Archive: December 9th, 2014

Cubs Catch Montero, Kemp On the Move?

According to various sources, the Chicago Cubs have acquired catcher Miguel Montero from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Nice move by the Cubs, who missed out on signing Russell Martin. Though the 30-year-old’s OBP and power numbers have reduced drastically over the past two years, Montero should provide similar production to Martin, both at and behind the plate. I’ve always liked Montero’s catching skills; he receives pitches well, has good feet, and an above-average arm. His bugaboo is lefthanded pitchers, but, if the Cubs hold on to RH-hitting Welington Castillo, the two could combine for a productive platoon — Castillo crushed lefties last year.

Did you think the headline referred to the Mets trading Rafael Montero?

Also, the Dodgers have swapped backstop Drew Butera to the Angels. The Dodgers recently picked up Ryan Lavarnway from the waiver wire, making the defensive-minded Butera expendable.

Additionally, the Pirates have reportedly re-signed starting pitcher Francisco Liriano to a three-year, $39M contract.

Finally, there is buzz that the Padres could be close to acquiring Matt Kemp from the Dodgers.

That’s all for now from the winter meetings.

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