IL1 Buffalo Bisons

Notebook: Montero Ready for Seventh All-Star Game

Published on June 30, 2016 under International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release


The Triple-A All-Star roster was unveiled on Wednesday, with four Bisons' rewarded for their strong seasons. Designated hitter Jesus Montero and reliever Dustin Antolin were named as starters to the International League squad, while starting pitcher Drew Hutchison and reliever Ben Rowen also earn All-Star nods.

Montero leads the Herd in most offensive categories, including hits (91), home runs (9), and RBI (47), while his .312 batting average is fourth in the league, as of June 30.

"I want to make the All-Star team every single year," Montero said. "That's a goal that I set every first half of the season."

Once one of the top prospects in baseball, Montero has spent parts of five years in the majors, playing in a career-high 135 games with Seattle in 2012. Originally a catcher, he has adjusted to the designated hitter role, becoming one of the best hitters in the IL this year.

"It feels good to me, it's exciting to be there," he said of his selection.

Montero joins three Buffalo pitchers in the mid-summer classic, a testament to the Herd's strong pitching staff.

"Let me tell you, the pitching we've had here is crazy, it's unbelievable, That's why we've been winning a lot of games."

Montero has now been named to seven All-Star games at the minor league level, with four coming at Triple-A.

When asked of his favorite moment from one of his many All-Star games, Montero recalled a Home Run Derby he participated in while in the Yankees' organization.

"For one All-Star game that I made in High-A, I was in the Home Run Derby, and I finished second. I've never done the Home Run Derby anymore, because you get a sore back from trying to swing too hard. But let's see if I can do it this year, see if we can have some fun."

The Bisons' four representatives are the most the team has sent to the All-Star game since six were named to the 2005 game in Sacramento.

Danny Barnes makes Triple-A debut

Longtime Blue Jays' farmhand Danny Barnes had made his final step up the minor league ladder, as the righty reliever earned a promotion to the Bisons on June 22.

A product of Princeton, Barnes was drafted by Toronto in the 35th round of the 2010 MLB Draft. He has battled injuries, but strong numbers throughout the organization, including a 2.48 ERA in 65 games with Double-A New Hampshire, have resulted to his move to Triple-A.

"There's been a lot of ups and downs, but you learn a lot, as you would in any career, and try to enjoy every day," Barnes said of his baseball journey so far.

Princeton's head baseball coach since 1998, Scott Bradley, played for the Bisons in 1986, in addition to spending parts of nine years in the majors.

"Going to Princeton, you have to really balance the academic stuff along with the athletic stuff. It definitely prepares you well. Coach Scott Bradley played in the big leagues for a long time, so he's pretty good at preparing guys who want to go on professionally."

A low-round draft pick, Barnes is fortunate that the Blue Jays saw potential in his power arm, which has translated to 387 strikeouts in 298.1 minor league innings, as of June 20.

"I wasn't very good in college," Barnes said. "I did not have good numbers in the Ivy League, I had a good arm, and was fortunate to get drafted by the Blue Jays. Once I came to pro ball, the focus increased, the intensity ramped up a little bit, and my fastball command got a lot better." Barnes was limited to just eight games in 2013, the result of arms injuries. "I had a shoulder injury I had to work through, and that was a whole process. Your learning how to take care of your body, how your body's going to change from when your 20-years old to 26, and you just always have to be aware of that stuff, and get better."

Barnes is familiar with many of his new teammates, including 2016 Triple-A All-Star Drew Hutchison.

"Hutch was actually my first roommate, we signed the same year, so I know him very well, he helped me out a lot too when I was rehabbing and needed a place to stay, and I owe him a lot."

Barnes first game with Buffalo came on June 22, when he hurled two perfect frames against Louisville, picking up a pair of strikeouts.

Bisons roll despite departure of ace Wade LeBlanc

The Bisons have raddled off a nine-game winning streak, the clubs' longest since 2013. Buffalo took the final three games of a home series against Louisville last week, then swept the Indians and Bats on the road.

The Herd has been firing on all cylinders, a feat made even more impressive considering the club lost one of its best arms, Wade LeBlanc, last week.

LeBlanc, the ace of the Bisons' starting rotation for much of the season, was traded to the Seattle Mariners on June 24. The lefty posted a sparkling 1.71 ERA, going 7-2 in 14 starts, and appeared to be lock to not only make the Triple-A All-Star team, but possibly start the game. He pitched 6.0 scoreless innings in his Seattle debut on June 24.

The Herd was also without one of it's best bullpen pieces for the past week. Reliever Ryan Tepera saved 11 games in 13 opportunities as the Bisons' primary closer, and notched all of his saves in succession from April 18 to June 24. He held a 2.89 ERA before he was recalled to the Blue Jays on June 27, his fourth trip to the majors this season. Tepera rejoined the Bisons on June 30.

Buffalo's pitching continues to dominate, earning three shutouts during their win streak. The return of Aaron Loup to the bullpen on June 15 has helped, as the 28-year old lefty has yet to allow a run at Triple-A this year. Danny Barnes joined the bullpen from Double-A New Hampshire, and Franklin Morales and Brett Cecil added a veteran presence in their minor league rehab assignments, while also not surrendering runs in their first 4.0 combined innings.

Drew Hutchison, Scott Diamond, Chris Leroux, and Roberto Hernandez have continued the trend of great starting pitching, and the quartet own a 1.36 combined ERA in their seven starts since June 22.

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International League Stories from June 30, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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