What If Jesus Montero Struggles?
by Brandon C. on Jan 12, 2012 4:13 PM EST
in New York Yankees Analysis
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PrintThis is a question I do not want to ask, but I feel needs to be addressed. The popular belief here seems to be that Jesus Montero will start the season with the Yankees, hit well enough, and neither he nor the Yankees will ever look back.
Still, there is a possibility that Montero cannot recreate the end of his 2011 campaign, struggles, and the Yankees are left with a tough decision.
First of all, the Yankees need to address this possibility before the off-season ends. Montero is expected to be the designated hitter for the majority of the time, if not daily. The Yankees do not seem to be in the market for any potential designated hitters because of this expectation.
The Yankees need to decide if Montero will play through his struggles in the MLB, if Montero will be demoted to work through his struggles in AAA, or if Montero will be benched for another player in the majors until he improves.
If the Yankees decide Montero will play through his struggles, they can continue doing business with zero expectations of signing a free agent or making a trade. Last season the Yankees used this option when Jorge Posada struggled, despite having Montero ready in AAA to be promoted.
Say the Yankees decide Montero will be demoted to AAA if he struggles, the team then has to make the decision of whether or not there will be a likely in house replacement for Montero. Andruw Jones fits the bill on the major league team, and Jorge Vazquez remains a possibility in AAA.
However, if the Yankees do not feel Jones/Vazquez/others in the system are strong enough players to be the DH full time if Montero is demoted, the team needs to look at the free agent market once again. There are no strong candidates, so this does not seem likely.
Please do not get me wrong, I think Montero will start off the season strong, as he does not seem like the type of player that is willing to go back to AAA. The only suggestion here is that the Yankees need a plan in case Montero does struggle.
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Do they make sugar free skittles?
It’s gone to your brain
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by Cory Braiterman on Jan 12, 2012 4:18 PM EST reply actions
You send him back to AAA if his play dictates that he needs to be playing every day to fix something and the team can’t afford for him to do it at the big league level. The idea of having a “what to do if Montero struggles” plan is ridiculous, because the decision will be entirely dependent on how he is struggling and what other options are available. There’s no way to know any of that in the offseason.
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Disagree somewhat
If he struggles, we know it’s going to be some type of hitting issue and the Yankees will have Long work with him at the Major League level to try to fix it. The only question will be for how long. I think after working with Long, that if he hasn’t “fixed” whatever problem he incurs, they will then send him to AAA to work on it some more. I’d guess they will give it a couple of weeks, maybe less, maybe more depending on how badly he’s struggling.
Romine!
Again, it all depends on the context. If Montero is struggling as a result of adjusting to and recognizing major league breaking balls, sending him down to AAA does absolutely nothing to help. If Montero is struggling defensively, AAA is a perfect place for him to work on his defense. If there is a giant hole in his swing that is being exploited and he has a lot of work to do, it may help to send him down. If his results are terrible and his confidence looks low, it might be better to let him play every day instead of benching him. Or, they might think that his at bats look okay and that he can turn the corner if they let him work it out in the majors.
There are any number of ways in which he could struggle, all of which should have a different response. Also, the effectiveness and health Russell Martin, Andruw Jones and others will also play a huge part. If Martin is healthy and Jones is hitting well enough to be trusted to DH almost every day, that certainly makes it easier to swallow sending Montero down. If Martin is nicked up and Jones is hitting like the first half, they’re going to be a lot less inclined to put Cervelli and Nunez in the everyday lineup on a whim.
The way that they should handle him in the event of struggles is entirely dependent on how the season unfolds, which is why there can be no set “If Montero struggles, do this” plan that makes sense.
I agree
if he plays badly defensively. If he has a bad month at the plate, they need to let him have a good month.
The above comment is not affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, is not based on a secret source of team information, and may contain personal opinion.
"I'll never forget San Francisco and all those beautiful moments."- Andres Torres
by natteringnabob on Jan 13, 2012 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
“He does not seem like the type of player that is willing to go back to AAA.” Wait, what? What are you basing this off of? Even then, he’s a rookie. Its not like he has a choice.
