Jesus Montero, Austin Romine Possible Catchers of Future

From Tim Bontemps:

FOR the past decade, the Yankees have been fortunate enough to have one of the best offensive catchers in baseball in Jorge Posada. But now that Posada, 37, is entering the latter stages of his career, the Bombers have two catching prospects, Jesus Montero and Austin Romine, fighting for the right to replace him.

"I like those two kids," a scout said. "Those were two of my favorite kids last year in [Low-A] Charleston."

"Montero can really swing the bat," the scout said. "He is one of the better young hitters I've seen in a long time. I don't know if he'll catch, but his bat will get him to the big leagues."

"I think that kid has a chance to do [in the majors] what he's doing now -- hit for average and power. He hit a ball last year in Charleston that's still up there."

Already 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, there have been questions about whether Montero, a 19-year-old from Venezuela, will be able to stay behind the plate long-term. But Yankees VP of Player Development Mark Newman praised Montero for his recent improvement behind the plate.

"We feel better about [his defense] every month," Newman said. "He keeps getting better every month. He's throwing better. . . . We're very happy with his defensive progress, and I mean very. He's really improved."

"I wrote in my report that Romine reminded me of [Jason] Varitek," the scout said. "He's a big, strong guy, can catch and throw, has some power. Romine, to me, was further advanced behind the plate. He can catch and throw, and his bat could get him there, too."

The pleasant problem that the Yankees have is trying to find playing time for Montero and Romine behind the plate. Because they're playing at the same level, they alternate between catching and serving as the designated hitter. That, combined with their success behind the plate, could lead to one of them being given a promotion to Double-A Trenton sometime this season, in order to split them up.

"Yeah, it could be one or the other, but not both," Newman said. "They're both good players."

THOUGHTS: Hopefully he can improve his defense because he can really hit a baseball. First base is going to be handled by Mark Teixeira for the next eight years. A-Rod and Jeter getting older and the first base and DH spots will likely be taken by the time he's ready for the big leagues. Maybe he can move into the outfield and Romine can catch? or maybe. .. the other way around? Either way I believe these two kids have a big future with the Yankees.

Think size behind the plate can be a problem? Orioles top prospect Matt Wieters is listed at 6'5", 230 lbs, and he's very good behind the plate. Joe Mauer is more experienced but he's proven that big catchers CAN be successful. Montero's problems have more to do with lack of agility and because of that his arm strength plays down, things that Wieters has no problem with.

Montero needs to keep progressing behind the plate and he'll be able to remain a successful power hitting catcher over the years.

This year Jesus Montero is hitting .355/.404/.593 with 8 homers, 36 RBI, and 15 doubles.

Last year Montero hit .326 with 17 homers and 87 RBIs for Charleston last season.

This Austin Romine is hitting .289/.306/.462 with 5 HR, 25 RBI and also has 15 doubles.

Last year Romine hit .300 with 10 homers and 49 RBIs last year with Charleston.