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Montero could be expendable if D-Backs swing deal
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Dodgers catcher Russell Martin tucks the ball into his mitt as he waits for a collision with the Arizona Diamondbacks' Miquel Montero in a July 19, 2008 game.
Darryl Webb, Tribune
As the Diamondbacks conduct their due diligence this offseason, they have found significant interest in reserve catcher Miguel Montero.
“That’s a pretty popular name,” a major league source said.
While the D-Backs would prefer to keep Montero because of his offensive productivity and his affordability, his marketability seems to make him the most likely trading piece to address their hole at second base.
The D-Backs now appear more likely to trade for a second baseman to replace free agent Orlando Hudson after sources indicated that veterans such as free agent Mark Loretta or possible trade piece Adam Kennedy are too pricey.
The D-Backs have also had some inquiries about outfielder Eric Byrnes, who has two years and $22 million remaining on his contract, but in all probability would have to absorb another significant contract to make a deal work.
The D-Backs are unlikely to swap large contracts, however, believing that they would not acquire a player of Byrnes’ value, even if inaction means a continued glut at either first base or left field (depending on where Conor Jackson plays). Byrnes produced consecutive seasons of 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases in 2006-07 before hamstring issues limited him last year.
Because Chris Snyder has cemented himself as the starter at catcher, Montero could be considered expendable.
Boston could be in the market for a catcher if free agent Jason Varitek goes elsewhere, and Detroit, Cincinnati, Houston and perhaps Milwaukee also might have interest.
At the same time, Texas is looking to trade a catcher or two from its foursome of Gerald Laird, Max Ramirez, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden.
Any deal would have to make financial sense to the D-Backs, whose 2009 payroll is likely to be around $70 million-$72 million.
Snyder is entering his second year of arbitration and is likely to command a salary of about $3 million. He is under control for one more year.
Montero is not eligible for arbitration until after 2009 and is under control through 2012, a fact that also makes him desirable for teams seeking long-term stability.
Montero, 25, showed significant pop in limited opportunities in 2008, when he had 16 doubles and five home runs in only 184 at-bats. He hit .255 with a .435 slugging percentage.
He started only nine of the D-Backs’ final 35 games, six when working with Randy Johnson.
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