Jesus Montero, Seattle Mariners Catcher, Allegedly Linked to Miami PED List

Sep 21, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Jesus Montero (63) waits for the pitch during the game against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Texas 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

According to the New York Daily News Jesus Montero, once a former prospect for the New York Yankees and now a Seattle Mariners catcher, is allegedly on the list of Sam and Seth Levinson clients associated with Anthony Bosch and the latest performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) scandal.

Bosch, who is affiliated with a South Florida clinic that has been linked to the distribution of PEDs to several major league baseball players, also has allegedly supplied New York Yankee bad boy Alex Rodriguez. Now that clinic records are under investigation, several other names have come up, including Montero’s.

The Levinson brothers agent team was already under investigation when Melky Cabrera tested positive for elevated testosterone levels in the summer of 2012. The list also includes Gio Gonzales and Nelson Cruz.

Montero told the Seattle Times that he had no idea why his name came up in the records. He said he’d never even heard of Bosch or his clinic, much less been a client. The Mariners official website gave the following response to the allegations:

The Seattle Mariners strongly support Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, and are disappointed any time we hear of any players potentially involved with banned substances.“We are aware of the report which appeared today in The New York Daily News and have been in contact with Major League Baseball to discuss it.“This matter is now in the hands of the Commissioner’s Office. At this time, with no additional information, we will have no further comment until that investigation has concluded, and all other questions should be directed to Major League Baseball.”

It makes sense that the Mariners’ organization is holding off to comment until they find out whether or not the accusations against Montero have any foundations. Other players named in the New York Daily News article included Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun, Orioles 3rd Baseman Danny Valencia, and Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli.

Currently, Montero is the only catcher on the Mariners’ 40-man roster, and will be the starting catcher for the Seattle team. He had a .260 batting average last year with 15 home runs and 62 RBIs as he split his time between playing designated hitter and backup catcher. The club has three catchers not currently on the roster: Ronny Paulino, Kelly Shoppach, and Mike Zunino.

So, what do you think about all of this. Is Montero telling the truth? Please answer our poll and post your thoughts in the comments.