Montero not playing winter ball
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Oct 18, 2011 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
The Yankees have decided not to have Jesus Montero play winter ball this offseason. Between Triple-A and the big leagues, Montero played in 127 games this season, and he caught most of them.
General manager Brian Cashman said the Yankees will have Montero maintain his strength and conditioning, but they don’t want him to continue playing in games.
Just to answer some of the emails I’ve gotten recently: Cashman immediately dismissed the notion of moving Montero to right field. That’s just not going to happen.
A few other quick notes this morning…
• The Yankees had to give permission for Hector Noesi to play winter ball, and as part of that agreement, they stipulated that he had to be used as a starter with a certain pitch limit. “He’s in good hands,” Cashman said.
• Despite Noesi’s move to the bullpen this season, Cashman said the Yankees still view Noesi as a starter who will compete for a big league rotation spot next spring. “It wasn’t part of the plan to have him as a mopup guy or long man out of our bullpen this year,” Cashman said. “He needs to make up for lost innings.”
• Eduardo Nunez will also play winter ball this offseason, but he doesn’t have enough Major League at-bats for the Yankees to be able to dictate the terms of his use. The Yankees would like to see him play some outfield, but they can’t stipulate that. “I think it would be beneficial,” Cashman said. “I think he can play anywhere.”
• Cashman said it would be a blow to lose either Damon Oppenheimer or Billy Eppler to a GM job, but it’s ultimately good for the organization to have those sort of up-and-comers in the front office. “You’ve got to develop talent on the field as well as the front office,” Cashman said.
The Yankees seem to be making the right decisions.
Didn’t Arod invite Montero to join in his off-season workouts? Seems to be a really good idea.
When was the last time the Yankees signed a successful white American starter? Mussina?
———————————————————–
So then you were against the Lee signing not because of the years money or his age but for the simple fact that he was white?
Villa Nova-Ya October 18th, 2011 at 9:06 am
Didn?t Arod invite Montero to join in his off-season workouts? Seems to be a really good idea.
*******************
Camp A-Rod!!
Doesn’t have the same ring to it as Camp Cano.
It is an interesting system where you play 162 games, and the two teams that were able to come out on top over that long marathon are nowhere to be found in the final rounds of the playoffs.
————————————
Villa-
Maybe the winner of the most games in each league should be able to pick their opponent in the ALDSand NLDS. That would seem fair. The Yankees might have picked the Rays. The Phillies the Diamondbacks. This would allow those teams with the best record over the course of 162 games to decide their opponent based on factors of who is rested for game 1, who is injured, who is in a recent slump, etc.
No need for Montero to play in Venezuela this winter. He’ll be one of the earliest arrivals in Tampa in January and work out with Jeter and others. As it is he can go to Tampa anytime and use the facitilites whenever he wants to.
Yankee Trader -
You’ve suggested that often here, and I have declined to opine on it, because I’m not certain it would work.
In theory, it sounds like it would be a great situation to be in. But there’ve been years past where the Yankees have matched up with teams that were seemingly favorable to the Yankees, and it didn’t work out.
You just gotta play the games and hope your team is able to do what it has to do when it has to do it, and that is, bottom line, not what the Yankees did this season. Did not open the door on the more than one occasion when opportunity knocked.
I’m not quite certain however, why a team can’t play the WC team just because they’re in the same division.
So then you were against the Lee signing not because of the years money or his age but for the simple fact that he was white?
—–
I was being sarcastic in response to the no Japanese pitchers comment.
“Maybe the winner of the most games in each league should be able to pick their opponent in the ALDSand NLDS.”
That puts the teams in a weird spot and gives the opposing team bulletin board material…..just let the best record play the worst record……that’s the normal and logical way to do it.
This year it would have been
Yanks vs Rays/Sox winner
Texas vs Detroit
Philly vs Cards/Braves winner
Dbacks vs Brewers.
I was being sarcastic in response to the no Japanese pitchers comment.
