Cubs roster move: Miguel Montero designated for assignment, Victor Caratini called up

After a few hours of controversy over Miguel Montero’s comments after Tuesday’s game, and after Anthony Rizzo’s response to him, the Cubs had their own response:

And he will be replaced on the 25-man roster by Victor Caratini:

It’s real early to have a reaction to this, but my initial reaction is, “Wow.” Cubs management obviously has decided that they can’t have one player throw an entire pitching staff under the bus. Rizzo’s comments earlier today, from the acknowledged team leader, made a statement without coming right out and saying so, that Montero really didn’t have a future with this club.

It’s possible that the Cubs could find a trade partner for Montero, but that presumes they would have to eat all of the (approximately) $7 million left on his contract. If the DFA becomes an outright release, they’d have to eat that anyway.

I’m sad about this. Up to last year when he complained after the World Series that he didn’t get enough playing time, Montero always seemed to be a good team player. I will always remember his grand slam against the Dodgers in Game 1 of the NLCS — don’t think I’ve ever heard Wrigley as loud as it was right then — and his key hit that produced the insurance run the Cubs needed in Game 7 of the World Series.

Now the Cubs move on. They’re making a statement. Now here’s hoping they make one on the field as well.