Caught a clip of the walkoff this morning. Who the hell is Colin Curtis? It's a night game tonight, correct? 7PM on YES? Vs. Phillies?
The MLB isn't exactly the best run league in sports. The only thing more out of control than the players' salaries are the ticket prices. There is a huge competitive imbalance. But goddamnit, there's just something about baseball. Something that even after all the scandals seems pure and right. I'm so happy that baseball's back.
Colin Curtis is actually a pretty good story. He overcame testicular cancer while in high school (Video). He does everything pretty well, but nothing great, plays all 3 OF positions. He adjusted his hitting mechanics late last year, and absolutely took off in the Arizona Fall League (.397/.471/.731 in 20 games). If you like following the minors, he's definitely a guy to give at least a little attention to. And I'm pretty sure it's a day game today.
Anyone know where today's game can be seen? All I can find is mlb.tv, which isn't free, and may even be blacked out. not sure.
Check out this forecast: Jesus Montero If this is even close to accurate, I don't care if his defensive skills behind the plate are on a par with my wife's. (And even if that were the case, he'd still be better than Piazza was.) I'm really curious to see what happens with him. I have to think the Yanks are going to put maximum effort into helping Montero try to stick as a catcher.
Jeez, I'm with you Cappy. I know I'll bitch if he plays like crap behind the plate, but damn. In 2015 that projects 44 HRs, 130 RBI, and an OPS 1.064? If his defense is even servicable there's no reason he shouldn't be our catcher. He'd make it really easy to forget about not getting Mauer. Oh, and bwahahaha on the Piazza potshot!
Well, if Posada is still playing in 2015 that could be accurate. Seriously though, if his offensive numbers are even close to what that projects, this guy is a future star. I read yesterday that scouts are saying he's going to be a phenominal hitter and that he's currently the 4th best prospect in baseball. It's hard to not get excited about that.
I know, I know. A man can drool, though, can't he? I think what he's saying is that there's no way those projections are even close. I have to agree that it's a pretty slim chance. But still... I don't know what you even do with a bat like that if you have no spot for him on the field. Do you let him catch? Do you stick him in a corner spot and hope he's not so atrocious to nullify his offensive contributions? (Or hope his bat is so ridiculously good that it doesn't matter how much of a butcher he is out there, a la Manny Ramirez?) He definitely has more value if he can stick at catcher, so I have to think they give him every chance and then some to play that spot.
Yeah, I agree. From what I keep seeing, scouts believe he's the real deal in terms of his hitting. Maybe he won't hit those projections, but he may come close. If that's the case, it would be hard to care where on the field he is. And if he's really that atrocious, put a big glove on him, let him fill in for Teixeira once a week, and let him DH every day. I think they'll work him in at catcher though. He may not be a great defensive catcher, but as long as he's serviceable, with those kinds of offensive numbers, it'll be hard to complain about him. (Though I'm sure I would.) They should have him spend every waking moment with Pena throughout the Spring.
I don't think the problem is that he hasn't practiced the skills or that he lacks athletic ability. I think it's more just his size (and the lack of speed that comes with it). I mean, do you think any amount of teaching would have helped David Ortiz or Frank Thomas become decent catchers? Because that's how big Montero is. At age 20. Yikes. Guys like that just have a hard time sticking at that position (and are more likely to get injured back there, too). But like I said, his value is so much greater back there that I have to think they'll give him every opportunity.
Hmph. I didn't realize he was that big. Wow. I thought it was his defense itself that was an issue. I was always really big though, and I was actually a pretty good catcher. I pay for it every time it rains and my knees lock in the bent position, but it's not unheard of to be a successful big guy behind the plate. That is pretty big though. I was just tall. I'd hate to have that run-in at the plate.
Even if Montero doesn't stick behind the plate, he is going to be a good big league player. He could be DHing this season for a number of teams in the AL, that's how good his bat is. You always find a spot in the lineup for a guy who can conceivably hit 45 homers (not that he could do that as a rookie, but his power projections are really off the the charts.) Even if he doesn't stick behind the plate the Yankees have a number of good catching prospects who can eventually compete for Posada's spot (I really, really like Romine.)
Right, but the question is where/when do you find that spot for Montero if it's not at catcher. He ain't gonna be playing first base anytime soon. They could stick him at DH, sure, but you are likely going to be needing that spot for a few different aging guys in the near future (Posada through 2011, and probably A-Rod after that). I don't think he's got the legs to play the outfield, although his arm is good enough that he might mitigate some of the damage he does out there, especially if they can stick him in RF, where his arm would play up and his lack of range wouldn't be as harmful. But I really doubt he could even be good enough out there... even with Manny Ramirez type numbers. It's just hard to picture someone the size of Frank Thomas playing the outfield. (Then again, Heyward's the same size, isn't he?)
