http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/players/rafael_montero/255409 Recent articles about Rafael Montero en-us Jack Leathersich is mowing down hitters this year. Photo courtesy of MMO contributor Gordon Donovan Last Night’s Quick Scores Las Vegas dropped to Omaha 4-3. Binghamton dropped Portland, 8-5. St. Lucie lost to Bradenton, 8-1. Savannah topped Augusta, 12-10.  Prospect Pipeline If you haven’t heard the news, Rafael Montero was brought up to Triple-A, and will be making a spot start with Las Vegas this week. With Zack Wheeler on the seven day DL, and Collin McHugh joining the Mets in Queens, they were short on arms. This is said to be a spot start, but we’ll see. Everyone will be watching to see how Montero does. Cesar Puello continues to hammer the ball. After three more hits in last night’s game, he has brought his season average up to .305. He also ranks second on Binghamton, with nine stolen bases this season (Alonzo Harris, 13). Jack Leathersich only had one strikeout last night in one inning (sarcasm). He now has 34 strikeouts on the year, which is more than a couple of start... Mon, 20 May 2013 08:15:23 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mets_minors_report_520_montero_to_vegas_puello_still_hot_zapata_drives_in_five/13653523 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mets_minors_report_520_montero_to_vegas_puello_still_hot_zapata_drives_in_five/13653523 Mets Minors Report 5/20: Montero To Vegas, Puello Still Hot, Zapata Drives In Five http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_minors_report_520_montero_to_vegas_puello_still_hot_zapata_drives_in_five/13653523 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Mets News: Highly regarded pitching prospect Rafael Montero has been promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas, apparently for a Monday spot start on his normal day to pitch. Binghamton manager Pedro Lopez told the Press & Sun-Bulletin that Montero is only expected to remain with the 51s for one start, then return to Double-A. Las Vegas’ rotation got disrupted with Collin McHugh’s promotion to the Mets and Zack Wheeler not set to reenter until Wednesday. The 51s’ rotation also includes Chris Schwinden, D.J. Mitchell, Carlos Torres and Matt Fox. Montero, 22, is 4-3 with a 3.47 ERA in eight starts for Binghamton this season. However, subtract a May 1 start in which he allowed seven earned runs and his Eastern League ERA dips to 2.45. Mon, 20 May 2013 02:35:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mets_news_rafael_montero_gets_promoted_to_aaa_vegas/13652710 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mets_news_rafael_montero_gets_promoted_to_aaa_vegas/13652710 Mets News: Rafael Montero gets promoted to AAA - Vegas http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_news_rafael_montero_gets_promoted_to_aaa_vegas/13652710 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Rafael Montero Is Heading To AAA (Photo by MMO Contributor Gordon Donovan) The Mets have promoted RHP Rafael Montero to Triple-A Las Vegas, according Adam Rubin of ESPN New York. Lynn Worthy of Press and Sun Bulletin, later reported that this was likely just a spot-start situation, as the B-Mets expect to have Montero back in their rotation for the end of next week. He did note, in a later tweet however, that nothing is set in stone – and referenced Collin McHugh’s performance in AA in the past when he was only supposed to be up for one start. Well, we’ve been calling for some movement in the field of Rafael Montero for a little while now as he has dominated in Binghamton for the most part. The Mets organization has responded to Montero’s excellent performance so far this year with a promotion to AAA, where he will join the Las Vegas rotation as he perhaps progresses to an MLB call-up later this year. Montero was one of my favorite prospects to cover last year because he had such am... Sun, 19 May 2013 19:39:32 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/rafael_montero_to_make_spot_start_for_las_vegas/13651429 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/rafael_montero_to_make_spot_start_for_las_vegas/13651429 Rafael Montero To Make Spot Start For Las Vegas http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/rafael_montero_to_make_spot_start_for_las_vegas/13651429 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The New York Mets won the rubber match game against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday afternoon and capped off the day by promoting one of their top pitching prospects, 22-year-old Rafael Montero, to Triple-A Las Vegas. #bbpBox_336230168853102593 a { text-decoration:none; color:#0084B4; }#bbpBox_336230168853102593 a:hover { text-decoration:underline; } Rafael Montero promoted to Las Vegas, for what that’s worth. 40 minutes ago via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite @AdamRubinESPN Adam Rubin According to Lynn Worthy, who covers the Double-A Binghamton Mets for the Press & Sun-Bulletin newspaper, the promotion may just be a short term arrangement. #bbpBox_336233841494740992 a { text-decoration:none; color:#0084B4; }#bbpBox_336233841494740992 a:hover { text-decoration:underline; } Montero’s Las Vegas start looking like a spot start situation. #BMets expect to have him back in their rotation. 