I’ve been very busy lately. I am graduating college on Sunday, so there’s been a lot to wrap up. Finally, Minor Notes returns.
Jesus Monero Red Hot
Jesus Montero has been scorching the ball lately. In his last four games, Montero has hit .555/.555/.777 with 8 RBIs and just two strikeouts. Despite hitting so well, Jesus hasn’t hit a home run since May 1st.
Its worth remembering that while Montero is known for his power potential, he is much more than a one-dimensional hitter. Jesus led the Yankee organization last year in hits last year with 171. Only two major leaguers, Jeter and Abreu, topped his mark, despite only playing in 132 games. Montero’s recent hot streak has been mostly about singles. For example, he went 4 for 5 today with 4 line drives to all fields.
The more and more I think about it, the more I see a lot of Miguel Cabrera in Montero. Of course, its worth remembering that Montero has been a far superior hitter to Cabrera up until this point in their careers.
D.J. Mitchell Promoted
I’ll be honest and say that I didn’t know much about D.J. Mitchell until the beginning of this season. The Yankees picked him up with an above-slot bonus in the 10th round last year. Mitchell, a standout pitcher for Clemson, should probably be considered a 3rd or 4th round pick as far as prospects go. He has good control of a 91-92 mph fastball and decent enough curveball and changeup.
Mitchell signed late last year for bonus reasons (the Yankees didn’t want want to piss off Bud Selig), so we didn’t get much of a look at him last year. He was lights-outs to begin the season in Charleston, pitching 37 innings in 6 starts with a 1.95 ERA. He struck out 10.04/9 while walking 1.43 per 9, and getting his fair share of ground balls. He was as good as he could be.
The Yankees promoted Mitchell to Tampa today. While he got knocked around in his first start due to a lot of ground balls poking through the infield, Mitchell did strike out 8 batters in 4 1/3 innings against just one walk. He allowed 6 runs.
You can bet that D.J. will end up on my mid-season top-30 prospect list. I was wrong to ignore his bonus size before the season started. Mitchell has good stuff, a lot of college experience for a big program, and is moving quickly through the system. He could move as fast as Ryan Pope.
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10 Responses to Minor Notes: Montero Red Hot
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TIQ IQ
Congrats, EJ!
With what degree are you graduating, if i may ask?
Congrats and good luck to you!
Political Science, and thanks. I’ll be studying Commerce Policy next year.
I don’t think it is much of a surprise…Political Science! Good job EJ.
I stated once before that I had taken that same class (1 sem) a while back…I failed, my ideas (conservative) and the prof were a bit different but, it was fun.
Good to see Montero hitting so well, I am wondering if they may move him up this year…we will need a DH/corner OF in 2011/2012. I know he wants to stay as a catcher but, if he can help the team sooner in another capacity…why not. He is only 19(?), damn good hitter for that age, and who is a better teacher (for catchers) then Pena?
DJ was not on my list of “To see guys” but, he is now.
Again, congrats on your school work and your classes for next year.
Who cares about Montero, Congrats EJ and its nice to see one of the good guys doing well.
Well done EJ, Law School maybe? That’s a good growth field under Obama.
Haha, everyone tells me that I should be a lawyer. Its not my thing. Trade policy is more interesting.
By the way, Mitchell is another under sized Yankee pitching prospect.
Montero obviously is a hitter and a good one but i refuse to believe he’s the catcher of the future.Just won’t happen, he won’t be a solid defensive catcher for another 3-4 years if ever.He needs to play OF.
I wonder if Montero is athletic enough to handle left field. Guys like Miggy, Pujols, Chipper Jones, Teixeira, and a few others were tried in the outfield for awhile, but turned out to be defensive butchers and had to be moved. Montero has never been particular fast or athletic. He probably has the arm for left field though.
If he’s a catcher he better have a left field arm.Frankly, he sounds like a first baseman / DH.