BROCK AND SALK

Struggling M’s catcher Montero has ‘a lot on his plate’

Apr 20, 2013, 3:26 PM | Updated: Apr 22, 2013, 11:25 am

By Brent Stecker

With a full year of MLB service already under his belt, it’s easy to forget that the Mariners’ Jesus Montero is still just a 23-year-old learning the ropes as a Major League catcher and hitter. And as Mariners manager Eric Wedge told “Brock and Danny” last week, that’s a big reason why backup catcher Kelly Shoppach has spelled the struggling Montero several times already this season.

1caf7694-c222-478d-9e7f-ae3d427384c7
Jesus Montero

“Montero’s had his struggles, but he has a lot on his plate,” Wedge said. “With what we’ve asked him to do behind the plate, from a catching standpoint, I think that’s probably had a little bit of an effect on him. But that’s something he’s gonna have to handle.”

Through 12 games this season, Montero has managed just a .209 batting average, .460 OPS, two RBI and no home runs. And though he’s been solid behind the plate with just one passed ball, but he’s yet to throw out a runner attempting to steal a base in six chances.

“He’s still young in regard to being a catcher, and he’s still young in regard to being a hitter,” Wedge said. “(It’s) difficult to do both those things at this level, and he’s giving us great effort. He’s working his tail off, but it’s just difficult for a young catcher to be able to do everything that you need to do, and that of course includes hitting.”

Though it’s expected that the Mariners will promote top catching prospect Mike Zunino from Triple-A Tacoma something this season – a move that could push Montero to mainly play designated hitter or first base – Wedge said Montero has shown dedication to improving his defense.

“I really like the way he’s really focusing on the mental side of the game, calling a game and working with pitchers,” he said.

Wedge hasn’t given up on the potential that prompted Seattle to trade former All-Star pitcher Michael Pineda to the Yankees to acquire Montero, and said the team is doing all it can to speed up his progression.

“He has a lot of ability as a hitter, (but) he’s still learning. We’re trying to help him as best we can and give him opportunities but yet still trying to protect him and give him some time off,” Wedge said. “Ultimately we just have to keep supporting him, keep working and help him get better.”

Brock and Salk podcast

Brock and Salk

Seattle Mariners Mitch Haniger...

Mike Salk

Salk: Scars remain as Mariners return, but hope isn’t far away

As the Seattle Mariners return for 2024, Seattle Sports' Mike Salk writes about seasons, scars, frustration, hope and baseball.

10 hours ago

Seattle Seahawks NFL Draft Payton Wilson...

Brandon Gustafson

Brock’s Seahawks Draft Profile: ‘Twitched up’ LB fills a need

Next up in Brock Huard's Seattle Seahawks draft profiles is a very intriguing defender in North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson.

14 hours ago

Seattle Seahawks Sam Howell...

Brandon Gustafson

New Seahawks QB Sam Howell describes trade, his role and more

The Seattle Seahawks have a new QB in Sam Howell, and he joined Brock & Salk on Wednesday to describe the trade that sent him to the Hawks.

16 hours ago

...

Seattle Sports Video

Video: Getting to know new Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Howell

What do Seattle Seahawks fans need to know about new QB Sam Howell? What will he bring to the QB room and competition this season? He joined the Brock and Salk show toady to talk about what type of QB the Seahawks are getting. Can he be a piece that helps this team get back […]

18 hours ago

...

Seattle Sports Video

Video: Brock Huard’s NFL Draft Profile: Payton Wilson, LB – NC State

Today on Brock and Salk, Brock Huard looked at a potential fit for the Seattle Seahawks in the upcoming NFL Draft. Why does Brock think NC State LB Payton Wilson might be a defensive fit for the Seahawks? What else could he bring to the defense other than LB depth? Watch his breakdown of him […]

18 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Julio Rodriguez...

Brandon Gustafson

Passan: Mariners’ Rodríguez can take game to another level in 2024

The 2024 MLB season can be when we see "the absolute apex" of star Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez, ESPN's Jeff Passan said.

20 hours ago

Struggling M’s catcher Montero has ‘a lot on his plate’