively to Romine and he also threw out 44% of runners this spring. Gustavo Molina has caught no one. Austin Romine has caught no one.
I rather have Waldman back doing that job.
- Montero is 21.
- He started slowly last year.
- He may take offensive struggles into the field with him.
- He isn’t going to get may PA’s in April as a BUC.
- Yankees retain an extra year of control over him if he plays 20 days in the minors.
I fail to see how this is a big issue for anyone.
And let’s not have tunnel vision. The Yankees just traded a serviceable ML pitcher mostly because they’re committed to Nova making the team, whom they could have optioned.
If Montero begins to play at the level we all expect, there is no reason to think the Yanks won’t move Cerivelli to make the room and find PA’s for him.
With Russell Martin appearing to be healthy and ready to go for the season, I dont think the Yankees breaking camp without Montero is that big a deal. He showed last year when he started in AAA that he needed to get his feet settled before he started raking in the 2nd half … maybe the same pattern of progression will have to take place as he transitions to being a major leaguer.
Not every stud prospect hits the ground running when they get their first shot at the big leagues … Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle were both sent down to the minors after their first month because they werent hitting at all … they turned out alright, though.
“I fail to see how this is a big issue for anyone.”
I thought a team that states that they are trying to win the WS every single year also wants to put itself in the best position to win as many regular season games a possible.
If so, there is no way that Gustavo Molina (or Cervelli) contribute to that goal more than Montero.
Asd March 25th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
I?m assuming Swish didn?t foul another ball off his foot yesterday at the Harry Potter thing, an instead Chad meant on Wednesday?
*******************
you never know-he might have gotten hit with a quidditch ball yesterday
- He started slowly last year.
- He may take offensive struggles into the field with him.
–
But what if he is going to start slow in the majors no matter what? Why expose him down the stretch instead of at the beginning of the year so that when the games are becoming ‘more important’ (Even if its a media fabrication) he is at his best instead of potentially trying to adjust to the majors?
One other thing to consider…
Adding Montero to the 40-man is a long-term decision. Once he’s on, he’s not coming off.
With Molina, as soon as Cervelli is ready, Molina can be DFA and there’s no harm done. With Montero, if he struggles early — like last year — and the Yankees want to replace him with Cervelli, that 40-man spot is permanently occupied. A slow start wouldn’t be surprising given Montero’s spring and the way he played in the first half last year. He’s still so incredibly young, not making the big league roster at this point is hardly a setback.
I don’t think it has anything to do with montero or romines defense or offense. I think it has to do with the 40 man roster. Neither of them need to be on it, with Molina, he just takes up a spot for 3 weeks or so and when Cervelli is back then they dfa or trade molina and it opens up a spot.
I don’t mind Montero starting the year in AAA, that was the plan all along after they signed Martin.
What is a little puzzling is that if that was the plan then why should losing your BUC for the first couple weeks of the season change that and if it really didn’t then why make it seem as though it did? Anyway, I’m over it…..
Honestly I’d rather have Montero up because any ABs that Molina gets are going to be wasted. He is not good at all.
They should sign Chad Moeller.
Why didn’t Nova get a shot until August last year despite a back end of the rotation that was a disaster?
Alapaca wool unis are currently banned per the current collective bargaining/MLBPA agreement, which is highly unfair to players like Montero, but those are the rules.
Montero by June!
There’s some scenarios involved with the Montero situation.
- what happens when Cervelli rehabs ? It takes time away from both Montero at AAA or Romine at AA.
- what if Montero tears the cover off the ball right from the get-go at AAA ? Does he stay there or does Cervelli get the call no matter what ?
“A slow start wouldn’t be surprising given Montero’s spring and the way he played in the first half last year. He’s still so incredibly young, not making the big league roster at this point is hardly a setback.”
But why can’t they tolerate a slow start from Montero when they will almost certainly tolerate an even slower start by Martin?
And a non-existent start by Molina
Doreen, did you check into Omar Infante? 69 games at 2nd base, 29 games at 3rd base, 21 games in the outfield, 19 games at SS
http://www.baseball-reference......om01.shtml
.122 .159 .146 .305 <– Gustavo Molina's career line and 0% CS!
They must be very confident in Russel Martin playing every day with all the off days in April.
Every Jesus has to face persecution
Darn I posted exactly what Chad said at the same time Chad posted it. Took the words right out of my mouth.
While Montero and Romine were cage fighting….Molina came in with a folding chair and took the belt
“If so, there is no way that Gustavo Molina (or Cervelli) contribute to that goal more than Montero.”
The season is not complete in April so there is no reason to think he won’t contribute more than those two players before this season is over with.
With that said, I would hope the reason the Yankee organization is not taking Montero north right now is because their catching experts, Girardi and Pena think Montero is not quite ready for the major leagues next week. Furthermore, that if Montero shows enough progress at SWB, he is given another chance later this season similar to what happen with Posey last year.
Welcome to the LoHud 2011 all season complaint board if Montero isn’t on the big club at the beginning of the season, which it appears will be the case.
He’ll be up when the Yankees believe he’s ready, how can some of you think you know more about catching than Pena and Girardi?
“The season is not complete in April so there is no reason to think he won’t contribute more than those two players before this season is over with.”
But if he, like most young players, has to overcome a learning curve, isn’t April the best (and cheapest) time to start, especially given Martin’s probably fragility?
Many times moves are made by demand of the 40-man roster. Its why I said if Montero didnt make the team it’d be Molina, but now that it is actually happening I don’t like it. Molina is just going to take up space and contribute little to nothing. He isn’t even a real Molina.
“Welcome to the LoHud 2011 all season complaint board if Montero isn’t on the big club at the beginning of the season, which it appears will be the case.”
