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Toronto Blue Jays: Checking in on Jesus Montero

By Paul Taylor

Aug 9, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Jesus Montero (63) is greeted in the dugout after his two-run homer against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Jesus Montero (63) is greeted in the dugout after his two-run homer against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jesus Montero has been having a fine season in Buffalo and it will be interesting to see how this translates to the Toronto Blue Jays, when he gets called up in September.

September is nearly here, meaning the Toronto Blue Jays and the rest of the league will soon be expanding their rosters to 40 players. Arguably the most intriguing addition to the team will be that of Jesus Montero, who at one time was one of the top prospects in all of baseball.

While never living up to expectations, Montero will still be worth keeping an eye on, when he gets the call-up to Toronto. He has enjoyed a fine season at the minor league level, playing for the Blue Jays’ Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons.

As of August 9th, the 26-year old leads the team in hits, batting average and OPS. He is also second in home runs and tied for most RBIs.

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In respect of the International League as a whole, Montero is second in hits and third in batting average. Unsurprisingly, he was voted into last month’s Triple-A All-Star game in Charlotte, and took part in the home run derby.

At the time, the Venezuelan native discussed the pride which came with been selected. Speaking to The Buffalo News and the rest of the media, he said: “It means a lot – every single year I set goals before the break.”

Understandably though, Montero’s ambitions go much higher: “I’ve been here the whole year.

“I want to be in the big leagues, but I don’t make any decisions. I make the All-Star team and that’s really good for me.”

Perhaps anticipating his call-up to the Majors, the former New York Yankees’ amateur free agent pickup has taken his game to another level of late, batting .385 in his last 10 appearances. You imagine he must be looking forward to the opportunity to play in the hitter-friendly confines of Rogers Centre.

Toronto Blue Jays
Jul 1, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Fans stand as the national anthems are played and a Canadian flag unfurled at center field during Canada Day ceremonies before the Boston Red Sox play the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Of course, there are no guarantees Montero will see any action with the Blue Jays. Regardless, all he can do is continue to play hard, with a major part of his success this season coming down to perfecting his ability to adjust to pitchers.

Another aspect the DH and (sometimes) first baseman has worked on, is learning to hit with his hands: “I just keep my routine in the cage and try to throw my hands to the ball, don’t use too much my body to hit.”

It’s more than likely Montero will never again approach the potential he showed during his first two years in the Majors, with the Yankees and then the Seattle Mariners. However, he won’t give up on his dreams and who are we to tell him otherwise?

Next: Will the Blue Jays wins the AL East?

Have you been keeping an eye on Montero’s performances this season in Buffalo? What kind of impact do you predict he will have — if any — when he gets called up to the Majors? Let us know in the comments section below.

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