Obviously, all with the Cubs is mostly well following their white-knuckled victory in the 2016 World Series -- how could it not be? One Cubs player who is perhaps not entirely pleased right now is veteran catcher Miguel Montero, who logged just four plate appearances in each of the Cubs' three 2016 postseason series while making just two starts (and none in the World Series).
On Friday, here's what he said about that reduced role during an appearance on ESPN 1000 in Chicago:
"I think the toughest part for me is they never communicated with me. I'm a veteran guy. They talk about veteran leadership. I have 11 years in the game and two All-Star [appearances]. I expected to be treated a little better. I was expected to get communication. Just let me know. Put me in the loop. That was the toughest part for me because I never understood what my role was going to be."
As you can glean, that sounds very much like criticism directed at manager Joe Maddon, whose job it is to communicate with his players. Maybe he did, but not to Montero's satisfaction. From Montero's standpoint, it's both understandable to feel that way (pro athletes are necessarily proud and highly competitive) and curious to air those objections on the day of the World Series parade.
From Maddon's standpoint, it's tough to keep three rostered catchers happy, especially the one who's accustomed to regular playing time.
In any event, Montero can at least remember the 2016 postseason fondly for his grand slam in Game 1 of the NLCS against the Dodgers. Beyond that, there's also a World Series ring headed his way. Montero's still got a year on his contract, so here's guessing this is a non-story by the time spring training arrives.
