The Chicago Cubs continue to fight to reclaim the top spot in the NL Central division. Miguel Montero’s recent comments on Jake Arrieta show the true problem within this Cubs team.
The Chicago Cubs allowed the Washington Nationals to steal seven bases in their 6-1 loss on Tuesday night. The seven stolen bases set a record for the most stolen bases in a game in Nationals team history.
With 7 stolen bases tonight, the #Nats set a new single-game team record. pic.twitter.com/O4LiwSxnSz
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) June 28, 2017
Cubs catcher Miguel Montero had some comments after the game about the stolen base situation. During an interview with ESPN reporter Jesse Rogers, Montero expressed his frustration.
"“It really sucked, because the stolen bases go on me. But when you 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.”"
The starting pitcher for the Cubs on Tuesday was Jake Arrieta. Arrieta and Montero were the tandem that allowed the seven stolen bases.
Montero continued about the Nationals’ record-breaking performance on the base paths.
"“That’s the reason they were running left and right today, because they [Arrieta] were slow to the plate . . . Simple as that. It’s a shame it’s my fault because I didn’t throw anyone out.”"
SB Nation reporter Chris Cotillo tweeted out that Miguel Montero is now just 1-for-31 when attempting to throw out base stealers this season. That equates to a 3.2 caught stealing percentage.
Miguel Montero is 1 for 31 catching base-stealers this season. https://t.co/vyfOBCt0r0
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) June 28, 2017
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Montero’s comments won’t help the Cubs’ team chemistry. If anything, more friction in the clubhouse could occur from this scenario.
This wasn’t the first time that Montero criticized his team. Back in November of 2016, Montero made statements about his lack of playing time in the playoffs. Although he enjoyed the Cubs’ championship, he felt that he deserved a bigger role in the Cubs’ winning effort. The lack of communication disappointed Montero most.
The Cubs are searching for their winning ways from 2016. This season, the Cubs’ current record sits at 39-38. They remain one game back of the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL Central lead.
So far in 2017, the Cubs look like a team suffering from a World Series hangover. Many Cubs players aren’t performing like they did last season.
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The Cubs’ run production ranks 16th in baseball. As a team, they are struggling to hit for average. They rank 29th in batting average (.239). If the Cubs can’t find a spark from their offense, they’ll struggle to reach the World Series again in 2017.