Welcome to the no reasonable dissent is tolerated post.
“Adding Montero to the 40-man is a long-term decision. Once he’s on, he’s not coming off.
With Molina, as soon as Cervelli is ready, Molina can be DFA and there’s no harm done. With Montero, if he struggles early — like last year — and the Yankees want to replace him with Cervelli, that 40-man spot is permanently occupied. A slow start wouldn’t be surprising given Montero’s spring and the way he played in the first half last year. He’s still so incredibly young, not making the big league roster at this point is hardly a setback.”
Excellent point Chad!
“They must be very confident in Russel Martin playing every day with all the off days in April”
Guy was always a workhorse til he got hurt last August. Maybe too much of one.
Cashman’s talk of his vaunted catching depth resulting in a free agent catcher and Gustavo friggin Molina on Opening Day. Smh.
He’ll be up when the Yankees believe he’s ready, how can some of you think you know more about catching than Pena and Girardi?
–
Not all moves are based on skill or talent. And they said Romine can play defense in the majors now, and that Montero had caught up to Romine. transitive property Montero can catch in the majors.
As I said, when watching Spring its not like he was wearing his catchers gear backwards and upside down or drooling all over himself.
This is awesome! I hope it catches on to other sports:
htttp://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/25/horford-other-nba-stars-to-donate-1000-per-point-to-japan-relief-efforts/?hpt=T2
“But if he, like most young players, has to overcome a learning curve, isn’t April the best (and cheapest) time to start, especially given Martin’s probably fragility?”
He’s not ready Rich. That’s the opinion of the Yankee organization. You don’t agree, but that’s it so we’ll see what happens.
Guy was always a workhorse til he got hurt last August. Maybe too much of one.
–
They have a chance to work in a former all-star and the #1 hitting prospect in baseball, I would have hoped they’d find equal playing time for both. Martin could be really good if he bounces back as a catcher for the Yankees for the next few years.
I don’t think he should be playing every day. But he should DEFINITELY be playing every day if the backup is Molina.
“if he doesn’t see the big leagues at some point this year then that’s exactly what will happen.”
I think I must be missing the point. Is anyone arguing that if Montero is playing decent defense and hitting a ton the Yankees won’t recall him?
Rich in NJ March 25th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
“Welcome to the LoHud 2011 all season complaint board if Montero isn’t on the big club at the beginning of the season, which it appears will be the case.”
Welcome to the no reasonable dissent is tolerated post.
————————————————-
And you’ll no doubt continue to post this dissent 20 times a day like it really matters.
Gusty?
Craw
We don’t know if he’s ready. They may have financial considerations controlling their decision.
LGY March 25th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Cashman’s talk of his vaunted catching depth resulting in a free agent catcher and Gustavo friggin Molina on Opening Day. Smh.
**************************
The same thing is obviously true of our pitching depth. Timing is everything they say and as talented as our young catching and pitching prospects are – they are not ready to play in the big leagues yet.
“I think I must be missing the point”
co-signed
“And you’ll no doubt continue to post this dissent 20 times a day like it really matters”
And each one will contribute more to this discussion that any of your supercilious posts.
supercilious is a great word, rich
“I thought a team that states that they are trying to win the WS every single year also wants to put itself in the best position to win as many regular season games a possible.”
So you’re questioning the NY Yankees commitment to winning?
I see the level-headed portion of our afternoon has begun in earnest.
Rich isn’t gonna run anything down, now if you wanna see someone smash a point google Bret the Hitman
“But what if he is going to start slow in the majors no matter what? Why expose him down the stretch instead of at the beginning of the year so that when the games are becoming ‘more important’ (Even if its a media fabrication) he is at his best instead of potentially trying to adjust to the majors?”
When exactly did him not breaking camp with the Yankees means he won’t be back up until August or September?
“We don’t know if he’s ready. They may have financial considerations controlling their decision.”
IMO, he’s not ready. I don’t know which financial considerations you’re talking about as Cashman has stated publicly that the arbitration clock will have no bearing on Montero being brought up.
They’ll give Cervelli at least a month or two to suck because he has “experience”
Will be a while before we see Jesus.
Picking Gustavo Molina (the forgotten Molina bro) over Jesus is retarded
“So you’re questioning the NY Yankees commitment to winning?”
Right, because they never make short-sighted moves that backfire.
“I see the level-headed portion of our afternoon has begun in earnest.”
Sorry you chose to go down that path.
When exactly did him not breaking camp with the Yankees means he won’t be back up until August or September?
–
I don’t think they will bring him up until much later. Since the entire idea of Montero coming up is based on play time and as long as Martin and Posada are uninjured they will steal the bulk of it. I certainly hope he gets called up in 5 days or 20 days or whenever, but when do you think they would do it?
It takes a long time for opportunities to present itself. Montero needs to be playing well, Martin/Cervelli/Molina need to be playing poorly. Time needs to go by. Decisions need to be made. Then 40 man moves made. Then Montero has to adjust to the big leagues.
LGY called it inertia.
“IMO, he’s not ready. I don’t know which financial considerations you’re talking about as Cashman has stated publicly that the arbitration clock will have no bearing on Montero being brought up.”
Has Cash never engaged in disseminating creative disinformation before?
Here is how I see it going if Montero is in the minors. Lets assume Montero hits like he did last year as an overall slash line.
Martin and Molina: Martin plays however he plays, Molina is butts
Cervelli comes back: Molina is DFA’d, Cervelli is now the BUC
Martin begins to slide, Cervelli becomes main catcher
Cervelli begins to slide, Montero gets called up
I’m worried that the first 3 items will take the bulk of the season to transpire.
