If you follow the New York Yankees minor-league system at all you know catcher Jesus Montero is the organization's prized prospect. And one of the most highly-regarded prospects in all of baseball.
John Sickels, esteemed editor of Minor League Ball, offers a glowing assessment in an excerpt from his 2010 Baseball Prospects Book.
Jesus Montero is an amazing young hitter. He has excellent power to all fields. Although not a walk machine, he controls the zone well and doesn't strike out very much for a power hitter. He hits fastballs. He hits breaking balls. You might fool him once but don't try the same trick too soon or he'll make you pay. He murdered the Florida State League to the tune of a +45 percent OPS, and he remained extremely successful in the Eastern League at +26 OPS. For now, Montero will remain behind the plate, waiting for a DH spot to open up in New York. He could also be traded, but any trade involving Montero as a centerpiece would have to be a blockbuster. I have absolutely no doubts about Montero's bat. Despite the questions about his glove, Montero rates as pure Grade A prospect. The bat is that good.
-- 'Kudos' to Sliding Into Home
- Bert Blyleven, writing for NBC Sports, says the American League East will again be a two-team race.
"The World Series champion New York Yankees should be as good as ever, and the Boston Red Sox will be right in the mix, too. The Rays are still the potential third contender among the other AL East teams is the Rays, but they will need to stay healthy and have a lot of things to go right."
- If you can't get enough Alex Rodriguez here is everything you wanted to know about his off-season. It's too much information for me, to be honest.
- Bernie Williams fans will want to check out this video interview with YESNetwork.
- MLB.com's Hal Bodley caught up with Don Zimmer as he readies for his 52nd season in a major league uniform.
- The Mets might be interested in Chien-Ming Wang.