Montero's Chance

With catcher Chris Snyder going on the 15-day disabled list this week with a lower-back strain, Miguel Montero, is expected to see increased playing time, perhaps getting close to everyday at-bats for the first time since he was in the minor leagues three years ago.

Montero already has seen a bump in playing time with the managerial change. Under Bob Melvin, he had 42 plate appearances in 29 games. Since A.J. Hinch took over on May 8, Montero had 110 plate appearances in 42 games before Wednesday night's game.

"I think my timing will get better and I think I'll feel more comfortable behind the plate because I'll get to see the guys more often," said Montero, who entered Wednesday hitting .231 in 130 at-bats.

I scouted Miguel personally a few years ago and I believe that with steady playing time you have a catcher here who is a 25-30HR guy. He’s been around for awhile but he’s still only going to be 26 years old next month. Nagging injuries more than anything else has prevented Montero from pushing Snyder aside in the past, but now he will get a chance to show his stuff.

I point out that the Diamondbacks have not traded Montero over the past three years even though he has not played an integral part in their team. It’s not because of lack of interest. The Red Sox offered Justin Masterson for him when they thought they could not work out a deal with Varitek this past offseason and the Yankee’s came after Montero hard in spring training when they realized that Posada’s health might be a question but were not willing to part with both Ian Kennedy and Jose Molina. Yes that’s right, the Diamondbacks wanted BOTH Kennedy and Jose Molina for their back-up catcher.

Arizona knows that they have some untapped potential and they have been reluctant to see him flourish into a number one guy somewhere else. Guys get their break in sports all the time when the player in front of them gets hurt. I think this is Montero's chance.

This should be an easy one for you guys as I’m virtually certain that you will not have many competing Miguel Montero FAAB bids. I recommend that you pick him up for a buck or two. I think you will be happy you did. - Blake Kearny

Blake Kearny is a retired baseball scout from Los Angeles, California. He currently runs a baseball school for children in Los Angeles.