There’s no serious consequence to drooling on oneself in the Grapefruit League, but that drool could freeze on Montero’s chin in NY in March/Arpil.
In balmy Scranton (Gulf Stream protection) he can continue to work on his drool-to-hitting ration until he’s ready to come up.
they are not ready to play in the big leagues yet
***
Except Montero is ready.
The Yanks can win a championship without Montero.
Gustavo Molina is no relation to the Molina brothers.
The Yanks can win a championship without Montero.
—
They are more likely to win a championship with him.
They didn’t make a decision, so hard to come to any conclusions.
“Right, because they never make short-sighted moves that backfire.”
Wrong answer. No one said they were infallible in their decision making. YOU questioned their commitment to winning.
Read what i responded to. You didn’t criticize them for making a bad ball in judgment, you questioned their commitment to winning. It’s right there in print.
“Sorry you chose to go down that path.”
Just following the breadcrumbs.
I want Montero break in early because thats when there is less of a media frenzy, if he comes up around the ASB and is struggling the media will go crazy, or down the stretch.
Its hard to expect him to be gang busters right away, the yankees have to accept a month of adjustment to get to the sweet nugatty center of Montero and his amazing batting tools.
“Has Cash never engaged in disseminating creative disinformation before?”
When there is purpose to doing so. I don’t see a reason to lie in this case.
They didn’t make a decision, so hard to come to any conclusions.
–
Some of us could end up pleasantly surprised, but given the stuff put out there, first re: romine then about trading for a catcher and now about Molina and the 180 Girardi made on Montero playtime in the majors, I think Molina or a mystery catcher is the BUC right now.
They might be planning on trading Montero.
His value would be better as a power hitting everyday catcher in AAA than sitting on the bench or playing twice a week for the Yankees.
I was hoping maybe baseball-reference could show me some ‘diamond in the rough’ aspect to Molina’s game that maybe I was missing.
Swing and a miss.
His #s are epically bad. I’m talking -23 OPS+ bad:
http://www.baseball-reference......gu01.shtml
Before you ‘small sample size’ me, click on his minors tab. Some guys can hit. He’s not one of those guys.
As long as he can catch the ball and throw some guys out (39% caught stealing in the minors is nice), what else do they really need? Their offense will be just as stacked as ever.
A late call-up this season for Montero makes so much more sense than an early one did.
He can catch every day for a few months in the minors… thus turning him more into the player the Yankees *need* in the future. Offense is never a *need* for this team.
If either Posada/Martin are so god awful at the plate that it becomes necessary to get Montero’s bat in the lineup it will be easier for him having had months to get his offensive and defensive work in rhythm. This makes his ML batting adjustment easier than starting cold in April while also being overwhelmed with improving his defense and learning the pitching staff while also struggling at the plate.
If he gets to start his ML adjustment period in at the end of the season, next year he is ready to go 100%.
If the Yankees can put together a 2009 with mainly Cervelli at the plate as their starter, they can certainly survive any amount of time with Molina as a back-up.
So to recap… Montero becomes a better catcher, gets some facetime with ML starters and comes rolling into ST next season as the de-facto starter.
How is any of this a bad thing?
Didn’t someone postulate that we weren’t a championship without Montero? I swear I saw that.
I want Montero break in early because thats when there is less of a media frenzy,
=====================================================
Nonsense. You want him up for your own selfish reasons.
“They are more likely to win a championship with him.”
I like Montero too, but until he’s stroking major league pitching, I’ll stay away from attaching WS titles to him.
I like Montero too, but until he’s stroking major league pitching, I’ll stay away from attaching WS titles to him.
—
I never said how much more likely. I’m not attaching titles to him, don’t twist my words.
If you think picking Gustavo Molina over Jesus Montero gives you a better shot at a world series, I’m sorry but you’re retarded.
Nonsense. You want him up for your own selfish reasons.
–
So it is selfish to want Montero to have the best chance for success???
I’m guessing Gustavo comes from the cold part of Venezuela.
Everyone adjusts to the big leagues, earlier the better. Montero has zero MLB PAs.
And Craw, I don’t mean that YOU are retarded, I mean the people making this decision (Girardi, Cashman, etc) are in thise case
“LGY called it inertia.”
I call it questioning the Yankees judgment, which is PERFECTLY fine, let me be clear about that. They are NOT infallible and not above reproach.
But I think “inertia” is something of a palpable code word for saying they Yankees will ignore Montero’s play and somehow will favor keeping him down.
“I certainly hope he gets called up in 5 days or 20 days or whenever, but when do you think they would do it?”
I think they want Montero to get off to a good start. I’ve made this clear for weeks.
I can see them moving Cervelli if the Yankees are satisfied with Montero around early May.
Again, they just traded a pitcher who performed okay for them last year and had invested time in. And he wasn’t traded because he wasn’t performing. He was traded, because they didn’t want to send Ivan Nova – who reached out and claimed his roster spot – back to AAA.
I think it was you who raised a good point. Maybe the Yanks saw things off the field about Montero they weren’t pleased with?
Whatever, Patrick!
And he wasn’t traded because he wasn’t performing.
–
You could argue otherwise.
“Or do you want to go with a veteran guy who has caught in the major leagues and knows how to do it?”
I assume Giradi is referring to the unrelated Molina here, he of 45 PAs and 117 major league innings, and who is a grand total of 0 for 7 in throwing major league runners out. Interesting definition of a veteran. If the unrelated Molina is being elevated to veteran status that’s bad news for Montero and Romine.
“Wrong answer. No one said they were infallible in their decision making. YOU questioned their commitment to winning.”
You’re starting to believe your own silly method of argumentation. I said I think the way go about winning is often short-sighted.
