The Mets have an interesting problem in Rafael Montero, whose fast ascent through the minors has placed him on the cusp of the big leagues with limited English skills, The New York Times' Tim Rohan writes. Non-native speakers typically see their English progress as they gradually move up the minor league ranks, but by the middle of the 2013 season, Montero was already logging significant time in Triple-A, a little more than three years after signing out of the Dominican Republic. Still, the Mets figure to find a way to make the situation work: Baseball America projects Montero as a potential No. 3 starter with plus-plus command. Here's more from around the National League:
- Reliever Mike Adams looked "close to game-ready" when throwing to hitters on Saturday, Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg reports (via Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com). Adams is working back from 2013 shoulder surgery, which shortened the first season of a two-year, $12MM deal with the Phillies.
- Injuries in the rotation have complicated the Braves' attempts to finalize their bullpen for 2014, writes Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
- Daniel Schlereth has a shot at making the Pirates' bullpen, Tom Singer of MLB.com reports. Schlereth hasn't appeared in the majors since 2012 because of shoulder inflammation. The lefty admits that his velocity is down, but says lowering his arm slot had added movement to his fastball.
- MLBTR's Charlie Wilmoth rounded up the latest on the Mets earlier today. You can also read his review of the Cardinals' offseason here.
I really can’t invision the Pirates carrying 3 LHP in the bullpen, plus at least 2 in the rotation. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
I don’t see 3 lefties, either. What this could do is make it possible (not probable, but more likely than before) that the Pirates could consider trading a Wilson or Watson… if they want to. In any event, I would rather have too many bullpen candidates than not enough.
I don’t see why Montero not speaking English is a huge problem. Most teams have bilingual players or coaches on their team. Mets have multiple Dominican players on the roster, including fellow pitchers Bartolo Colon and Jose Valverde. Japanese players have had translators go to the mound when necessary. It’s probably not ideal, but hardly a problem.
Yeah, really seems to be a non-story there.
It was an interesting read though. I enjoyed it at least.
Schlereth is not making the Pirates’ bullpen. Grill, Melancon, Watson, Wilson, Mazzero, Gomez, Pimentel are practically locks, with guys like Morris and Hughes on the cusp.
Yeah, too many guys out of options in that bullpen. Schlereth has looked good so far this spring though…so has Adam Wilk. Would like to see both stay in the system at AAA, but not sure how that works with them both being NRI.