February 18, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher Luke Montz (71) poses for a picture during photo day at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

What is most noteworthy about the fact that Montz was called up, was the fact that it was the first time it happened for him since the 2008 season.  Montz got to play in 10 games in September of the 2008 season, and in his 26 plate appearances he hit .143/.308/.286 with a home run and 3 RBI.  The stats are inconsequential though in this case since they are so long ago and such a small sample size.  But those two facts illustrate just how big this is for Luke.

Since being drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 17th round of the 2003 draft (who later became the Washington Nationals to those uninformed), those 10 games were the only MLB experience Luke Montz had accrued.  He has a career .237/.334/.435 slash line over 3,629 plate appearances in 940 games over 11 seasons in the minor leagues with 144 minor league home runs to his name.  He is the essence of a career minor leaguer.  In Sacramento though he is hitting the ball, with a .283/.406/.679 line with 5 home runs and 12 runs driven in over his first 64 plate appearances.  He’s a big guy, at 6’1″ and 230 LBS and can hit for some power from the right side.  His ability to catch, and play first base gives the team a little flexibility in possibly starting both John Jaso and Derek Norris in the same lineup without having to worry about losing the DH spot should the catcher get injured.  With the A’s playing a number of games in a row starting Friday, and the expectation of facing a number of left handed starters, the addition of Montz makes sense.

His presence did pay dividends this afternoon in the loss to the Los Angeles Angels, he contributed an RBI double in the Athletics comeback attempt that ultimately fell short.  He was to come up to bat in the 9th inning with two runners on, but was lifted in favor of Eric Sogard (who popped out to end the game).  Montz now gets to travel with the Athletics to the Bronx to take on the New York Yankees, which has to be a huge thrill for the 29 year old.  His time in Oakland for now may not be long, as Crisp is expected back once his 15 days is up, Luke Montz has an opportunity to make a big impression on the big club that will keep him in the mix to play for the Athletics more in 2013.

Mitchell tore up Midland and Sacramento in 2011 by posting an extremely impressive .332/.430/.530 line in 635 plate appearances.  He seemed to be well on his way to forcing himself onto the Athletics 25 man roster.  Unfortunately the 2012 season didn’t quite go as planned for Mitchell.  Perhaps the highlight of his year was being asked to appear at the FanFest event in January.  In 474 plate appearances for the Rivercats Mitchell posted a rather pedestrian .252/.345/.386 line.  He missed time due to a back injury as well that derailed his season.

June 15, 2012; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Sandy Rosario (53) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Miami Marlins 11-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

Today a minor move was made that could possibly have a big impact on Mitchell’s future with the organization.  The A’s acquired a 27 year old pitcher named Sandy Rosario from the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named or cash, and as a result Mitchell was designated for assignment to make room on the Athletics 40 man roster.  Mitchell will be put through waivers, and seems like he would be an appealing piece to add for outfield depth, or perhaps a chance for some serious playing time on a rebuilding team.  Mitchell’s 2012 was not indicative of the talent he possesses, and he should be able to contribute at some level in the Major Leagues.

Rosario has pitched just 7.2 innings in the Majors with the Marlins over 3 separate seasons and quite frankly got hammered.  His 15.26 ERA proves that point.  Maybe though his struggles were just a symptom of pitching for a team owned by the trustworthy Jeffrey Loria.  As for the A’s, I would look at Rosario in the same light as someone like Jesse Chavez.  If he’s in the game (or even on the roster for that matter) you better hope the game is very well decided or there is literally no one left in the bullpen.  He did post a very good 1.04 ERA in Triple A New Orleans last year over 26 innings pitched, so perhaps an adjustment here or there could help translate some of that success in the minors to the show.

July 18, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics shortstop Brandon Hicks (18) hits a walk off home run against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-US PRESSWIRE

Both Miller and Hicks were designated for assignment, so they will go through the waiver process or may be traded within that waiver period.  They may still remain in the organization of they go unclaimed and accept the assignment, but I would imagine they’d elect free agency.  Both of them found themselves on the outside looking in, and may look elsewhere for a better opportunity to prove themselves.

Brandon Hicks of course will be remembered for the huge walk off home run against the Texas Rangers on a Wednesday afternoon, but unfortunately aside from that his big hits were few and far between.  In 70 plate appearances over 22 games Hicks hit .174/.243/.391 with 3 home runs.

Jim Miller was up and down between Oakland and Sacramento all season, and was relegated to mop up duty.  He did fairly well in his role making 33 appearances and registering a 2.59 ERA.  But he pitched around a lot of messes he created with walks, issuing 27 free passes in his 48.2 innings of work.  If he can improve his control, he can be a servicable middle reliever, and assuredly he’ll get his chance somewhere if it isn’t ultimately in Oakland.

Andrew Carignan is recovering from Tommy John surgery, and probably won’t be pitching until next season is well underway.  Carignan made just 11 appearances before hurting his elbow, and had a 4.66 ERA over his 9.2 innings.  He was outrighted to Triple A so he’ll be staying with the organization while he continues his rehab process.

The protection of Green, Ynoa, Peterson, and Leon leaves a few recognizable names open for the taking in the upcoming draft.  Of note are pitchers James Simmons, and Justin Souza, also eligible is outfielder Jermaine Mitchell.  Infielders Tyler Ladendorf and Josh Horton, along with catcher Petey Paramore, and pitchers Travis Banwart and Jared Lansford round out the list of eligible players from the Athletics organization.

Barring another move of some sort that clears space on the roster, the A’s will not be selecting any players in the Rule 5 draft.  They will be surely keeping a close eye on the draft to see if any of their players are taken from them.