The Yankees will promote catcher Jesus Montero to AAA to start the 2010 season. His throwing improved in 2009:

The Yankees have been encouraged by Montero’s improved footwork behind the plate. He threw out 31.8 percent of base runners in Trenton, which is pretty solid and much better than the 12.5 percent he threw out in the first half of the season in Tampa. Actually, Montero’s caught stealing percentage in Trenton was better than Romine’s season percentage in Tampa (though I don’t think anyone would suggest Montero is at Romine’s level in that regard). Newman said some of the improvement came because Montero adjusted his footwork so that he pivots on his right foot rather than taking a step or a slide.

“That seems to work for him,” Newman said. “It’s an older school approach.”

My father often told me that Yogi Berra wasn’t much of a defensive catcher when he first came to the majors. Bill Dickey imparted his knowledge, and that helped Yogi a great deal. It’s good to see someone is working with Montero, as he’ll be much more valuable as a catcher than at some other position, especially since Posada probably won’t be able to catch that much longer.