In his fifth straight quality start, Rafael Montero cruised through seven innings today for Triple-A Las Vegas and allowed zero runs. In fact, he has pitched more effectively in each of his consecutive quality starts — starting with six innings and three runs allowed and culminating today with seven scoreless. He walked none, allowed just four singles, and struck out eight in a brilliant performance.
Rafael Montero has found himself again. After dominating Binghamton, I thought he was ready for the direct jump to The Show. The Mets aren’t about that style, however, and decided to give him the minor bump to breathe the air in Las Vegas — which notoriously hates pitchers. Yet, Montero has found a way to return to his old form even in a hitter’s league, and has been able to keep the ball in the ball park AND simultaneously keep his walks to an extremely low number.
At this point, I fully expect Montero to finish the year in Triple-A and compete for a roster spot next year… I think he should break with the team as part of the rotation. Your thoughts? Regardless, absolutely awesome job by Montero today in yet another strong start. Keep it up!
He’ll get a look in spring training(if he isn’t dealt in the off-season)but if Gee and Mejia keep pitching the way they’ve been pitching and Mejia comes out of the surgery and off-season rehab well, I don’t think there’s a spot for Montero or Syndergaard in the rotation yet.
Yeah, hard to see how he beats out anyone in the Mets current starting 5 if they’re all healthy when April rolls around. Of course, that’s a big if.
Montero really intrigues me, but I’m not going to get emotionally attached quite yet. His success just increases the chance that he will be traded this winter as part of a package for an ML OFer or SS. Of course, if Wheeler or Niese goes in a bigger deal, or Gee or Mejia instead of Montero, then I’ll be comfortable with Montero stepping into the rotation in April. It’s going to be an interesting offseason (I hope)….
It needs to be an interesting off-season since we still lack sustained offensive punch. The ’69 Mets and the recent SF champion teams had more sustained offensive showings. It seems that Montero is the chip to deal based on his control and successes at every level. .290 power hitter for OF or SS need be Sandy’s target.