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by Frank Campagnola on Jan 12, 2012 4:46 PM EST reply actions
that gave me pause, too
Not so much that I posted twice about it, but still. It’s not like he’d have a choice – he has a month of big league service time. If he doesn’t play well next year, and there’s a better option, he’ll go down to AAA. End of story.
by long time listener on Jan 12, 2012 5:21 PM EST up reply actions
Im on mobile, something messed up
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by Frank Campagnola on Jan 12, 2012 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
It’s SSS of course but based off the time in bigs he seems to go after the role strong
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by Brandon C. on Jan 12, 2012 5:34 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I think "willing to go back" is what's throwing people off
That makes it sounds like he’d flat-out refuse to go to AAA, which is not part of his makeup or really an option for him. If you’re saying he’d play to well to let AAA be an option, that’s a whole different question.
by long time listener on Jan 12, 2012 5:37 PM EST up reply actions
Poor word choice, I guess. I blame Melkman
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
by Brandon C. on Jan 12, 2012 6:27 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Ugh, be careful. Beetlejuice and all of that.
Jesus Montero fangirl
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Jan 12, 2012 6:28 PM EST up reply actions
Do you use iPhone app sb nation?
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
by Brandon C. on Jan 12, 2012 7:33 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I don’t really browse SB Nation much on my phone, but when I do, yes.
Jesus Montero fangirl
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Jan 12, 2012 7:51 PM EST up reply actions
Unless our whole conversation is going to be in Spanish
don’t lead off with “Hola!”
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Jan 12, 2012 8:08 PM EST up reply actions
Ah, so have you had any problem with the commenting? Sometimes it randomly posts comments before I’m done typing
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
No, but if you are accidentally hitting enter with any part of your finger, it will do that. It used to happen to me when I was texting when I first got my phone. If it’s not that, I really have no idea.
Jesus Montero fangirl
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Jan 12, 2012 8:52 PM EST up reply actions
Probably is that. Ah well
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
It’s something you adapt to, if that helps.
Jesus Montero fangirl
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Jan 12, 2012 9:10 PM EST up reply actions
I try to
I don’t really like it- it crashes all the time and it’s kind of hard to follow. I like the mobile website better.
The 4S is like a gift from god though otherwise. I love it.
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
I hate that if you browse on the phone and then switch to a computer or vice versa, comments come up as unread.
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♬P-p-pocket full of Hawthrones.♪
That’s my main concern with it.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Does yours make you log in every time?
I need to log in every time I open the app, and I find it really annoying. I don’t use the SBN app that much but when I do I’d like not to have to do that every time.
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
“He does not seem like the type of player that is willing to go back to AAA.” Wait, what? What are you basing this off of? Even then, he’s a rookie. Its not like he has a choice.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
Follow me on Twitter @frankiecamp48
by Frank Campagnola on Jan 12, 2012 5:01 PM EST reply actions
Declare him a bust and post constantly that we should have traded him for XYZ player when we had the chance like a lot of people were ready to do if he struggled in September.
Jesus Montero fangirl
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Jan 12, 2012 5:36 PM EST reply actions
Please…even if he kicks ass people are going to scream for them to sell high.
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Jan 12, 2012 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
And those are the same people who want A-Rod DFA's because of a bad ALDS
It’s not going to go away. But it will be nice if when he kicks ass and helps the Yankees win games.
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
Chad Bilolingsly.
Jesus Montero fangirl
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Jan 12, 2012 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
I think the only way that ends is if he is traded or signed to a long term deal.
Then again, who knows
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
by Brandon C. on Jan 12, 2012 6:28 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
To teh pen!
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Jan 12, 2012 5:38 PM EST reply actions
Or
I’ll sick my pack on him!
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Jan 12, 2012 5:44 PM EST reply actions
I read this as "I'll dip my sack on him"
to which I agree.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
Sounds like a plan!
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Jan 12, 2012 5:56 PM EST up reply actions
Resign Sergio Mitre
Oh wait, thats going to happen anyways. I need a new idea.
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
As long as he hits better than .167
we’re fine.
I want
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
by Brandon C. on Jan 12, 2012 7:34 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
to know what love is
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Jan 12, 2012 7:40 PM EST up reply actions
I want to know what’s happening with Vazquez for certain. First he was going to Japan, then he wasn’t, now ?
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
by Brandon C. on Jan 12, 2012 7:34 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Depends on how you look at it.
I think if you re-define his position as “waiting for what he considers to be a fair a offer”, then his position has never changed. Having grown up in a bull market, I can see how he is disappointed by the current environment. Additionally, given the financial crisis, I think there’s a chance he is relying on this contract more than we think. I imagine many players who came up in the 80’s and 90’s spread themselves out too much.
Most arguments are really about context.
by SheaWasBettor21 on Jan 12, 2012 8:07 PM EST up reply actions
you may be talking about different Vazqui
by long time listener on Jan 12, 2012 8:23 PM EST up reply actions
My bad.
