The Designated Hitter spot may be currently filled by Jorge Posada, but make no mistake about it, Jesus is coming, and many predict this week. This coming from Buster Olney and it makes sense if you think about it. This is August, and we are in a pennant race. You don't want to be calling Jesus Montero up in September to the big league stage with no rhythm enormous pressure and no chance to complete if he's not comfortable. No, you want him ready to go, giving him plenty of at bats so we have a chance to make the playoffs.
Montero has a big bat and as you know here on Bleeding Yankee Blue, we are huge Montero fans. Yes, at times, I express concern that maybe he isn't the Golden child that Yankee brass thinks he is. That being said, It's still exciting. We still back our guys and really look forward to seeing Montero on the big stage, especially with a shot at the playoffs.(In Photo: Jesus Montero)
I don't believe we will see Montero doing much catching this second half in the Bronx. Yes, he will catch on occasion, but for me, I believe his primary role will be DH. Just concentrating of getting at bats and hitting. Jorge Posada clearly hasn't done the job and sadly, it may be the end of that role for our hero. Posada is respected and loved by all of Yankeeland, but the fact of the matter is, it's August and his time has just about run out. Bringing Montero in will him to get familiar with the Big Stage hitting and allow him to shine at the plate. Posada must grin and bear it because it's time to bring in new blood.
In Scranton Wilkes Barre, Montero is currently batting .289, he has 11 home runs and 51 RBI's in 346 at bats. His OBP is .389 and his OPS is .789. Now. the home runs are only 11, but that's not the point of bringing up Montero. The Yankees want to see production, they want to give him as many at bats as they can and see how he handles the big leagues. (In Photo: Jorge Vazquez)
If they wanted home runs, they would have brought up someone like Jorge Vasquez up. Vazquez, by the way, is someone who I predict could also get a call up this year. Remember Vasquez? He was the kid who was cranking out homers all spring. Read WHY IT'S VAZQUEZ TIME from back in May. This season Vazquez is hitting .249 but the home runs are coming nicely for him...27, and 81 RBIs to boot. Both Jesus and Vazquez would be great assets to the Yankees, Montero as the DH, Vazquez as a bench hitter for sure.
(Photo: Getty)
With Jorge Posada just not hitting, it's time to pass the torch. Yes, it sucks to see one of our Yankee heroes be diminished to a late inning bat or mentor to the younger guys coming in, but in the back of his mind, Posada knows it's best for the Yankees, especially now. Poe's passion is still there, he just can't harness it the way he used to, so here's my suggestion to Jorge Posada...
Teach, guide and stay strong. You're still a New York Yankee, and we love you, but pass the torch to the new kid and show him the passion of the pinstripes like you've done so proudly for so many years.
Be sure to check out:
WHY THE YANKEE KIDS ARE GROWING UP
WHY IT'S CERVELLI'S END, MONTERO'S BEGINNING
WHY IT'S MONTERO'S TURN
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