Sep 10, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero (26) returns to the dugout after the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
In a recent article by Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic it says the Chicago White Sox are one of a handful of teams that have spoken to the Arizona Diamondbacks about catcher Miguel Montero.
Sep 6, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers (21) runs out a double in the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Near the end article it says the following:
"“The Diamondbacks continue to have dialogue with other clubs on a variety of players, including catcher Miguel Montero. However, according to a source, talks regarding Montero have not picked up significantly in the days following the Toronto Blue Jays’ signing of catcher Russell Martin. Among the teams the Diamondbacks have spoken to about Montero are the Chicago Cubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox.”"
With that said, the current catcher of the White Sox is Tyler Flowers, who can be described as inconsistent at times, but when he is in a groove he is a decent player to have in the batting order.
Here is a quick look at Flowers:
As for Montero, here is what he brings to the table:
What I like best about Montero over Flowers are his on-base percentage and his RBIs, as they are better than what Flowers brought to the White Sox this past season.
Montero struck out less than 100 times (97) and his slugging percentage came in at .370 and his OPS was .699. He also had 23 doubles and totaled 119 hits. Plus the catcher of the Diamondbacks grounded into 12 double plays.
On the other hand, Flowers only grounded into 10 double plays last season, but did strike out 159 times. In comparison, Flowers’ slugging percentage was .297 and his OPS was .693 in ’14.
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As for strikeout numbers, Montero’s have reduced each season, as he had over 100 strikeouts in 2013 (110) and 2012 (130), so the 97 he had in ’14 was a bit of an improvement. His WAR (wins above replacement) was 0.7 and he finished with RAR (Runs above Replacement level) of 11. Flowers’ WAR was 2.3. and his RAR was 21.
The walk numbers of Montero are respectable last season at 72, but in ’12 he walked 88 times and in ’11 his walk total came in at 86. Flowers collected just 25 walks in his 127 games played in last season.
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Montero did commit 13 errors in ’14 at catcher in 1,115 chances, but did have a .988 fielding percentage (compared to Flowers at .991). In terms of errors, Flowers had a total of eight last season in 941 chances.
I don’t know if the White Sox should be interested, but I understand if they want to make a change at the catcher position based on the inconsistency that Flowers has provided at times throughout his short White Sox career as the starting catcher.
Is Montero that much of an improvement over Flowers … yes-and-no, but I have to ask has Flowers earned a third year as the No. 1 White Sox catcher with his overall play since becoming the full-time starter?
I think if the White Sox can obtain Montero for the right price, why not trade for him, because having a catcher who strikes out 159 times is a bit much, and if the White Sox can cut down on those K’s this season, they’ll have a better opportunity to win games.
Give us your thoughts on the White Sox being interested Montero.