Mariners Position Battle Update: First Base

Jesus Montero

We all know the story with Jesus Montero. This spring he hasn’t wowed anyone , hitting .294 while going 5-17 with a double and 2 RBI. He has played 19 innings at first base. Montero hasn’t made an error yet, but he also hasn’t done anything out of the ordinary. So far, I don’t think he has done enough to make this club.

Montero will be entering his age 26 season, and the one-time prospect has not lived up to the hype that surrounded him when he was acquired by Seattle. In his first few games with the Yankees in 2011, he showed some promise hitting .328 with 4 homeruns in 18 games. And in his first full season with Seattle in 2012 he hit put up a slash line of .260/.298/.386 with 15 home runs. Since his first full campaign, he has only played 73 games with the Mariners.

Despite his disappointing numbers so far in his career, the Venezuelan native has a career slash of .292/.341/.429 against left-handed pitching in 340 plate appearances. That would be formidable for a platoon player alongside Adam Lind. Although Montero isn’t the most athletic player, he does his job at first base and should provide decent production from the right side of the plate. I think Montero will have to really impress Servais and Dipoto this spring to be awarded a spot on the roster.

Next: Romero looks to continue his hot spring