The future of Jesus Montero was a topic of discussion among the Yankees organization this week.

Back in July, the Yankees were willing to give up their top catching prospect for a chance to trade for Cliff Lee.  If Montero improves his defense and proves he can provide the work load, then he could possibly be catching Lee next season with the Yankees.

Spring training is where he will need to win the job over Yankee veteran catcher Jorge Posada.  The 39-year old is on his final year and although his bat is still alive, his defense has started to wilt.  Montero would fit at the starting catcher and Posada as the DH.

If Montero proves himself, he could be catching 90-100 games during the season with Posada and Francisco Cervelli doing the back-up job. 

There is also talk about Austin Romine, the Yankees other catching prospect.  He will be moved to Triple-A this season and if he steps up they may consider bringing him up mid-season to replace Cervelli.

In the first press conference after the ALCS loss to the Rangers that eliminated the Yankees from the postseason, GM Brian Cashman was asked about the status of Montero.  He was mostly asked whether or not Montero was ready.

"He's going to have to prove that.  He's an exceptionally talented person, but potential means you haven't made it yet.  Nothing gets handed to somebody, " said Cashman.

Although with a slow start in the 2010 season, Montero had a batting average of .289 with 21 home runs and 75 RBI's in 123 games in Triple-A.