Miguel Montero said he got a great night of sleep after enjoying dinner Monday night with Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon.
The dinner came more than three months after Montero questioned Maddon’s use of him in the National League playoffs, and Maddon suggested they meet away from the ballpark and let Montero pick an Italian restaurant in Scottsdale.
"At the end of the day, this is 2017," Montero said. "We turned the page, and our main goal is 2017, and we both agreed on that."
Montero emphasized he knows his role as a backup catcher to Willson Contreras, saying he would go as far as be willing to spell Contreras if he needed a day off with three-time NL Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw on the mound.
"I got a lot off my chest," Montero said. "I care so much about the game."
Montero emphasized he wanted to help the Cubs, even in a limited role.
"I’ve never been a cancer wherever I’ve played for all these years," Montero said. "And I’m not planning to be one of those guys."
Maddon praised Montero, saying he could stay in the game as a coach or manager after his playing days end.
Photos as the Cubs practice at spring training in Mesa, Ariz.
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