Piliere: Others’ claims that Montero not being an MLB-ready catcher “vastly overblown”

Still looking for some good news to get yourself past the Cliff Lee news? Try scout Frankie Piliere’s latest take on Jesus Montero:

At his size, he’s going to have to put in additional work to stay flexible and athletic, and his defense will always be something that requires extra attention. But the idea of him being simply unable to catch at the next level is one that is still vastly overblown. As I’ve stressed numerous times over the last year, like many elite big-league sluggers, if he reaches his ceiling as an offensive force he’ll never be known for his defense. That does not mean he can’t be adequate behind the dish.

There’s plenty more in there to read about the Yanks’ farm system but Frankie leaves us with this:

In other words, the future of the Yankees is safe, but only if it’s handled correctly and given a real chance to blossom. How much of a chance Montero really gets at that starting catching job in 2011 will tell us just how willing the Yankees are to embrace their youth.

We can only hope so.

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