26 minutes ago via webReplyRetweetFavorite @PSBLynn Lynn Worthy Montero was 4-3 with a 3.47 ERA for the Binghamt Sun, 19 May 2013 18:01:58 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mets_promote_pitching_prospect_rafael_montero_to_triple_a_las_vages/13650886 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mets_promote_pitching_prospect_rafael_montero_to_triple_a_las_vages/13650886 Mets promote pitching prospect Rafael Montero to Triple-A Las Vages http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_promote_pitching_prospect_rafael_montero_to_triple_a_las_vages/13650886 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Rafael Montero Is Heading To AAA (Photo by MMO Contributor Gordon Donovan) Rafael Montero promoted to Las Vegas, for what that’s worth. — Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) May 19, 2013   Well, we’ve been calling for some movement in the field of Rafael Montero for a little while now as he has dominated in Binghamton for the most part. The Mets organization has responded to Montero’s excellent performance so far this year with a promotion to AAA, where he will join the Las Vegas rotation as he perhaps progresses to an MLB call-up later this year. Montero was one of my favorite prospects to cover last year because he had such amazing command and what I described as a bulldog mentality on the mound. He is intimidating when he pitches with great stuff, mixing in a slider, change-up, and occasional curve in with his fastball that has exceptional late movement. I am part of the camp that believes Montero should have had some work in AA and then skipped Las Vegas, but regardless, he will get som... Sun, 19 May 2013 17:31:32 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/rafael_montero_promoted_to_las_vegas/13650727 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/rafael_montero_promoted_to_las_vegas/13650727 Rafael Montero Promoted To Las Vegas http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/rafael_montero_promoted_to_las_vegas/13650727 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Rafael Montero Looks Intimidating (Photo by MMO Contributor Gordon Donovan) Last Night’s Quick Scores Las Vegas dropped to Albuquerque, 5-2.  Binghamton topped Akron, 5-3.  St. Lucie dropped to Brevard County, 6-5. Savannah lost to Charleston, 5-3.  Prospect Pipeline Wheeler Watch: Based on Sandy Alderson’s comments yesterday, it sounds like we will probably see him before the All-Star Break. It has to be good for both Wheeler and the team, meaning they won’t call up Wheeler until he is ready to face major league hitters (getting close, if not there already), and the team has holes to fill in the rotation (um, yes). It sounds to me as if Wheeler is on the cusp of making his major league debut. I’m not so much concerned with Wheeler getting called up as I am about how the fans will react when he does. Will they expect Matt Harvey-like success — because he was the exception, not the rule. He will now have the pressure of being the top prospect being called up, have to pitch in New... Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:21 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mets_minors_report_514_montero_sharp_wheeler_watch_heating_up_taijeron_scorching_the_ball/13613960 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mets_minors_report_514_montero_sharp_wheeler_watch_heating_up_taijeron_scorching_the_ball/13613960 Mets Minors Report 5/14: Montero Sharp, Wheeler Watch Heating Up, Taijeron Scorching The Ball http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_minors_report_514_montero_sharp_wheeler_watch_heating_up_taijeron_scorching_the_ball/13613960 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Binghamton 5, Akron 2 The Binghamton Mets matched a season-high 14 hits in a 5-2 victory over the Akron Aeros Monday night at NYSEG Stadium. Binghamton tallied at least one base hit every inning against Akron pitching. The scoring started in the third inning against Matt Packer, as the B-Mets scored three times on three hits. They also took advantage of two Akron errors in the frame. With runners at the corners, Josh Rodriguez hit a potential double-play ball that went through the legs of third baseman Giovanny Urshela for the first run. Binghamton kept their foot on the pedal, as Allan Dykstra followed with an RBI single down the right field line. Cory Vaughn capped the scoring in the third with an RBI fielder’s choice, as he beat out a potential double play ball. The scoring continued in the fifth against Packer. With two men on and two outs, Vaughn laced an RBI single into centerfield for his second RBI of the night. Cesar Puello rounded out the scoring in the sixth with a solo b... Tue, 14 May 2013 05:00:12 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/montero_looks_sharp_again_in_5_2_b_mets_win/13612310 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/montero_looks_sharp_again_in_5_2_b_mets_win/13612310 Montero Looks Sharp Again In 5-2 B-Mets Win http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/montero_looks_sharp_again_in_5_2_b_mets_win/13612310 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Rafael Montero Looks Intimidating (Photo by MMO Contributor Gordon Donovan) The Dominator took to the mound for the Binghamton Mets tonight, in temperatures that made it seem more like an April night in the upstate New York city, than a night in the middle of May. Rafael Montero stood on the mound, with his glove in front of his face, so the batter could only see a pair of eyes staring in, and his mouth breathing steam like a locomotive. He didn’t shut down Akron like he has shut down teams in the past — he gave up eight hits and two runs over six innings, but what he did on the mound tonight was still very impressive. Montero was working quickly again tonight, which