Former Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Montero, designated for assignment Wednesday morning after inflammatory comments about Jake Arrieta’s slow pitching delivery on Tuesday, made the rounds on Chicago sports talk radio after the news broke.
Montero spoke to ESPN 1000’s Carmen and Jurko show, answering a flurry of questions about his comments, his time with the Cubs and potential clubhouse issues.
When it came to talking about his shots at Arrieta, Montero defended his career-long habit of being outspoken, but also mentioned his relationship with Arrieta.
“I’ve always been responsible for what I say,” Montero said. “This is one time that I probably would regret.”
Montero said that he’s happy with his performance so far this season, but also delved into potential issues inside the Cubs’ clubhouse. When asked whether or not players have lost respect for manager Joe Maddon, Montero said “I wish I could tell you, man.”
“When you’re not winning, nothing is pretty,” Montero said.
The hosts also asked Montero about Anthony Rizzo’s comments he made earlier in the day on the station.
“I don’t want to hear it and I don’t care,” Montero said.
The catcher did take one last parting shot at the Cubs’ first baseman when the hosts closed the interview by asking whether or not the team misses former catcher David Ross.
“Nah, I don’t think [the team misses him],” Montero said. “But I don’t know, maybe Rizzo misses him.”
Montero was also scheduled to be a guest on 670 The Score’s Bernstein & Goff show, but the interview was stopped due to phone issues.
This isn’t the first time Montero has aired frustrations out on the radio. After the Cubs’ World Series victory parade in November, he spoke to ESPN 1000’s Waddle & Silvy about being discontent with his role in the World Series.
Montero said he won’t have hard feelings toward the Cubs if he ends up playing against them for a different National League team later this season, and also expressed gratitude toward Cubs fans during the interview.
“I really love them, they’re the best in the game,” Montero said. “They’re electric fans, they’re into the game and they love every player.”
Triple-A catcher Victor Caratini is being promoted to the Cubs’ major league roster to fill Montero’s spot.
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1 Comment
When you say anything these days the news will pick it up so maybe stay quiet??? Maybe time to move on if unhappy or have a good talk with the manager. Nothing is perfect! Period!