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| Miguel Montero and Trevor Bauer, in one of their presumably rare happy moments. (Getty Images) |
You'll recall that the Diamondbacks not long ago parted with gifted young hurler (now gifted young Indian) Trevor Bauer in large part because, to hear them tell it, he didn't take instruction well. Now, Arizona catcher Miguel Montero is rather conspicuously sticking to the script.
Montero was recently asked about his time with Bauer, and ArizonaSports.com relayed his candid assessment:
"When you get a guy like that and he thinks he's got everything figured out, it's just tough to convince and try to get on the same page with you. ...
"Since day one in Spring Training I caught him and he killed me because he threw about 100 pitches the first day ... the next time he threw I saw him doing the same thing. He never wanted to listen.
...
"He's got his ways, and it's tough to change it. Good luck to (Indians catcher) Carlos Santana there."
Bauer, it should be noted, seems to know a little bit about his craft.
In any event, this seems like one of those situations in which both parties did their best to avoid the sensible middle ground. Bauer's a neophyte and doubtless has much to learn. On the other hand, the D-backs could probably stand to be less rigid in how they handle players -- one size fits all doesn't work too well.
Consider this the latest piece of evidence that suggests Arizona is all-in with the "good soldier" approach that's informed so many of their recent moves.
(HT: Hardball Talk)
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