“Read what i responded to. You didn’t criticize them for making a bad ball in judgment, you questioned their commitment to winning. It’s right there in print.”
Here it is:
“I thought a team that states that they are trying to win the WS every single year also wants to put itself in the best position to win as many regular season games a possible.”
I did and you completely misinterpreted, to be kind.
As I said, it’s about methods not objectives.
“Just following the breadcrumbs.”
I see you have a rich fantasy life.
Rich in NJ -
Nah, I’m often wrong in these things. That was my first reaction to what I read.
Because I’m more disappointed than I thought I’d be. I was one of those who felt Montero should open the season in SWB in the first place so I should be happy.
On the one hand, I understand the decision. On the other, I don’t.
“When there is purpose to doing so. I don’t see a reason to lie in this case.”
Craw
Why would he tell his best prospect that they are trying to suppress his earnings potential short-term?
So it is selfish to want Montero to have the best chance for success???
========================
Montero did not win the job, not that he was auditioning for BUC.
Colon won a job, Nova won a job, even Garcia won a job.
If Montero is the key to winning then you are saying we don’t have enough offense to win it.
They got Martin for a reason.
Your insistence to have him up right now seems curious.
If Montero doesn’t make the team out is ST, it can be a good thing.
Work on the catching thing, number 1.
Second, get his stroke going. Really hard to get that going in the bright lights.
Lastly, make him hungry.
Everyone adjusts to the big leagues,
=======================
Some in a bad way.
I knew this Montero decision would be a lightening rod for discussion and disagreement especially if Montero didn’t distinguish himself this spring and gets sent down.
Sorry if I offended you Craw
even Garcia won a job.
–
He was handed a job.
They got Martin for a reason.
Your insistence to have him up right now seems curious.
–
Right, Martin can catch 90 games, Montero can catch the remainder. Players have to break in to the big leagues to be regulars. He isn’t going to be a regular next year by sitting in Scranton in 2011.
# m March 25th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
They didn’t make a decision, so hard to come to any conclusions.
———–
Not officially, but it’s obvious Girardi is now singing a MUCH different tune than he was at the beginning of camp and when Cervelli went down.
Before, he talked about how young catchers can learn a lot being a backup at the major league level because of having three old school catchers in the dugout (Girardi, Pena, and Posada).
Girardi also talked about his own situation with the Yanks when Posada was the new kid.
Now he’s talking about two young kids that need to play everyday. It’s obvious they’ve changed their minds regarding Montero the last couple of weeks.
Molina will be here for 2-3 weeks until Cervelli is ready or Montero demands to be brought up by his performance.
Just common sense and happens to give Yanks an extra year of control.
Look at ANY roster of the last 16 Yankee teams (15 of which made it the postseason, 7 of which made it to the WS, 5 of which won it.).
On each and every one of them you will find players who collectively totaled many hundred of bats each year to very little production. That is what a 162 baseball season is.
Anyone who think adding Molina as a BACK-UP catcher instead of Montero, perhaps for a few weeks, someone damages the Yankees chances of making the postseason are just being alarmists, joining the healthy crop of those this community has already.
Hughes hitting the gun at 98… Molina makes 3 or 4 starts… same difference to me. Irrational panic.
I get it. You always strive for the best roster. I’m not opposed to that line of thinking. But I’m also an advocate of keeping it in perspective, and this is where I think people are failing this afternoon.
Montero can still learn from Girardi, Posada and Pena….just not today.
it isn’t about Molina playing 4 games, its about the lack of major league games Montero is playing. The opportunity cost of playing Molina.
“Why would he tell his best prospect that they are trying to suppress his earnings potential short-term?”
Rich,
That’s weak after seeing Cashman take on Arod, Bernie and Jeter in the public eye about their earnings. I can see we are not going to agree here so I’m bowing out of this discussion because it’s beginning to get nasty around here. Hopefully, Montero will play better in SWB and will reappear later this season.
He isn’t going to be a regular next year by sitting in Scranton in 2011.
=============================
It might only be a month or 2 down there, why the panic?
He was handed a job.
=============
Off base.
“You could argue otherwise.”
You could try, but you’d be somewhat hampered by a 2.25 spring ERA and a 3.33 2010 regular season ERA.
“Sorry if I offended you Craw”
You didn’t offend me, I just prefer to cutoff any further discussion.
It might only be a month or 2 down there, why the panic?
–
Maybe, but maybe not. No one is panicking.
“I get it. You always strive for the best roster. I’m not opposed to that line of thinking. But I’m also an advocate of keeping it in perspective, and this is where I think people are failing this afternoon.”
I don’t think the issue is with Molina making the opening day roster, the issue is more neither Montero nor Romine taking the catching bull by the horns and showing they are ready, leaving the current situation at catcher being the not-so-thrilling Martin and hope.
You could try, but you’d be somewhat hampered by a 2.25 spring ERA and a 3.33 2010 regular season ERA.
–
I could instead cite his 6 starter ERA and similar non-success as a starter in 2009. He represented an ok player to pitch mop up but not one they felt comfortable with starting games obviously. Which is why he was traded. It was more to keep Colon than to give Nova a spot.
No one panics here I know.
Funny how when sabremetrics aren’t involved how some arguments get weak.
Mitre’s spring era is 5.78 BTW
I feel like I’m the minority of those commenting right now, but I’m not really upset about this, even though I’d like to see Montero in the Bronx.
G-Mole is obviously a stop-gap. We don’t know how long it will take for Cervelli to rehab and get into game shape; Montero could be up relatively soon anyway if they need him.