————————————————
My bad. I’m still on my first cup of coffee
My bad. I’m still on my first cup of coffee
—–+
Try switching to bacon
I don’t think you say “no Japanese pitchers” just because they are Japanese ……but there is a track record of unsuccessful moves to the big leagues from Japan. Aside from Nomo for a couple of years and Kuroda being ok they just haven’t translated well to MLB……that doesn’t mean you rule out an entire race from consideration….but it does mean you proceed with caution IMO. When was the last time the Yankees signed an asian pitcher that was successful?
speaking of bulletin board material…has anyone seen how they (MLB network) have dragged Lance Berkman’s pre season comments out? Where he said he wouldn’t sign w/ the Rangers b/c w/o Lee they were just an average team? I think they are trying to stir up some controversy since the ratings for the play off series dropped off this year.
mmmmmm bacon
Villa and Blake-
Fair enough. Good points. Have to go. Everyone have a great day.
When was the last time the Yankees signed an asian pitcher that was successful?
———————————————————————–
They have only signed 2 Asian players. 1 was decent his first year here and the other wasn’t even major league caliber
“They have only signed 2 Asian players. 1 was decent his first year here and the other wasn’t even major league caliber”
0-2. Though Darvish is probably a lot better than both of them
Kate,
Yea….I agree….trying to get people interested…..those were some pretty dumb comments by Lance though and seemingly out of character.
really no reason for Montero to catch in winter ball he has that down pat already…..what this kid is …is a 22 year old DH
General manager Brian Cashman said the Yankees will have Montero maintain his strength and conditioning, but they don’t want him to continue playing in games.
———————————–
BS…..he’s 22 years old & how many games has he played and catch since he came up to the Big Team in Sept…..
DKnobler MLB likes the Tex-Stl matchup so little that in 15 years of interleague play, Rangers have never been to STL. Cards have been to TEX once.
when he came up to the Big Team in Sept…..
—————————————-
Dice K was pretty decent here as well before he got hurt even with the Sox screwing around with him
Maybe they plan on Montero playing so much in 2012 that they just want him fully rested going into the season!
Camp A-Rod is also Camp Jorge since they’ve worked out together the past few years. It’s a 2-fer.
General manager Brian Cashman said the Yankees will have Montero maintain his strength and conditioning, but they don’t want him to continue playing in games.
——————————————–
down in the minors in 2011 he played in 109 of the teams 142 games…88 as a catcher and 20 as a DH….
Joeman obviously has the pulse of the front office regarding Montero given that he’s predicted Montero would be traded in each of the last three offseasons and July 31st trade deadlines.
Yet, he is still a Yankee.
And now, unlike the last 2 years, there’s actually a spot waiting for him when the team goes to camp in Feb.
Camp A-Rod is also Camp Jorge since they?ve worked out together the past few years. It?s a 2-fer.
***********************
Hmmm…
Camp A-Sada?
Giuseppe Franco October 18th, 2011 at 10:30 am
Joeman obviously has the pulse of the front office regarding Montero given that he’s predicted Montero would be traded in each of the last three offseasons and July 31st trade deadlines.
Yet, he is still a Yankee.
And now, unlike the last 2 years, there’s actually a spot waiting for him when the team goes to camp in Feb.
——————————————
where did you come up with that crap, don’t put that out there you have no idea what your talking about…..I wanted him to come north with the big club out of spring training
the only player I wanted him trade for was King & that wasn’t going to happen…really don’t know whre you got that…if you have proof put it up
Po-Rod?
or perhaps a double entendre……. A-Jor!
“When was the last time the Yankees signed an asian pitcher that was successful?”
Wang was good
Hello, everyone
You are such a liar.
You’ve said time and time again for the last two years (this offseason would make it three years) that Montero would be traded for a front end starter.
pat-
Venezuela takes their baseball players very seriously. In the paper they don’t even show the scores of the game just the. Venezuelan players box scores. I am sure there will be a lot of disappointed people in Venezuela over the Yankees decision.
I’m down with Darvish. His posting fee might be outrageous but it might also be less than expected based on the results of other Japanese starters over the last decade. I’m just trying to think of who would put up $30+ million for a posting fee and that group of teams has to be pretty small..
“Wang was good”
Should have said Japanese pitcher…….Wang was good….but he didn’t last very long either in reality.
