Nobody messes with the Jesus. As The Big Lebowski has taught us, this guy has some serious skills. How high is Mr. Montero’s potential? Enough apparently, for the Yankees to miss out on the Cliff Lee sweepstakes last season. The same Cliff Lee that took the Yankees out in the playoffs and will probably help lead the Phillies to another World Series berth. Jorge Posada is not getting any younger, as he will turn 40 in August and likely serving as the team’s DH this season. Russell Martin is nothing more than a mentor and a quick stopgap until Montero improves defensively. Torn meniscus, fractured hip, and not a solid season since 2008, what’s to trust in Russell this year? Cervelli has no power and is more of a backup option when (not if) Martin gets hurt and Jesus takes over early on this season. Enter Jesus Montero: 6’4 225 Lbs, Montero is built in the same image as fellow young stars Joe Mauer and Matt Weiters. Here is an excerpt from a bleacher report article documenting some reasons Montero didn’t surface in 2010.

The Yankees have pretty much decided that in 2010, Marcus Thames will be the right- handed power bat off the bench. And Thames is likely to get a few starts every couple of weeks against tough left-handed pitching. He might spell Nick Johnson at DH or could— Ugh!—play left field in place of Brett Gardner.

Marcus Thames and Nick Johnson are no longer with the team, and Gardner is a staple in the outfield. I would assume that the Yankees may speed up this process to make Jesus a factor. Russell Martin frankly isn’t good, and even when Posada catches, Montero could DH.  Don't worry, Andruw Jones is not going to steal many AB’s.

ESPN’s Keith Law answered a question from Frank in Connecticut on Montero’s ceiling:

If Montero lives up to the hype. On a career year can you see. 300/380/550 with 35+ homers?

Keith Law's Answer:  Sure

Nice. Now, I am not predicting that he does that this year. He simply will not have enough at bats. Next year, he should start the year catching and not look back for a few years. There is the reported depth at catcher in the Yankee’s farm system, and some could see him switching positions. I am not sold on that idea. Big Tex is entrenched at first base; Jeter is getting older and may take over at third when A-Rod is moved to DH full time. In Montero, you have a great mix of average and power, in a hitter’s park, smack dab in a lineup that will never be sub par. In keeper leagues, this guy is a must have. This year for seasonal leagues, take a chance on him. The upside is well worth it, and even if he struggles or is not brought into full time AB’s early on, sit him on your bench and ride a guy like Pierzynski until they unveil the next Bronx star. 

Jesus hit 21 home runs with 75 runs batted in last year between Scranton and Wilkes- Barres, and in his 4 minor league seasons he is sitting right at .314. The home runs are legit, as he hit 17 in each the previous 2 seasons before last year’s line. He entered last season as Baseball America’s number 4 prospect.

If you need any more convincing, Kelly’s detailed 2010 rankings of the top prospects puts him right at number 7, with high end power, batting, and contact. Not bad for a late round catcher pick.

Are you willing to take a step of faith on Jesus Montero? Show some faith and take a leap with this prospect, I know I will this year.