This is not about a commitment to winning, this is about a judgement on what’s the best way to balance Montero’s development with the team’s needs, which always come first. I honestly think that they would bring Montero north now if they thought that would be the best for the team without stalling his development too much.
I know the counter-arguments already… he would be best served being close to Girardi/Pena/Posada/Martin/etc. Maybe so, but I’m sure they’ve considered that (very sure, since that was Girardi’s party line when it looked better for Montero coming north).
I always thought it was going to be Cervelli to start the season. You can disagree with starting Montero in AAA, but it makes sense. If he’s not quite ready to catch, if he’s not hitting so well yet, if they think he could benefit from playing everyday to start the season, and if all of this delays starting his clock (this is the bonus, not the driving reason), then putting him in SWB makes a lot of sense. Some of the counter-arguments make sense too, that’s why this probably wasn’t a no-brainer decision.
They are really not choosing G-Mole because they think his presence on the team gives them the best chance to win the World Series, come on. They must think he’s the best short-term choice that won’t hurt the long-term chances.
I don’t go in for “the Yankees are always right” thinking, but the “this is teh stupid!!” line of thinking ignores some very good reasons to go in this direction.
Funny how when sabremetrics aren’t involved how some arguments get weak.
–
That you can’t see that Montero is ready with your eyes isn’t my problem.
Montero threw out 44% of basestealers in spring, but send him down because of 30 spring PAs. (He OPS’d 1 in spring in 2010 and still started slow)
What don’t some fans not understand about the fact that neither Montero, Banuelos, Betances has played one inning in a major league game? A prospect is just a prospect and there have been many highly rated prospects in history who just didn’t work out. No one is a slam dunk to be an all-star.
This ST the BUC job was Cervelli’s to lose.
This obviously was the plan.
They are really not choosing G-Mole because they think his presence on the team gives them the best chance to win the World Series, come on. They must think he’s the best short-term choice that won’t hurt the long-term chances.
–
Any choice of Molina starting on the 25 man for 2011 is based entirely on the ability to kick him to the curb when they feel a better option comes along.
“That you can’t see that Montero is ready with your eyes isn’t my problem.”
Do your eyes see that he’s ready? I’m not sure mine do.
Craw
Those situations are distinguishable because he had not choice but to take a financial stand. There’s no reason for him to publicly state that here, in fact, it would be counterproductive on every level.
I don’t think I have been nasty to anyone who didn’t get nasty first. I don’t think you have.
Jerkface March 25th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
Here is how I see it going if Montero is in the minors. Lets assume Montero hits like he did last year as an overall slash line.
Martin and Molina: Martin plays however he plays, Molina is butts
Cervelli comes back: Molina is DFA’d, Cervelli is now the BUC
Martin begins to slide, Cervelli becomes main catcher
Cervelli begins to slide, Montero gets called up
I’m worried that the first 3 items will take the bulk of the season to transpire.
****
And that is why I posted I don’t think Montero gets called up this year. But I should have said that I think the possibility exists that Montero will not get called up in the time frame we had originally hoped (early in the season).
There is more to catching than throwing out baserunners.
No one is a slam dunk to be an all-star.
–
Certainly not if they never play in the majors.
That you can’t see that Montero is ready with your eyes isn’t my problem.
==============================================
According to you.
When did you start believing in the “eyes” theory?
# Jerkface March 25th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
No one is a slam dunk to be an all-star.
–
Certainly not if they never play in the majors.
==============================
Sounds like panic to me.
“I thought a team that states that they are trying to win the WS every single year also wants to put itself in the best position to win as many regular season games a possible.”
“I said I think the way go about winning is often short-sighted.”
Then what you wanted to say was,
“I thought a team that tries to win the WS every single year also wants to put itself in the best position to win as many regular season games a possible.”
You said the Yankees “state” they want to win the World Series every year and by questioning it you question the genuineness of the statement.
Those are the rules of syntax. If that isn’t what you meant, then fine. But it’s what you said.
Do your eyes see that he’s ready? I’m not sure mine do.
–
I thought he looked like a passable catcher who could catch 2 to 3 games a week. He caught the ball, made some blocks, made some mistakes like I would expect anyone young to make, but he didn’t look like a disaster.
Giuseppe Franco March 25th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
# m March 25th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
They didn’t make a decision, so hard to come to any conclusions.
———–
Not officially, but it’s obvious Girardi is now singing a MUCH different tune than he was at the beginning of camp and when Cervelli went down.
Before, he talked about how young catchers can learn a lot being a backup at the major league level because of having three old school catchers in the dugout (Girardi, Pena, and Posada).
Girardi also talked about his own situation with the Yanks when Posada was the new kid.
Now he’s talking about two young kids that need to play everyday. It’s obvious they’ve changed their minds regarding Montero the last couple of weeks.
————————————
if Montero isn’t on the roster opening day it just means the Yankees saw some things during spring training that they want him to work on by catching regularly, what is the big deal? For all we know he’ll be up in May, the pennant is unlikely to be won in the 1st month of the season or lost because Molina catches 5 or 6 games. They obviously won’t catch Posada unless he gets some work behind the plate during exhibition games but on a scale of 1-10, this is a 1, at least for me.
jerkface – that you can see montero IS ready with YOUR eyes, and the yankees can’t… that’s YOUR problem lol
it isn’t about montero playing in AAA… it’s about a minor league player not playing in the majors because he is not ready.
If the yankees needed a DH I’m sure they would be considering his bat for the role but… they don’t.
And that is why I posted I don’t think Montero gets called up this year.
=====================
Don’t feel bad Doreen, some have said Montero will never be seen in the pinstripes.
“Anyone who think adding Molina as a BACK-UP catcher instead of Montero, perhaps for a few weeks, someone damages the Yankees chances of making the postseason are just being alarmists, joining the healthy crop of those this community has already.”