The appeal with Darvish is the lack of resources it would cost. And thats basically it.
Giuseppe Franco October 18th, 2011 at 10:38 am
You are such a liar.
You’ve said time and time again for the last two years (this offseason would make it three years) that Montero would be traded for a front end starter
————————————————————
would I trade him for a #1 SP…..yes I would, but the only name I mention was King…
How does the posting fee work? Is it a blind, highest bidder thing? When is this usually done?
98NYY
Not only do they take their players seriously, but they take their baseball seriously in general. I would venture to guess that aside from having played a lot of games this year, and just not wanting to wear him out, that the Yankees don’t want to risk injury.
Cervelli got a concussion in Venezuelan BB – I think it was two winters ago, but I’m shaky on exactly when it was.
blake October 18th, 2011 at 10:47 am
“Wang was good”
Should have said Japanese pitcher…….Wang was good….but he didn’t last very long either in reality.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wang’s initial injury (foot) was courtesy of Bobby Meacham who had him slide into 3rd base when he shouldn’t have. That led to his shoulder issues from overcompensating from the foot injury.
Teams post a bid,not knowing what other teams posted & the highest bidder wins,no do overs.
I believe that is how it is done.
LockDown – “Under this system, when an NPB player is “posted”, MLB holds a four-day-long silent auction during which MLB teams can submit sealed bids in an attempt to win the exclusive rights to negotiate with the player for a period of 30 days.”
108,
Yea I know…….
Villa Nova-Ya October 18th, 2011 at 10:53 am
98NYY
Not only do they take their players seriously, but they take their baseball seriously in general. I would venture to guess that aside from having played a lot of games this year, and just not wanting to wear him out, that the Yankees don’t want to risk injury.
——————————————
I could see the injury part…but is catching 88 of 142 games wearing someone down at 22 years old…
But the circumstances of his injury doesn’t change the fact that very few Asian pitchers have has longterm success as starting pitchers in the big leagues…….
would I trade him for a #1 SP…..yes I would, but the only name I mention was King…
——
How do you plan on trading for Cain?
blake – Agree 100%, at this point so few have had long term success (have any?) that you can’t ignore it… but I’d still take him over other options. Trading for a starter means we have to give stuff up. I hate that. Also, if we sign a guy like Darvish and he sucks theres no tip toeing around what to do with him like there would be for some high priced free agent – you can just keep him in AAA to keep Kei company without dealing with much PR noise.
Blake, 108,
Yeah. The foot started it all with Wang… But Blake was talking about Japanese pitchers only. Anyway, I would take it in a player to player basis, wouldn’t discard a whole league/nation
I hope the union doesnt fold on the hard slotting. If they allow that to go through it’ll be bad news for large market teams. The Yanks have done most of their best work in the later rounds when they threw big money at guys unlikely to sign. They’ve gotten a lot of talent that way and that pipeline would close with a hard slotting system. All those kids would go to school and then get drafted in the first couple rounds whenever they come out.
Wang did not injure his foot sliding into third. He hurt it after he rounded third and was headed home. At no time did Meacham have him sliding into third base.
“How do you plan on trading for Cain?”
What do you think of Betances/Swisher +? Giants don’t need MLB-ready SP, I think. I know, Yankees should get another RF with a decent bat.
Haven’t seen Darvish, but I sure as hell don’t want CJ. I see NO POINT in signing him. Joel Sherman article today said Yanks honchos are underwhelmed by him. I hope they don’t sign him to play prevent.
I’d prefer to sign no one, unless it’s another 1-year thing (like Freddy or Bart or dare I utter, Andy). Having a second lefty would be nice, sure, but I wouldn’t sign CJ on that premise. Manny may be up at some point, any way – I wouldn’t count him out. Dellin isn’t a lefty, but he gets them out, & I’m not ruling him or Manny out for forcing the Yankees’ hand this season at some point.
Hughes/Joba/Noesi…. surely one in three can find a way into the rotation. C/Nova/AJ and one/two of those three…. what the hell’s wrong with that?
What do you think of Betances/Swisher +?
///
The Yankees think very highly of Betances, so I don’t think he’s going to be traded for Matt Cain. To put it mildly
.
