Joe Brescia interviews Joe Mauer about being a big catcher, and how Jesus Montero should handle the nay-sayers:
Some baseball observers feel that tall catchers are limited in their flexibility, and that someone like Montero would be better off switching to another position like first base, outfield or designated hitter.
But Mauer, who has won three Gold Gloves to go along with three batting titles and a Most Valuable Player award, has proved that height is not a hindrance for catchers with ability, and Montero, like Mauer, is a talented hitter. “I’ve heard a lot about him,” Mauer said of the 20-year-old Montero. “I’m excited to see him.”
Mauer was told about Montero’s insistence about making the majors as a catcher.
“That’s good,” Mauer said. “He might find that everyone wants to throw their two cents in. But I really enjoyed the position and that was not going to stop me.”
Montero is smart to stick with catcher as long as possible. He’ll be worth more money that way. It should be noted, however, that Carlos Delgado made a pretty good career for himself at first base after coming through the minors as a catcher.
Problem being, Yankees already have someone at first base. Outside of the corner OF, Yankees are set for a few more years everywhere but catcher.
The shift from C to 1b entails a massive loss of positional value. It’s entirely possible that Delgado might have been more valuable to the Blue Jays if he’d stayed a catcher, even if that hurt his hitting.