People that would prefer Montanez playing everyday over Pie, are missing the big picture.
Yes, Montanez has talent… he was a 1st round pick, yes he tore up AA last year… but he is also turning 28. Pie just turned 24… even if you account for the inflated stats of the PCL… Pie’s production in the PCL (AAA) is more impressive than what Montanez acheived in the Eastern League last year, when you account for age.
When you factor in Pie’s speed, and the defensive ability he has shown his professional career in CF… Pie playing over Montanez is a no-brainer.
Pie getting 450 at-bats this year, and playing (learning) LF is one of the things that can actually be accomplished this year.
During the Winter, I was pulling for Montanez to make the team as a reserve. For that to have happened, the O’s would have had to have been comfortable with Freel at SS…. The O’s gave Freel multiple opportunities at SS during Spring Training, because if they had gone to a 13 man staff… he would have been the back-up… when Freel had defensive problems, the organization decided they were not comfortable with Freel in that capacity… and they aquired Andino…I was fine with the idea of Montanez as the 4th bench player (Moeller, Freel, Wiggington, Montanez) because at his age… it does not matter if he plays everyday…..
Since Montanez is back in the minors, let him go play everyday, and produce again… if he does that… and shows improvement in the field… he has a chance to take Freel’s spot at some-point this year… for now, Freel is going to stay, because Trembley likes his speed and intensity.
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.