Montero Promoted to AA

Catching prospect Jesus Montero, 20, has been called up to AA Trenton.

Via PeteAbe:

Montero had a monster start for Single-A Tampa, hitting .356 with a .406 OBP and a .989 slugging percentage. He had eight homers and 37 RBI over 48 games.

This move makes sense on assorted fronts. With Jose Molina unlikely to come back any time soon, Francisco Cervelli will remain in the big leagues. That leaves an opening in Trenton for Montero. Plus it gives Austin Romine a chance to catch every day in Tampa.

Montero is going to play in the big leagues because of his bat. The only question is whether he’s a catcher, a first baseman or a DH. He has what the scouts like to call light-tower power and the plate discipline of a much older player.

Do yourself a favor and get over to Waterfront Park to see the Thunder. In a few years, you’ll be able to say that you saw Montero before everybody knew who he was. Because everybody is going to know who this guy is eventually.

Of course he gets promoted to Trenton 4 days after I go see the them play. But judging by what scouts and coaches have had to say about him, he seems like the real deal at the plate.