Time running out for Montero
by Chuck Murr of IndiansInk.net, October 22, 2009 at 9:14am ET
Lucas Montero Profile
Lucas Montero has five-tool skills, but has yet to learn how to fully utilize them on a consistent basis.
The outfielder went 0-for-4 to drop his average to .083 (1-for-12) after four games for Gigantes in the Dominican Winter League.
Montero is a switch-hitter with speed to burn and enough pop from both sides of the plate to be a dangerous hitter. He's willing to draw a walk, but strikes out too much to be a consistent leadoff man. He's a dilemma for the Indians, who recognize his abundant talent, but also are well aware of Montero's inability to put it all together.
Montero split the 2008 season between Lake County and Kinston, totalling 60 stolen bases in 73 attempts. In 115 games, he batted .258 with nine homers, but only 13 doubles, three triples and 49 RBI with 79 runs. He played the entire 2009 season at Kinston, hitting .260 with five homers, nine triples, 17 doubles, 81 runs and 39 RBI in 129 games. He was 35-for-51 in steal attempts.
For his career, Montero is a .262 hitter with 135 steals, 251 runs, 191 walks and 267 strikeouts in 392 minor-league games.
He turned 25 years old last weekend. In baseball terms, that is too old to be considered a prospect at Double-A, where he likely would play in 2010. But with his tools, it is tough to simply give up on Montero. Even if he doesn't make it to the majors until age 28 or 29, he still has the raw ability to impact a game, even as a spare outfielder -- one who would not cost millions of dollars on the free-agent market such as retreads Trot Nixon and David Dellucci cost Cleveland in recent years.
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