What Did Miguel Montero Say? The Controversial Comments Explained

Miguel Montero, a former catcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs, once shared his frustration about the way stolen bases were being attributed to him. He felt that the blame for stolen bases shouldn’t fall solely on the catcher, but also on the pitcher’s ability to control the running game.

Montero’s statement was a reflection of the complex interplay between a pitcher and catcher in preventing stolen bases. While a catcher’s arm strength and throwing accuracy play a vital role, a pitcher’s ability to hold runners on base is equally important.

A pitcher’s timing and delivery can significantly influence a runner’s decision to steal. A pitcher who is quick to the plate, with a deceptive delivery, can make it harder for a runner to get a good jump and successfully steal a base. A pitcher who is slower to the plate, or has a predictable delivery, can give a runner the opportunity to steal.

A good pitcher-catcher duo works in tandem to prevent stolen bases. The pitcher needs to be aware of the runner’s tendencies and adjust their delivery accordingly. The catcher needs to communicate effectively with the pitcher, providing information about the runner’s lead and their potential to steal. The catcher needs to be able to frame pitches effectively, making it harder for the umpire to call a strike.

In summary, Montero’s statement highlights the importance of teamwork and communication between a pitcher and catcher in preventing stolen bases. It’s not just about the catcher’s ability to throw out runners, but also about the pitcher’s ability to control the running game.