Once-hot catching prospect Jesus Montero, who was shipped to Seattle by the Yankees in exchange for Michael Pineda (as of two years later, it seems like one of the fairest trades ever made), is now trying to salvage a big-league career. He's not doing a very good job of it.


The Seattle Times examines "the forgotten prospect," and his yearlong fall from grace: Losing the starting job, being sent down, getting injured, serving a 50-game suspension for his role in the Biogenesis PED scandal. Now Montero has reported to spring training 40 pounds heavier than his target weight—a number, incidentally, he's never been under in his Mariners career. Said Montero:

"After winter ball, all I did was eat."

That would explain it.

Patience is wearing thin in the Seattle front office, as thin as the seams of Montero's valiant pants. Manager Lloyd McClendon said he told Montero, "It's time to put up or shut up." That was downright word-mincing compared to GM Jack Zduriencik, who told reporters, "I have zero expectations for Jesus Montero. Any expectations I had are gone."


[Seattle Times, photo by Ryan Divish]