Quote:
Originally Posted by Vox Populi
Considering that this is the Yankees we're talking about here, and since Montero is clearly in their long-term future plans, they'd be wise to lock him up for 6 years on arrival in the bigs, like the Rays did with Longoria.
Sure, there's some level of risk, but that's limited in this case - again, this is the Yankees we're talking about - but look at how many tens of millions such a move will have saved Tampa when all is said and done.
|
While I agree on principle, I think Longoria was much more polished when he came up and the Rays really didn't have much other options at 3rd base.
Montero is two years younger than what Longoria was when he came up in 2008, so there shouldn't be a rush to get him up and sign him. Like I said, he probably gives them a better shot to win than Martin, so I'd like to see him get a chance.
But like you stated, this is the Yankees. They have deep pockets, and with all the payroll they have already, and Montero having yet to prove anything at this point, I don't see a need to rush and extend him, yet. Let him have one to three really good years, then lock him up when he's 24 or 25 years old for five to seven years. If they go that route, he'd be 32 by the time a seven year deal is done, and being a catcher who is scouted as to having questions about a long term future behind the plate, he could be hitting his regression years by then.