LGY October 18th, 2011 at 11:03 am
would I trade him for a #1 SP…..yes I would, but the only name I mention was King…
——
How do you plan on trading for Cain
———————————————-
don’t know if it would get it done …would put Gardner or Swish in a package – Montero
don’t know if it would get it done …would put Gardner or Swish in a package –Montero
——-
So you have mentioned more names than King?
OK. Once you complete this trade who plays LF/RF and DH next season?
Trick or Treat?
JonLaneNYC Report: Brian Cashman expecting new deal by Halloween http://bit.ly/pPzafv #Yankees
I am guessing treat. The real question is will he appear in his elf costume?
CClub,
I think hard slotting would suck for the Yanks…..but may not affect them as much as it would have a few years ago because a lot of teams are paying over slot now…..not just the big boys. Also….the Yanks just haven’t done it a ton since they got burned on Cole…..they had a couple of chances this year to pay over on guys and didn’t. (Bell, Norris). I like it the way it is though……now an international draft would really hurt them
The Giants can have Swish, Nunez, and Phelps for Cain….or something like that.
kate-
blake October 18th, 2011 at 11:43 am
The Giants can have Swish, Nunez, and Phelps for Cain….or something like that.
——————————
but who’s going to play RF
Considering the Giants traded their best pitching prospect for Beltran and that the NL weather is pretty wide open……im going to consider them in win now mode and assume Cain would only be available if they get a huge offer….or if they are 10 games back in July
LGY October 18th, 2011 at 11:27 am
don’t know if it would get it done …would put Gardner or Swish in a package –Montero
——-
So you have mentioned more names than King?
OK. Once you complete this trade who plays LF/RF and DH next season?
———————-
that is – (minus) Montero
Gotta go. See ya!
Weather = west
“Who would play RF”
Beltran
I certainly agree the NL weather is wide open
So some want to see Montero, Swisher, and Gardner traded for starting pitching but no plan for how to replace 1/3 of the offense?
blake October 18th, 2011 at 11:48 am
Weather = west
“Who would play RF”
Beltran
—————————
that was the question I was asked, just thought I would forward it
corner OFers a dime a dozen
I can’t see a scenario where the Yankees wouldn’t be interested in Matt Cain. He’s a workhorse pitcher who gets outs and he’s hard to hit. He would be a solid guy to place with CC and he has identical career numbers in many categories, better stats in others.
But Montero for 1 extra year of Matt Cain is a waste of resources when you can use Montero to bring in a cost-controlled front-end pitcher that will keep payroll down in the rotation and free up money to ink a big bat this off season (Fielder) or next off season (Kemp).
Gio Gonzalez fits the profile of a cost-controlled front end starter.
The report that Oakland wants a young ace in return with no mention of a bat could mean Billy Beane covets Jesus Montero but doesn’t want to lose leverage. The idea that Montero wouldn’t be on his wish list is absurd. Look at Oakland’s offense. I think Beane’s cry for an ace masks his teams biggest weakness. Asking for offense would make Beane’s team look vulnerable and devalue his only real trading chip that can be used to rebuild some of his roster.
He might just be trying to avoid a Yankee offer that insists on useless B prospects along with Montero. Beane’s smart to aim for at least one high end pitching prospect along with Montero or “ace” as it was reported by Sherman.
Like every other GM out there, he’s trying to snare Banuelos.
For the record, I’m opposed to dealing Manny Banuelos in any deal…
Montero + Manny is too steep.
I don’t see a deal getting done with Beane and certainly not for 1 extra year of Matt Cain. But if the choice is between the two, the Yankees would probably prefer Gio because of the cost-control IMHO.
