Feb. 24, 2012
When catcher Miguel Montero signed a one-year, $5.9 million contract to
avoid a salary arbitration hearing in January, he mentioned March 20 as a
date when he would like to end talks on a possible long-term deal.
That
should not be interpreted as a deadline, Montero was quick to say when
he reported to spring training, although he does want the matter decided
one way or another a good few days before the starting of the regular
season April 6.
"I don’t want to think about it right before the season starts. They say it doesn’t affect you, but it does," Montero said.
The
D-backs and Montero’s representatives discussed a long-term deal in the
time leading up to the arbitration date, and general manager Kevin
Towers indicated the D-backs are interested in locking up Montero for
the near future.
It is unclear if the sides have resumed talks, but the ball is in the D-backs’ court, Montero said.
"They will have to come to me," he said.
-- Jack Magruder
