Chicago Cubs: Miguel Montero’s latest comments should be the last straw

Following Tuesday’s loss, Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Montero made comments that are likely to draw the ire of Theo Epstein and the organization brass.

For the second time since the end of last season, veteran catcher Miguel Montero is in hot water. After the Chicago Cubs allowed seven stolen bases Tuesday night, instead of stepping up and owning it, he deflected blame to Jake Arrieta.

"“That’s the reason they were running left and right today, because they [Arrieta] were slow to the plate,” Montero told reporters after the loss. “Simple as that. It’s a shame it’s my fault because I didn’t throw anyone out."

Trea Turner alone swiped four bags for Washington, one of the most athletic teams in the National League. And make no mistake, Tuesday night isn’t an outlier for Montero. The soon-to-be 34-year-old backstop is yet to catch a would-be base stealer this year. Opponents are 31-for-31 in 2017 against him.

"“It really sucked, because the stolen bases go on me. But when you really look at it, the pitcher doesn’t give me any time, so yeah, ‘Miggy can’t throw anyone out,’ but my pitchers don’t hold anyone on.”"

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This isn’t the first time Montero has drawn fire for his comments off the diamond. After the team snapped a 108-year World Series title drought last fall, he shot his mouth off about playing time. That instance took a meal with Joe Maddon to smooth things over and, supposedly, things were better.

The end of a partnership

When Arrieta takes the ball next time around, I wouldn’t expect Montero behind the plate. Arrieta’s admittedly longer delivery, coupled with Montero’s inability to keep runners honest, spell trouble.

The physical issues are the least of my worries, personally. Last season, Chicago rode an unbelievably strong team chemistry to a title. This year, that same energy and collective power seems all but lost – with this outburst the strongest evidence yet.

"“As soon as you catch the ball, you see the guy at second base and you try to be as quick as possible,” Montero said. “Next thing you know, you don’t have anything on it or you make a bad throw. There’s a couple times I didn’t throw because there is no time to throw anyone out there. It’s frustrating for a catcher. It really hurts me. I feel like I can still throw. I have a good arm. My arm feels great. I just tried to be quicker, try to be perfect. To make those two together it’s hard to do.”"

If a pitcher doesn’t trust his catcher, he won’t be as effective. He could second-guess game calling and pitch selection, weakening one of the most important relationships on any team.

Moving on

As the reigning World Series champs, sitting around .500 as June nears its end is troubling, to say the least. Throw in the countless injuries, shoddy starting rotation performance and lack of chemistry and there’s now real concern surrounding the Cubs.

With pieces like Jeimer Candelario and Ian Happ already in Chicago, it’s time to make the call for Victor Caratini. I understand the role Montero plays as a mentor with over a decade of experience in the big leagues, but the mental mentoring could hurt young players.

You can’t have a man who’s supposed to be a clubhouse leader being one of the most vocal issues on a team. Whether it’s by release or packaged in a trade, the Cubs need to silence these comments.

Next: Nationals swipe seven bags in blowout win over Cubs

Anyone can be a good teammate when you win 103 regular-season games and a World Series. It’s in the dog days, when the team is struggling to keep its head above water – that’s when it’s hardest.

Miguel Montero clearly is no longer embracing that role. Throwing a teammate, especially a struggling one, under the bus is unacceptable. It may be difficult, but Theo needs to pull the trigger and help the team move on.