I don’t want Montero traded for anybody……would only trade Gardner for a big return…..and would only trade Swisher if ai coukd get Beltran short term or aquire somebody better
LGY October 18th, 2011 at 11:48 am
So some want to see Montero, Swisher, and Gardner traded for starting pitching but no plan for how to replace 1/3 of the offense
———————————————–
the package was Gardner or Swish in a package – (minus) Montero…..as stated above fill the whole with CB
corner OFers a dime a dozen
———————
So what are the options for replacing Swisher and Gardner?
blake October 18th, 2011 at 11:50 am
I don’t want Montero traded for anybody……would only trade Gardner for a big return…..and would only trade Swisher if ai coukd get Beltran short term or aquire somebody better
—————————-
Wouldn’t even deal him for King if you could
LGY October 18th, 2011 at 11:53 am
corner OFers a dime a dozen
———————
So what are the options for replacing Swisher and Gardner
————————————–
Beltran..
upstate kate October 18th, 2011 at 11:41 am
I am guessing treat. The real question is will he appear in his elf costume?
///
Doesn’t Pedroia have dibs on that? Or does he not count, since his elf-ness isn’t a costume?
Doesn?t Pedroia have dibs on that? Or does he not count, since his elf-ness isn?t a costume?
************************
the latter
Beltran..
————
That’s one.
You have been very clear on your desire to trade all three players so I’m curious as to how you plan on filling the other two holes.
“Wouldn’t even deal him for King if you could”
No…..maybe straight up Id think about it….but Jack Z is ridiculous
I said…Gardner OR Swish in a package
I said…Gardner OR Swish in a package
——————-
FOR Cain.
But you have stated many times you want Gardner, Swisher, and Montero traded. So let’s say the Yankees obtain Cain without trading Gardner.
You would suddenly no longer have the desire to trade Gardner?
Danks makes the most sense as a trade target if Kenny Williams will play ball
Here’s my unconditional answer on Montero going anywhere for anyone:
No.
I wouldn’t deal Montero for King Felix because of the 20 million dollar price tag and because the Yankees sit just one year short of expensive front end free agent pitchers if they’re willing to spend that kind of money every year on a number 2 behind CC.
And as Blake said, Jack Z is ridiculous. He would want 3-4 A-prospects included with Montero.
The ideal target is a cost-controlled front end pitcher and the idea package is Montero + B prospects or fringe prospects.
Montero only for a stud #1 SP….Gardner for a #2 SP…..don’t care if they keep or trade Swish
Seems to me the only way you’d get anything decent for Gardner would be if you included, say, Chamberlain & maybe a Warren & Joseph – something like that.
That package has pitching upside & youth, a guy who can really hit, & Gardner as a speedy OF who’s still only 28. OTOH, it would have to make sense. I don’t see the point of dealing Gardner for the sake of dealing him. If Montero is truly a lineup fixture, Gardner’s lack of SLUG becomes far less of an issue.
Montero only for a stud #1 SP….Gardner for a #2 SP…..don’t care if they keep or trade Swish
———————–
So unless the Yankees can obtain a #1 starter for Montero and/or a #2 starter for Gardner you are happy to have both those players in Pinstripes next season?
Jack Z is going to hang on to Felix for 2.5 more years thinking he has a shot in the AL west and then trade him for trash in the summer of 2014.
Where’s Felix hitting in the aging lineup the four days out of five he can’t help us?
The thoughtless, obsessive lust for Felix is pretty comical.
J. Alfred Prufrock October 18th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Seems to me the only way you’d get anything decent for Gardner would be if you included, say, Chamberlain & maybe a Warren & Joseph – something like that.
That package has pitching upside & youth, a guy who can really hit, & Gardner as a speedy OF who’s still only 28. OTOH, it would have to make sense. I don’t see the point of dealing Gardner for the sake of dealing him. If Montero is truly a lineup fixture, Gardner’s lack of SLUG becomes far less of an issue.
———————————–
if they are looking to upgrade #2 they are going to have to trade a fulltime position player on the roster….looking around the pickings are slim….Gardner or Swish or maybe one more
I think this notion of an aging lineup is weak fear mongering and not really a valid justification for keeping Montero.
There is plenty of offense on the board through free agency.
However, the Yankees would have to keep down costs in the rotation to be able to accommodate 1 or 2 more big bats to fit in with Cano.
LGY October 18th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Montero only for a stud #1 SP….Gardner for a #2 SP…..don’t care if they keep or trade Swish
———————–
So unless the Yankees can obtain a #1 starter for Montero and/or a #2 starter for Gardner you are happy to have both those players in Pinstripes next season?
