Miguel Montero with the Arizona Diamondbacks: By The Numbers

Dec 10, 2014, 1:55 AM | Updated: 1:57 am

The Arizona Diamondbacks traded catcher Miguel Montero to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, ending an era in which the organization employed one of the best defensive backstops in the majors.

Montero was with the organization since 2001 when he signed as an amateur free agent and anchored the Diamondbacks’ behind the plate since he took over starting catcher duties in 2007.

Although not necessarily an offensive powerhouse, Montero made his presence known with his work in the field, building a reputation as a defensive stopper that helped him earn two selections to the National League All-Star team.

With Montero on his way to the ivy-covered confines of Wrigley Field, here’s a look at some of the numbers he put up while with the D-backs:

.300

Montero was one of the D-backs’ best hitters in their most recent playoff series, batting .300 with two doubles, two RBI and three runs scored in the 2011 National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

2

Montero was twice a National League All-Star. His first nod came in 2011, and his second came last season.

4 (part I)

The most home runs Montero has hit off of any single pitcher is four, which he crushed off right-hander Jason Marquis in 25 plate appearances. Incidentally, Marquis and Montero were teammates for a brief time in 2011.

4 (part II)

Montero developed a reputation as one of the steadiest men behind the plate, as he committed the second fewest errors among National League catchers in four different seasons — 2009, ’11, ’12 and ’14.

4.1

Although largely lauded for his abilities in the field, Montero was impressive enough on defense and at the bat to post a career-high 4.1 Wins Above Replacement in 2011 and ’12. Along with his gaudy caught-stealing percentages, Montero hit 18 home runs for 86 RBI in 2011 and 15 home runs and 88 RBI in 2012.

12

Montero helped turn 12 double plays last season, the highest total among National League catchers.

40

Montero made life a bit more difficult for jumpy base-runners, leading the league in 2011 by throwing out 40 percent of potential base stealers. Although the number was the best in the National League that season, it wasn’t even Montero’s career high, which he achieved in 2012 after stopping 42 percent of stolen base attempts.

82

Since becoming the D-backs’ full-time catcher in 2011, Montero appeared in 533 of 648 possible games (82 percent). The 131 games he appeared in in 2014 were the third-most among all MLB catchers.