Alternatively, they are looking at every contingency.
Has the division title never been decided by one or two games?
Has home field in the playoffs (apart from the WS given Bud Lit’e AS game rule) never played an important impact in a series outcome?
I can acknowledge that maybe I’m wrong. It seems that you never can.
When did you start believing in the “eyes” theory?
–
Scouting and Sabermetrics go hand in hand. I’ve always been a proponent of a multi-pronged approach to any evaluation. Its the exclusion of either to the detriment of both that I find annoying.
jerkface – that you can see montero IS ready with YOUR eyes, and the yankees can’t… that’s YOUR problem
–
The decision to put Montero on the roster may not have anything to do with his ability to catch *right now*
Nick in SF -
I agree with your 4:37 post.
I usually do not, but this time I allowed myself to get caught up in the possibility of Montero breaking camp with the team and going north. And it was kind of an exciting thing to think about and anticipate.
It really is not an awful turn of events at all. And if Cervelli didn’t get hurt it would be a non-issue. They didn’t bring Martin here to get replaced by Montero mid-season.
The think that I think threw me (and perhaps others) was Joe Girardi allowing himself to entertain a scenario where Montero comes north after Cervelli got hurt. But what I should have kept in mind was a lot of that is thinking out loud, not necessarily saying what you’re going to definitively do.
**The THING that I think…
“Then what you wanted to say was,
“I thought a team that tries to win the WS every single year also wants to put itself in the best position to win as many regular season games a possible.”
You said the Yankees “state” they want to win the World Series every year and by questioning it you question the genuineness of the statement.
Those are the rules of syntax. If that isn’t what you meant, then fine. But it’s what you said.”
That’s the best you got to explain away your silly post?
Say hello to Miss Cleo next time you see her.
No one is a slam dunk to be an all-star.
———–
WTF does that have to do with anything?
Some people just think Montero is a better option than Molina. Given Molina’s career numbers, I don’t think that assessment is too far fetched.
“Those situations are distinguishable because he had not choice but to take a financial stand. There’s no reason for him to publicly state that here, in fact, it would be counterproductive on every level.”
Rich,
There is no reason why he would say anything about Montero’s arbitration clock, but he did. Anyhow, there is no common ground here so I agree to disagree about Montero. I didn’t like how he caught games since Cervelli got hurt so I’m not going to beatup the Yankees for sending him down. Furthermore, I refuse to anoit any prospect as can’t miss until they start performing as major league players. Therefore, Montero’s bat is still a question mark for me until I see him stroking major league pitching.
What do we want? MONTERO!
When do we want him? NOW!
Monorail!
Therefore, Montero’s bat is still a question mark for me until I see him stroking major league pitching.
–
How are we going to see that if he is stroking minor league pitching instead?
jerkface – if it doesn’t have to do with his catching ability right now, what is it?
no one actually believes the yankees are worried about the arbitration clock, do they? i know it was “discussed” but thats largely a consideration for poor cash strapped clubs… not clubs that pay AAA starters $40mil.
A solar eclipse. The cosmic ballet goes on
See you guys later, as I’m sure this Montero discusison will be going on later tonight and going forward.
SI_JonHeyman colon better suited for pen as he’s throwing 93-94 in 1st but just 88-89 by 3rd, scout says. garcia velo low but consistent
SI_JonHeyman #yankess more comfortable w/ colon than garcia in pen. so garcia likely starts as no. 5 starter.
Heyman has spoken
I think the Yankees changed their mind. Why? He played poorly defensively, he didn’t hit and Russell Martin is in essence an unknown quantity health and performance wise right now. If Martin went down, having Montero catch every day is not the way to develop a catcher with his supposed future. Why set him up to fail? What’s the rush?
jerkface – if it doesn’t have to do with his catching ability right now, what is it?
–
Not arbitration clock, free agency clock, perhaps the offdays in april have something to do with it.
“It was more to keep Colon than to give Nova a spot.”
Nova could have been optioned to AAA.
Many people here in fact argued he should be sent there for depth.
Yankees had two options for keeping Colon.
Getting rid of Mitre.
Optioning Nova.
The consequences are clear.
Yanks traded Mitre to keep Colon AND Nova, if you want to be exact.
If Martin goes down they don’t have an answer at catcher except Montero. They’d probably sign Bengie Molina.
Yanks traded Mitre to keep Colon AND Nova, if you want to be exact.
–
Right, but Mitre was never a true option for long man since he failed the basic premise of long man, being able to start effectively.
And, actually, until a roster is formalized, all of this is thinking out loud, isn’t it?
“How are we going to see that if he is stroking minor league pitching instead?”
My point isn’t about what he does in the minor leagues as a hitter. My point is his bat isn’t a given right now as a major league player. When Banuelos is given his chance in the rotation, he won’t be a given either as a major league pitcher. They all have to prove they belong by performing against ML competition.
Some people are missing the big picture, some are not even looking for it…
Montero’s ability to hit major league pitching is not really in question. His single defining stat as a player is mashing baseballs. That adjustment will happen in time no matter how long it takes him, he will hit.
What will NOT happen is learning to deal with a 162 game season as a catcher by playing once a week. Won’t have the stamina to last the whole year by sitting around watching. Playing every day in AAA is the only way to develop that aspect of catching, no?
I think some people are just disappointed to see Molina make the team when he’s been an afterthought by the coaching staff until very recently.
I would also expect Molina to provide very similar production to what Wil Nieves provided a few years back.
Look it up. It wasn’t pretty.
Why set him up to fail? What’s the rush?