—————————
fine with Montero…..not with Gardner
J Alfred
what Erin said
I predict the following will be in pinstripes next year:
CC
Montero
Gardner
Swish
fine with Montero…..not with Gardner
——-
Do you think Beltran can handle LF at YS?
Bret The Hitman October 18th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
I think this notion of an aging lineup is weak fear mongering and not really a valid justification for keeping Montero.
///
Bret, you’re the one with the phobia. We’ve got plenty of pitching. We’ve got three young guys with really good arms – one of them is bound to work out in the rotation. We also have two peaches in AAA that will be knocking on the door. You are fear mongering about a rotation that doesn’t have the phantom problems you think it does.
You also don’t seem to appreciate or recognize that Montero is going to hit for average and power and that he’s virtually leak proof, 21 years old, and hello – a catcher.
So I understand why you misunderstand – because you miss mistake a phantom issue for a real one, and miss what is the central one.
I have no problem acknowledging the Yankees need young offense but they also need a co-ace or a #2 with CC.
There are two ways to get there IMHO:
1)Keep Montero, wait one year and spend big on a FA pitcher (Cain, Greinke, Hamels, E. Santana)
2)Trade Montero for a cost-controlled starter, sign Fielder and/or Matt Kemp next year.
The budget is pretty much the same whether you choose 1 or 2.
Where fans differ is on Montero’s ability or inability to catch.
Let’s face it, his value to the team drops if he’s a DH instead of a catcher. I lean towards that projection. It appears the Yankees are leaning that way as well, thus the way they: brought in Martin, refuse to trade Cervelli, haven’t dealt Romine, want to keep Martin, wouldn’t use Montero at catcher down the stretch, didn’t use Montero in the playoffs, will return Martin, etc.
Since I believe Fielder or Kemp are more proven bats than Montero, I lean towards 2 but that’s also because I know it’s at least possible that Montero can be traded for a better pitcher than those mentioned in scenario 1 outside of Hamels (I think the Phillies keep Hamels).
There are a ton of different variables so these debates can go on forever. But nobody is right or wrong. We all just want what’s best for the team so no need to lash out at each other.
Would you trade Montero for Hellickson?
I prefer to sign Matt Kemp AND keep Montero…….if they need pitching next winter it’ll be available.
Blake,
Then your scenario costs significantly more. You’re adding a player to option 1. That means I can add a player to option 2 to balance costs.
“Would you trade Montero for Hellickson?”
No
New Post: The Michael Young comparison
Nunez is going nowhere in any deal. He’ll make fielding improvements over the winter. Ramiro Pena has too light of a bat and wouldn’t have filled in for Alex and Derek as good as Nunez did when they were on the DL this year.
Some have said that lined up in a dead even run from 1st to 2nd base (no sliding) Nunez would outrun Gardner. Nunez also has some good alley power.
Bret,
His does it cost more…..both involve signing Matt Kemp….this cost controlled #1 doesn’t exist…..not one that’d available.
Bret, I lean towards the Mike Piazza projection. That means I don’t trade him. I especially don’t trade him for pitching, since I don’t really need this “No 2″ that is about as valid, to help you understand, as anti-cholesterol drugs are. The disease is invented, so they can create and sell you the drug for it.
We don’t have a lack of No. 2 disease – it’s a creation of the media; therefore, we don’t have to address a phantom need, and we certainly aren’t going to give up the most projectable, most singularly talented bat the system has produced since Mantle, in terms of average/power..who also happens to be a catcher? That’s just insane.
As for his catching future, he’s going to catch. Probably not every day, but he’s going to give us plenty of days and nights where we have an insane advantage with that bat behind the plate. Your hand waving that doesn’t make me any less convinced that he is kept at virtually all costs.
The Yankees also are not desperate for pitching, and that would be a desperate, damaging move to deal Montero for a starter. The two guys in AAA with the big upsides are a great reason not to do anything stupid. No reason at all to even contemplate your No. 2 suggestion. (Matt Kemp isn’t a free agent yet, and there’s no guarantee he’ll even hit FA. Fielder has no place to play, and doesn’t want to strictly DH, what’s more he’s 28 years old….no sale).