Jesus Montero’s Weight Is Not The Story

May 19, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Jesus Montero (63) loses his balance after Cleveland Indians shortstop Mike Aviles (4) scored from second base on a ground out in the fourth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Will people please stop talking about how fat Jesus Montero is? How he came to camp 40 pounds overweight?

For one thing, this was reported on the first day of camp and now over the past two days has popped up again like it’s some sort of breaking news. We at SodoMojo didn’t report on it at first, because it’s a non-story.

But after seeing so much vitriol, so much backlash at Montero from fans, media and others, I felt it was time to say something. And that something is:

YOU ARE ALL MISSING THE POINT!

His weight is NOT the story here. The story is how a once highly-touted prospect was suspended for 50 games due to PED use and then decided not to do everything he could to prove to his organization that he still wanted to play baseball at the highest level.

Yes, his weight gain is a product of that lack of effort and determination, but it is NOT the cause.

Montero clearly doesn’t get it. He is not dedicated to bettering his craft, honing his skills and performing at the highest level. Now, management realizes that as well.

Here is what new skipper Lloyd McClendon had to say:

And Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik said:

"“I have zero expectations for Jesus Montero. Any expectations I had are gone. We are disappointed in how he came in physically. He’s got a ton to prove. It’s all on him.”"

The only other person I have seen agree with me on this front has been Jason Churchill.

Exactly. Montero doesn’t get it.

So what is next for the one that bloggers and fans are now calling “Fat Jesus” among other things? The only thing he CAN do is report to Triple-A Tacoma with a desire to perform and better himself.

If that means losing weight, then lose the weight. If that means learning a new position (they are transitioning him to 1B) then learn it. The best we can hope is that he will perform at a high level again, gain some interest from another team and the Mariners will get something good in return for him.

I believe Montero’s time as a Mariner, is done.