===========================
For some , the entertainment value of having Montero up is their new toy to play with.
Take the opinions of experts over blog hacks anyday.
They all have to prove they belong by performing against ML competition.
–
Which is accomplished in the minors how?
Jerkface,
You feel very strongly about this, don’t you?
Given the fact that Jesus is so young, this is not a horrible thing (if it happens), and might do more good than harm.
In fact, just the fact they are considering Gustavo means they really prize Montero. You may not see it that way, but it’s apparent to almost everyone else that he’s not quite ready. He’s almost there, and the wait will be with it.
The Nova argument is really weak considering he was tearing up AAA last year, yet the Yankees stuck with Javy and turned to guys like Mitre and Moseley, before finally giving Nova a shot on August 23rd.
Nova should probably tell us we won’t see Montero until very late in the season, months after Martin and/or Cervelli have proven their suckitude.
I have been away for awhile and as a result haven’t seen a lot of Yankee ST games, but I believe that if the Yanks think Montero can be an effective back-up catcher from the start of the season he will start the season on the Yanks, and if they don’t think so he won’t.
If he doesn’t make the club, I think that means the jury is still out on the catcher thing.
Take the opinions of experts over blog hacks anyday.
–
Don’t beat yourself up.
“Nick in SF – I agree with your 4:37 post.”
You are smart to, and anyone who doesn’t probably isn’t really committed to the Yankees winning a World Series this year.
“There is no reason why he would say anything about Montero’s arbitration clock, but he did.”
Craw
I thought he said it in response to a question.
Anyway, I’m out for now.
Molina is hitting 5-41 (.122) in his major league career.
He’s not even as good as Chad Moeller, let alone Montero.
Dumb decision. Good luck with Martin, coming off Knee surgery, playing 6 days a week in 40 degree weather for the next month. Going to be to be nice seeing Molina’s .122 average against Jon Lester in a day game after a night game.
“What will NOT happen is learning to deal with a 162 game season as a catcher by playing once a week. Won’t have the stamina to last the whole year by sitting around watching. Playing every day in AAA is the only way to develop that aspect of catching, no?”
———————-
Then what do you do next year?
Just throw Montero into the everyday job?
I thought the logic of Martin was so the Yankees could break Montero in slowly, before handing him the keys to the everyday job.
The Yankees are too afraid to hand a rookie catcher the everyday job. The Yankees don’t want Montero sitting on the bench.
And around and around we go.
well, i guess they had all thier meetings, all of a sudden, we know pretty much the entire roster and we’re just wainting fot them to annoint nova and colon the starters and we’re set to go north.
unless cash money’s got something else working. girardi’s comments kind of have me wondering…
SI_JonHeyman colon better suited for pen as he’s throwing 93-94 in 1st but just 88-89 by 3rd, scout says. garcia velo low but consistent
—
Well that’s a lie.
Anyway, say hello to your temporary backup catcher Molina, and Cervelli once he is healthy, probably for the rest of the year.
And Colon in the pen unless Garcia turns into the worst pitcher in the majors, and that won’t be fixed until the All-Star break regardless.
Girardi is getting depresingly easier to read.
“That’s the best you got to explain away your silly post?”
So why did you qualify your remark to say the Yankees “state” they want to win every year. What was the relevance of that if you’re now arguing you don’t question their intentions?
Believe it or not, simply calling people names really isn’t effective rebuttal and your refusal to explain your statement is in fact the most transparent part of your response.
Why is having your own words repeated back to you SOOO aggravating?
I don’t think this decision has anything to do with them thinking Montero could be a back-up.
it’s quite clear that he could.
maybe they were hoping he would be farther along in his development that they could get away with him learning on the fly… and that has not materialized so he goes where he belongs. catching and learning every day in AAA.
Out of curiosity, what “experts” does mick speak of?
If you’re not sure whether Montero needs more time in AAA or needs to be in the Bronx now, then all I can say is you’d better have a damn good conductor.
“Which is accomplished in the minors how?”
For the last time, I’ll try to explain before signing off. When any prospect is finally given their chance to play as major league players, I view all of them as question marks until they actually perform well against major league competition. That’s my only point I’m making, as the accomplishments in the minors has nothing to do with that point.
“The Yankees are too afraid to hand a rookie catcher the everyday job. The Yankees don’t want Montero sitting on the bench.
And around and around we go.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself. They are allergic to giving young players an opportunity. We’re fortunate that Nova put up good numbers in the Spring, or he probably would have headed to AAA too.
They have to start somewhere with young players. No amount of AAA experience will get them ready for the big leagues. They can only learn once they are up here. This is the perfect opp. to get Montero’s feet wet as a backup, instead, they will delay it once again for a .122 hitter to go 0-4.
LGY – catching every day for 4-5 months in AAA and then coming up to break in his bat at the end of the year is not the most logical way to prepare a catcher for every day duty next year?
I’d love to hear a better plan that doesn’t involve him not playing every day.
“maybe they were hoping he would be farther along in his development that they could get away with him learning on the fly… and that has not materialized so he goes where he belongs. catching and learning every day in AAA.”
I don’t know about that, ID. What I do know is that before I left on vacation Montero was a shoe-in to be the back-up catcher, and when I get back the common wisdom is he’s going back down and a Star Ledger article says he looks “worn down”. To me, that says the jury is still out.
“Right, but Mitre was never a true option for long man since he failed the basic premise of long man, being able to start effectively.”
Well, if by “true option” means he didn’t perform this role to your satisfaction, I have no rebuttal.
If the fact he actually did fill that role for all of last year, then I have to disagree.
You know I get accused of arguing for arguing sakes a lot, and that’s fine. But are you REALLY suggesting Mitre’s trade was NOT because the Yankees decided they’d rather keep Colon and Nova instead of Mitre?
