Some snippets from the Hot Stove League Show..
first up, Jack Z's segment ~paraphrased~
(I'm no court reporter ;-) )
on the Montero acquisition in general...
~ obviously we've been on this guy for quite awhile
~ we played a big price but, you have to give something good to get something good
on the unique aspect of making a trade that is "youth for youth"...
One of the big things is years of control ... he mentioned that when he "landed here", there weren't any talented players that were making NO money - they were ALL making big dollars. To get 18 rookies last year and, this year we are going to add a few more, is pretty unique. They scoured everything to find an upper echelon YOUNG hitters and settled on a list of only FOUR hitters - this is the guy they coveted and he told Brian Cashman, "By the way - I've gotta get a pitcher back!"
on Jesus the man...
Most of these deals you try to do your homework on but you don't really "know" the players. He had a chance to have lunch with Jesus and spend a couple hours downtown with him - walked away VERY impressed. He was very insightful, composed, confident, compassionate. He called Eric (Wedge) immediately and said, "We are gonna like this kid". You can tell he's cut from the right cloth...
on the catching options...
A few of the guys have options and if they have to go to AAA then so be it. And, there is always a chance for injuries. Could carry three at the big league level. Will have ALL our folks make their OWN evaluations of Jesus as a catcher - and will get a good solid look at him in ST.
on Spring Training hopes in general...
#1 Health.
Beyond that, guys to step up and contribute. He spoke of the (Wedge instigated) "pre-ST eval" that took place a couple weeks agoa. Nine guys that came to Seattle for a little extra strength, conditioning and nutrition coaching/direction. To a man (Olivo, Ackely, Figgins, Seager, Smoak, Guti, Jaso, Wells and Ryan) they reported in great shape (e.g., Guti gained weight, Smoak and Olivo trimmed down)
Pitching coach Carl Willis provided some thoughts on a couple of his young arms...
~ Hector Noesi - kid that has average to above average fast ball, good control and command, average change up, curve ball and slider. Many scouts have him over Nova.
~ Danny Hultzen - saw only one game, went 3+ innings impressed with demeanor fast ball command and feel for the change up. For a kid just stepping out of college he is very disciplined and eager to learn the routine of the pros.
Shawn Kelley is back!
He's been working out getting stronger and healthier and get his velocity back. When he was able to come back toward the end of the season, he felt his command and stuff was there, confidence each outing got better and better of being comfortable on the mound. Learned he doesn't have to rely on velocity if he can rely on his command. He took a lot away from the experience - able to prove to himself and the coaches that he could come back from his second surgery.
And, last but not least - the man of the day, Jesus Montero!
on his visit to the city so far...
It's been fun, it's been good. It's only the second time he has seen snow in his life (first was in Indiana). He is happy to be here with this team and they are going to give him more opportunity in his life and in his career. The Yankees taught him to do a lot in baseball but, he's proud the Seattle Mariners will give him "an opportunity to show people who Jesus Montero is for real." He's going to help the pitchers win.
growing up in Venezuela...
lt's fun, good, amazing to to him that he used to watch Edgar Martinez hit home runs. He is going to work so hard behind the plate. Looking at Felix as a superstar - he played against Jesus's older brother and was the only pitcher to strike out everyone on the team.
on what Spring Training will be like...
The staff and coaches will teach him about the pitchers, there will be lots of papers to study and will talk to the pitchers a lot and get to know them and be on the same page all the time.
he just wants to play hard...
He's been catching since he was four years old but, he will play where ever he is needed - just wants to have some fun in the field and play hard.
"I'm gonna do my best, I want to help them to win, we will be the best - you'll see."
Oh - apparently, Matt Pitman got some bad information....
Jesus is NOT a soccer fan.
He IS a drag racing fan (even has two cars of his own - but he doesn't drive them!)
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