on a night where the temperature was in the mid-40s, was a blessing to the defenders. The last thing a guy playing defense wants to do on a cold night is stand around — everything stiffens up and your feet and toes go numb. Montero stuck with his fastball for the majority of the night, which could have also been attribu... Mon, 13 May 2013 21:38:03 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/rafael_montero_warms_up_a_cold_binghamton_night/13610561 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/rafael_montero_warms_up_a_cold_binghamton_night/13610561 Rafael Montero Warms Up A Cold Binghamton Night http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/rafael_montero_warms_up_a_cold_binghamton_night/13610561 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Rafael Montero Looks Intimidating (Photo by MMO Contributor Gordon Donovan) Some people believe that we were put on this planet to serve a purpose. They believe that we were all put here for a reason. Well if that is the case, Rafael Montero was put on this planet for one reason: to pitch. Montero was going through the Trenton Thunder lineup with surgical precision tonight, prompting this tweet from Trenton’s beat writer and former MMO Alumni Matt Kardos: In my three seasons of covering minor league baseball, tonight’s effort by Rafael Montero is the most impressive that ive seen — Matt Kardos ⚾ (@mattkardos) May 8, 2013 Montero was incredible over six innings of work, striking out five consecutive hitters at one point. Montero was painting the corners and was working quickly. He was in a rhythm, and the Trenton hitters were doing very little to break that rhythm. They let Montero work at his own pace, and it was a major advantage tonight. The difference in the major leagues, when M... Wed, 08 May 2013 13:24:36 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/the_dominator_rafael_montero_mows_them_down/13576151 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/the_dominator_rafael_montero_mows_them_down/13576151 The Dominator: Rafael Montero Mows Them Down http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/the_dominator_rafael_montero_mows_them_down/13576151 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Picture courtesy of MMO contributor Gordon Donovan. Some people believe that we were put on this planet to serve a purpose. They believe that we were all put here for a reason. Well if that is the case, Rafael Montero was put on this planet for one reason: to pitch. Montero was going through the Trenton Thunder lineup with surgical precision tonight, prompting this tweet from Trenton’s beat writer Matt Kardos: In my three seasons of covering minor league baseball, tonight’s effort by Rafael Montero is the most impressive that ive seen — Matt Kardos ⚾ (@mattkardos) May 8, 2013 Montero was incredible over six innings of work, striking out five consecutive hitters at one point. Montero was painting the corners and was working fast. He was in a rhythm, and the Trenton hitters were doing very little to break that rhythm. They let Montero work at his own pace, and it was a major advantage tonight. Through his first six innings of work, Montero had thrown 74 pitches, 55 for strikes. He gav... Tue, 07 May 2013 21:48:36 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/rafael_montero_is_back_to_his_dominating_ways/13571096 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/rafael_montero_is_back_to_his_dominating_ways/13571096 Rafael Montero Is Back To His Dominating Ways http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/rafael_montero_is_back_to_his_dominating_ways/13571096 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Sometimes the anticipation and the pre-game excitement outshines the actual event. That was the case with my trip to NYSEG Stadium to watch the Binghamton Mets last night. For starters, the B-Mets were hot, matching a franchise record with 14 wins during the month of April. The upstate New York weather was unreal, mid 70′s, our nicest day of the spring. But, it was the B-Met probable starter that had be antsy with anticipation all day long. Binghamton ace Rafael Montero was scheduled to climb the hill for the B-Mets. I had never seen Montero pitch live, and I couldn’t wait. A ‘pitch to contact’ philosophy seems prevalent in major league baseball. I’m not sure what former pitchers like Nolan Ryan, Bob Gibson, and Tom Seaver would say about that, but ‘pitching to contact’ seems to be the name of the game in today’s major league game. When pitchers pitch to contact they attempt to get batters to get the bat on the ball and put the ball in play. At it’s best the ball is intended to be ... Thu, 02 May 2013 16:24:11 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/thoughts_after_charting_montero_at_nyseg_stadium/13537943 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/thoughts_after_charting_montero_at_nyseg_stadium/13537943 Thoughts After Charting Montero At NYSEG Stadium http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/thoughts_after_charting_montero_at_nyseg_stadium/13537943 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Montero Mets Minor League Roundup 4/26: Class AA - AKRON 4, BINGHAMTON 0: The Binghamton Mets struck out a season-high 16 times, and were shut out for the second time in a 4-0 loss to the Akron Aeros. The Akron offense did just enough against Rafael Montero. Montero’s night ended after five innings; he gave up the two runs and struck out eight. Adrian Rosario allowed two runs. Box. Class A - ST. LUCIE 5, BRADENTON 2: St. Lucie scored three in the second and never trailed in its win. Dustin Lawley drove in three runs and went 2-for-3 with three runs scored. Cam Maron and Travis Taijeron also drove in runs. Angel Cuan picked up the win with five innings of two-run ball. T.J. Chism recorded his third save. Box. Class A - SAVANNAH 4, WEST VIRGINIA 2: Savannah won its fourth straight game. The Gnats (13-8) took a lead they never relinquished with a three-run bottom of the first. Gregory Pron walked with the bases loaded to drive in a run, and Jeff Gleen was then hit wit... Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:34:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mets_minor_league_roundup_426_montero_only_goes_five_innings_in_loss/13496077 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mets_minor_league_roundup_426_montero_only_goes_five_innings_in_loss/13496077 Mets Minor League Roundup 4/26: Montero only goes five innings in loss http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_minor_league_roundup_426_montero_only_goes_five_innings_in_loss/13496077 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Rafael Montero by MMO Contributor and Photographer Gordon Donovan. In case you missed the feature on MMO about Rafael Montero on Saturday, I posed the question on whether or not it was possible that Montero actually makes it to Flushing before Zack Wheeler: “Never thought I would be pondering this question, but if Montero keeps up this pace, is there a chance that we will see him in Citi Field before Wheeler? The answer is yes, it is a definite possibility.” That was written after another dominating performance by Montero, where he struck out six batters and walked none. That brought his season totals to 27 Ks and one walk. I couldn’t do that in a game of MLB The Show, and here is Montero, putting these numbers up in real life. Once he got to Double-A, his numbers were supposed to dip a bit as he made an adjustment to a higher level of hitters – the complete opposite has taken place. He has made the jump up to Double-A look as if it was a step down. And how should the Mets reward Mo... Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:40:20 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/memo_to_mets_please_dont_send_rafael_montero_to_las_vegas/13466974 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/memo_to_mets_please_dont_send_rafael_montero_to_las_vegas/13466974 Memo To Mets: Please Don’t Send Rafael Montero To Las Vegas http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/memo_to_mets_please_dont_send_rafael_montero_to_las_vegas/13466974 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Rafael Montero took s the hill for Binghamton today and dominated. When it comes to pitching prospects in the Mets organization, Zack Wheeler is the guy that the majority of fans will stop to see how he performed the night before. However, it seems that with every start Wheeler makes, he is getting further and further away from making his Citi Field debut. On the other hand, Rafael Montero seems to be getting closer and closer with every start he makes. Is there a more impressive pitcher in the Mets organization right now than Montero? He started today’s game for Binghamton and dominated again. He pitched six innings, allowing no runs, struck out six batters and walked none. He now has 27 strikeouts this season, and has only given up one walk. I think I have to say that again for affect – He now has 27 strikeouts this season, and has only given up one walk. That is about as phenomenal a ratio as you will see. He is holding hitters to a .182 average against him. In other words, the b... Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:08:08 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/rafael_montero_all_he_does_is_dominate/13444891 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/rafael_montero_all_he_does_is_dominate/13444891 Rafael Montero: All He Does Is Dominate http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/rafael_montero_all_he_does_is_dominate/13444891 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Tommy K. asks… When do you think we’ll see Rafael Montero in Citi Field? Joe D. replies… Good question. The organization is very high on Montero and not too many 22-year old pitching prospects from A-Ball get invited to spring training and stick around as long as he did. Montero needs a little work mechanically and was already working on a few things at the minor league side of camp before he was assigned to Binghamton and debuted with a dominating performance. His fastball sat at the 92-93 mph range last season, but he picked up some velocity and is now predominantly at 93-94 and can hit 95. Most likely because he’s bulked up a bit over the winter. I would expect Montero to get bumped to Vegas once the Mets decide to promote Zack Wheeler to the majors. However, Wheeler had a rough first start on Thursday. He continues to struggle with command and his pitch count (86 pitches, 51 strikes, 3 1/3 innings) was alarming to say the least. He clearly isn’t ready just yet and needs to impro... Sat, 06 Apr 2013 11:46:34 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/when_can_we_expect_to_see_rafael_montero_make_mets_debut/13331275 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/when_can_we_expect_to_see_rafael_montero_make_mets_debut/13331275 When Can We Expect To See Rafael Montero Make Mets Debut? http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/when_can_we_expect_to_see_rafael_montero_make_mets_debut/13331275 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png