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listen Listen: Miguel Montero, D'Backs catcher
Burns & Gambo talk to "Miggy" at fan fest about his relationship with Trevor Bauer, as well as his base stealing ability.

It was common knowledge last season that Diamondbacks pitcher Trevor Bauer did not do a great job of endearing himself to the rest of the team.

It would be unfair to classify him as having "feuded" with the likes of Kirk Gibson and catcher Miguel Montero, but it's fair to speculate that his personality rubbed folks the wrong way, which eventually led to the pitcher being traded to Cleveland in the offseason.

With the 2013 campaign set to begin, Montero, who caught for Bauer, admitted it was not easy working with the young right-hander.

"It was tough," Montero told Arizona Sports 620's Burns and Gambo at FanFest Saturday. "When you get a guy like that and he thinks he's got everything figured out, it's just tough to commence and try to get on the same page with you."

Montero said the goal was to simplify things for the rookie, but the cerebral Bauer wanted no part of that.

"He would make it even harder," Montero said.

Bauer struggled in four starts with the D-backs, compiling a 1-2 record to go along with a 6.06 ERA. He walked 13 batters in 16.1 innings while striking out 17.

It would have been easier for the organization to work through the player's growing pains had he simply been easier to work with.

"Since day one in Spring Training I caught him and he killed me because he threw about 100 pitches the first day," Montero said, adding he told Bauer he should take it a bit slower and work on locating his fastball first before working on his breaking pitches.

"And he said 'yes', and the next time he threw I saw him doing the same thing," Montero said. "He never wanted to listen."

As one of the team leaders, Montero is a player who should probably be listened to. One of the game's better catchers, Bauer's unwillingness to work with him did not bode well for his future in the desert.

"He's got his ways, and it's tough to change it," Montero said. "Good luck to (Indians catcher) Carlos Santana there."

Adam Green, Web Content Editor - ArizonaSports.com

17 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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    brokedamouf wrote...
    Bauer
    I love the idea of Bauer. I was happy to see his attitude and confidence when he first arrived. I was a part of the "Free Bauer" movement. But it is obvious that for Towers, Gibby, and Kendrick to all be willing to part with him for close to nothing (below average shortstop with a low ceiling), he had to burn some real bridges. If you follow his twitter, you know he is a conceited, arrogant, bratty child (with an awesome arm). I am glad he is gone, I just wish we got more than Didi for him. By high, sell low...
  • Abuse
    ShawnBronald wrote...
    @parrotheadkrm
    I can't tell if you're being serious or just kidding. If you're serious, I must ask: Do you even watch baseball? If Montero isn't one of the better catchers in the game today, please take a moment and name the ones that are better. Off the top of my head, I can only think of maybe 2 or 3 and Miggy's numbers are still comparable to them. He's one of the better offensive catches, defensive catchers and overall leaders in the clubhouse.
  • Abuse
    Sparky83 wrote...
    @tripod
    Haha What a comparison! Or False Analogy! I'm not sure where you got the inspiration for use Randy Johnson or Curt Shillings, but you should of left it there! He wasn't even that stellar in triple A. Bauer hasn't done anything to deserve to be in coversation with those names! I'm sure miggy would know if bauer was also off location! Some might call it constructive criticism.
  • Abuse
    DisgustedD wrote...
    Hey Tripod
    I know for a fact Miggy would say that a a rookie or young RJ or Schilling!
  • Abuse
    guessman wrote...
    Tripod a High level pitcher???
    If you were such a high level pitcher as you say, you should know that the pitcher and catcher work together as a team. Sounds like you are just like Bauer. Talent(maybe,if you say so) but not too bright. One man show!
  • Abuse
    DrLefty wrote...
    No Class
    Whether Montero's right or wrong about Bauer (and time will tell, won't it?), he's a real jerk to badmouth an ex-teammate like that--especially a 21-year-old rookie. Bauer is out of his life. The gracious, mature path for Montero was either to say nothing or wish Bauer well. The Dbacks have a lot of young pitchers. If Montero is going to be so negative and critical and "my way or the highway," the coming years could be a big disappointment. In this division, a strong pitching staff is the only path to success.
  • Abuse
    parkerbronc wrote...
    Journalism
    The writer has a responsibility to seek out Trevor Bauer and give him the opportunity to respond. Editor?
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