#26 Johnny Monell, C. A+: .273/.350/.487 with 19 HR's. AAA: .200/.294/.400 in 15 AB's. PWL: .203/.250/.356 with 2 HR's in 59 AB's.
Johnny Monell was my pick for breakout prospect before the 2010 season. Maybe it wasn't quite a breakout, but he put up some very impressive numbers as the starting catcher for the San Jose Giants. He hit better as the season went along, moving into the cleanup spot in the batting order after Brandon Belt's promotion and winning the MVP of the Cal League Championship Series. Monell has always been an offense-first catcher, but San Jose Manager Brian Harper is a former MLB catcher and worked with Monell on his D. Gotta be rooting for Monell to make it. His father played professional baseball for 17 seasons without ever making it to the majors. A lefthanded hitting catcher with some pop would be a perfect backup for Buster Posey in SF or could become a very valuable trade chip.
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I can't say I am in love with Monell (I figure he is still probably our #3 catching prospect behind ToJo and Sanchez), but I am beginning to believe that he may actually have a Yorvete Torealba - like career.
ReplyDeleteThat could be a VERY nice trade chip...
I might actually rank him above Hector Sanchez at this point, but it's a close call. I would like to see if either are in BA's Giants top 30 and what Baggs has to say about them. Baggs has the inside scoop on how the Giants see their own prospects.
ReplyDeleteA catcher who is competent behind the plate and has a plus skill offensively (seems like it could be power in this case) are valuable commodities. We have been fortunate not to have any serious injuries at catcher in recent years, but a decent backup is important, especially if Buster is going to have a 12+ year career.
ReplyDeleteTrade chip, backup catcher, whatever, a left-handed hitter with some pop will find a way to be valuable whether it is as a trade chip or otherwise.