Starting pitcher Montas is practically game-ready already
Spring training 2.0 is just a week old, so don’t etch this prediction in stone. But, try this on: A’s Opening Day starter Frankie Montas.
Montas busted into the Coliseum last week with a chip on his shoulder and a 100 mph fastball ready to go despite the three-month hiatus. In Arizona, Montas found a cage to work with and an unassuming high school catcher to absorb his three-digit mph offerings as he mounted to some four-inning outings throughout his extended offseason.
“When I was in Arizona, I never stopped throwing,” he said.
The right-handed 27-year-old pitcher is practically game-ready. Teammates he has faced in live BP this summer said he’s already electric. More than anything, he’s hungry.
“Part of it stems from not being able to contribute for the second half last year,” manager Bob Melvin said, referring to Montas’ 80-game suspension last season for PED use. “It was his focus to find somewhere to (pitch), he was going to be ready coming into camp this year. He was ready in spring training and he was ready in spring training 2.0. He’s driven.” BARRETO IS MAKING HIS MARK >> Franklin Barreto hit the first two home runs of camp, and they weren’t cheapies. They came off Montas and Liam Hendricks.
“It’s two good pitchers he hit them off of,” Melvin said. “He’s looked the best so far at this point at the plate.”
Melvin has said that he expects second base to be platooned; Tony Kemp should get at bats against right-handers, and Barreto against left-handed pitchers with Vimael
Machin (who has also impressed at the plate in camp) in the mix for at-bats, too.
Barreto’s power is evident, anecdotally and through his exit velocity. Last season, he hit a Ross Detwiller curveball with a 107 mph EV for a home run. He pulled a Hansel Robles double 110 mph for a double.
“He needs to get consistent at-bats because we know what he can do,” A’s assistant hitting coach Eric Martins said. “I can see him in the lineup because he’s as dangerous as anyone we got. He understands it’s his time, he has an opportunity.”
PUK’S BIG HAIRCUT >> Tall left-hander A.J. Puk looked a little different when he hopped on Zoom, about 10 pounds lighter with one foot of hair completely buzzed off. Even some of his teammates didn’t recognize him.
“I had to get rid of it,” he said. “It was too long.”