Most arguments are really about context.
by SheaWasBettor21 on Jan 12, 2012 8:26 PM EST up reply actions
If a Montero...
….is not allowed to play through an adjustment phase, who is? If every prospect needs to Miguel Cabrera as soon as they come up, you are going to miss out on a lot of great players.
Most arguments are really about context.
by SheaWasBettor21 on Jan 12, 2012 7:57 PM EST reply actions
Yankees 6 hitter > Most clean up hitters.
The Yankees put the best hitter in their org in the 6 spot for the past 2 years, and still managed to score boatloads of runs. I think you can afford to carry an elite prospect who struggles.
Most arguments are really about context.
by SheaWasBettor21 on Jan 12, 2012 8:00 PM EST up reply actions
the episode of 30 Rock that just aired was one of the greatest episodes of television ever
I thought nothing could beat the “Placebo Effect” episode of Archer from last year, but that might have.
by long time listener on Jan 12, 2012 8:28 PM EST reply actions
Parks and Recs and The Office are on next! Taping them though, watching the Rangers
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
here's something random
Three of my Facebook friends (none of whom know each other) are at the Rangers game. Two of them have posted pictures on FB, and they have really good seats. And the other one got the tickets from his wife’s boss, which I imagine are pretty good seats.
by long time listener on Jan 12, 2012 8:54 PM EST up reply actions
Not the best game to have tickets for so far!
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
good
I’m not sure I like those people.
by long time listener on Jan 12, 2012 9:12 PM EST up reply actions
Do you like any people?
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Absolutely, that episode was amazing.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
Follow me on Twitter @frankiecamp48
by Frank Campagnola on Jan 12, 2012 8:42 PM EST up reply actions
Satchel Paige Brand Tampons killed me
I may make a fantasy baseball team this year just to use that as the name.
by long time listener on Jan 12, 2012 8:45 PM EST up reply actions
The Santa with the gun thing killed me
Cricket blogger and writer of nonsense at 7500 to Holte
by MattF15 on Jan 12, 2012 8:55 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Rough debut for Yoenis Cespedes, who’s now 0-for-3, three strikeouts. Just just whiffed at an 0-2 breaking ball off the plate
Quick, trade Swisher and Gardner
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Jan 12, 2012 9:16 PM EST reply actions
Trade them?
Just DFA em!
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Jan 12, 2012 10:30 PM EST up reply actions
Thats what I'm thinking.
"I want to be a catcher. I love to catch. I like to be a catcher. I like to be in the middle of the game. I mean, it's my position. I want to play my position."-Jesus Montero
I think that if he comes to the bigs and takes a shit
you rub his nose in it and tell him “NO!”.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
The Yanks offense,
is good enough to let him play through his struggles.
"Man you are one pathetic loser. No offense." - Lloyd Christmas
2011 Varitek League Champion
by Lloyd Christmas on Jan 13, 2012 9:14 AM EST reply actions
I am no statnerd
but I have watched the damned Giants decide about far, far too many players based on Spring Training performance or their first two weeks in the majors.
Unless he goes 0 for 100, he needs to play through a bad string. If he has a bad April and they send him to Scranton, they may be missing out on the May where he bats .400 and hits 10 homers.
The above comment is not affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, is not based on a secret source of team information, and may contain personal opinion.
"I'll never forget San Francisco and all those beautiful moments."- Andres Torres
If we're going back to the topic of this post, then I voted for 'Send him back to AAA.'
They sent a not really struggling Ivan Nova back last year, so the precedent is established. All hitters go through slumps, so I would assume that Montero would have to be suffering through more than that before he would be sent down.
If this thread is now officially about televsion shows and smartphones, then I have nothing to say and I’m sorry I interrupted.
by designatedquitter on Jan 13, 2012 10:22 AM EST reply actions
I'm surprised this wasn't an option:
DFA DFA DFA!!!!!! NYAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!
Not a problem anymore….
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Cashman read this post...and acted fast.
Good or bad, it’s all your fault, Barndon.
by jimitre on Jan 14, 2012 12:49 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Trade Him to Seattle!
Lol, wow I actually love the Pineda for Montero swap. I liked Noesi but with Phelps, Warren, ManBan, and Betances he was easily expendable. Plus take a look at Jose Campos, VERY nice. Sign Carlos Pena to replace Montero, he’ll hit 40+ in Yankee stadium, great glove, good patience. Just that poor average you gotta worry about.
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