Jerkface,
That’s my personal opinion so feel free to disagree, but it’s how I feel based on seeing more can’t miss prospects fail as major league players over the last 50 something years, I can’t even keep track of them.
I thought Cervelli would start as the BUC unless Montero had a bomb spring, but then when Cervelli went down I thought he just got pipped by Montero. Guess not.
Montero owns AAA pitching. If he’s ever going to get better he needs to face big leaguers. Not to mention, the organization’s best catching instructor happens to be the major league bench coach. And the head coach used to be a big league catcher. It just makes too much sense to have Montero as the backup catcher to start the season.
I’ll tell you who is excited about this news. Cervelli. he was on a one way ticket out of town if montero was the BUC.
What’s the famous quote of John Maynard Keynes?
“When the situation changes, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?”
The situation around Montero changed – he seemed to press, and struggled a bit, both behind the plate and at bat. Given that you need a certain level of D out of your C, coupled with the limited playing time he was going to see, and the NY weather in April, there’s a logic to it. The same logic as before Cervelli was hurt.
Not going to matter in the long run when Montero gets the call.
“Couldn’t have said it better myself. They are allergic to giving young players an opportunity.”
Brett Gardner says what’s up.
This forum was decidedly pro anyone-but-Brett-Gardner a year ago at this time.
Whether you fell into this camp is besides the point.
That you forgot he got his chance is what’s relevant.
The Yankees have 9 straight games between the 2nd and 10th.
6 straight between the 12th and 17th.
17 straight games between the 22nd and May 8th.
16 straight games between May 10th and 25th.
Yankee fans better get used to the sight of Gustavo Molina.
Montero sent into Scranton exile here
What if the decision to send Montero down was due to Girardi and Pena thinking he’s not ready to be a major league catcher?
patrick – Montero owns AAA pitching. If he’s ever going to get better he needs to face big leaguers
They aren’t trying to make him a better hitter, is that so hard to follow? He needs to catch to have a place on this franchise for the next 5 years. If he can’t be the catcher of the future he MUST be traded.
there are no 1B or DH at-bats available to Montero until a-rod/teix/jeter all retire/sign elsewhere.
Who the he!! is Gustavo Molina, are you kidding me this dude stinks, what has he done to earn a big league spot, can someone please tell me, absolutely nothing.
Is there nothing better than this guy in the free agent pool, if they are sending Montero down.
But are you REALLY suggesting Mitre’s trade was NOT because the Yankees decided they’d rather keep Colon and Nova instead of Mitre?
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What? They traded him because he was a worse option than both those guys. I just don’t think that logic applies to Montero’s situation. You said that Mitre’s performance was good but they traded him anyways simply to keep Nova, I disagree. I think they traded him because they wanted to keep Colon and Mitre just didn’t represent enough upside.
Mitre pitched well… in 1 and 2 inning stints. He wasn’t being a long man he was being a middle reliever and the Yankees have middle relievers with way more upside and a long man with way more upside.
LGY – You better get used to Molina not being a detriment to the team winning because there is plenty of offense to go around.
“LGY March 25th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
The Yankees have 9 straight games between the 2nd and 10th.
6 straight between the 12th and 17th.
17 straight games between the 22nd and May 8th.
16 straight games between May 10th and 25th.
Yankee fans better get used to the sight of Gustavo Molina.”
++++++++++++++++++
I think I’m going to puke
I have noticed that our offense hasn’t looked too hot in Spring, so we need as few automatic outs and this Molina character is brutal.
This guy has done nothing to warrant a big league spot, Cashman and Girardi are the textbook description of paralysis of analysis.
Gustavo Molina, I think I just threw up in my mouth. Yuck.
I think it’s ridiculous to believe that spring training performance doesn’t matter. Does anyone think Nova would be the fourth starter if he didn’t have a good spring? Does anyone thing Colon would have made this team if he didn’t have a good spring?
Neither Montero or Romine did well enough to backup Martin who is coming off an injury. And as young as they are, they don’t want to throw either to the wolves in New York. Sink or swim is not necessarily the best way to develop a young prospect, especially a catcher who is not that adept defensively to start with. It’s not good for the team and not good for the confidence of the player.
One more point, don’t you think a camp with Girardi and Peña is pretty qualified to assess where a catcher is in his development? Again – what is the rush?
Jerkface,
You feel very strongly about this, don’t you?
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No he just likes to argue but without his sabremetric razmatazz his arguments stink.
there are no 1B or DH at-bats available to Montero until a-rod/teix/jeter all retire/sign elsewhere.
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Haha of course there are
The experts are coaches, mgrs, GM’s, you know that GF.
I have no problem with Montero being sent down based on his Spring, but what I do have a problem with is Gustavo Molina backing up a player like Russel Martin who is no picture of health himself and what if he goes down, is Gustavo Molina our starting catcher.
Is Molina going to be splitting time 3+ starts a week with Martin, because of Martin’s health issues.
This is making me sick just picturing it. There has got to be something or someone better sitting at home.
I would take Chad Moeller back, right now Jose Molina looks like god compared to this situation with Gustavo Molina making the roster possibly.
Nice job Cashman, leave it to the Yankees to have a scrub like this possibly playing half of the games per week, because Martin will need time off to even stay healthy.
Can’t begin to explain my level of disgust.
“The determination is, do you want to take them out of that for a month (or) a month and a half and retard their development a little bit? “- joe girardi
now if chad really wanted to liven up the next interview with girardi he could say ,” jerkface says ‘ jesus montero has nothing else further to learn at triple a’ . ”
“what do you have to say about that joe? “