Chicago

Montero Says ‘People Can't Handle the Truth' After Cubs' Decision

After the Chicago Cubs designated catcher Miguel Montero for assignment on Wednesday, he quickly weighed in with his feelings on the controversy in a series of interviews.

“Sometimes people can’t handle the truth,” Montero told Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times. “That’s my biggest issue. I’m just straightforward man. A straight shooter.”

Montero’s straight shooting occurred on Tuesday night after the Cubs’ loss to the Washington Nationals. Speaking to media after the game, Montero was critical of Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta, as the Cubs gave up seven stolen bases in the loss.

“That’s the reason they were running left and right today, because they (Arrieta) were slow to the plate,” Montero said. “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.’”

Montero told MLB.com’s Carrie Muskat that he apologized to Arrieta for his comments, and that Jake understood what he meant.

“I said (to Jake) ‘It’s frustrating for me as well,’” Montero said. “He said ‘what you said is true.’”

After the comments, which Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo called “selfish,” Montero was designated for assignment by the Cubs, paving the way for his eventual release by the team.

Montero also spoke to Cubs President Theo Epstein when the decision to designate him for assignment was made, and he thanked Epstein for the opportunity to play in Chicago.

Even as he spoke in a radio interview after his designation, Montero couldn’t help but get in one last subtle dig at one of his soon-to-be former teammates.

“Nah, I don’t think so,” Montero said when asked if the Cubs missed former catcher David Ross. “Maybe Rizzo misses him.” 

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