Miguel Montero calls out Yasiel Puig for ‘bad’ behavior

The D’Backs catcher thinks the rookie phenom is developing a bad reputation around the league because he doesn’t “respect” other players.

by Nate A

Jul 11, 2013, 5:49 PM UTC

“I see you...”

USA TODAY Sports

Fans can't get enough of Los Angeles Dodgers rookie outfielder Yasiel Puig, but some of his MLB peers don't seem to feel the same way. Last week, Jonathan Papelbon called Puig's All-Star candidacy an "absolute joke," and Wednesday night Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero had some not-so-nice things to say about the rookie phenom's behavior in his first month-plus in the big leagues.

More D'Backs: Swept Away by LA :(

Speaking to Tyler Emerick of MLB.com, Montero called out Puig for not showing enough “respect,” and said the Cuban outfielder is on his way to building a bad rep:

“If he’s my teammate, I probably try to teach him how to behave in the big leagues,” Montero said. “He’s creating a bad reputation around the league.
“He’s got so much talent, it’d be really bad if he wasted it doing the stupid things that he’s doing. You have to respect to earn respect. If you don’t respect anybody, you aren’t going to earn respect.”

Montero’s comments stem not only from Puig’s involvement in last month’s Dodgers-D’Backs brawl, but also an incident in Wednesday night’s extra-inning contest. Puig collided with Montero on a play at the plate in fifth, then allegedly stared down the catcher as he walked back to the dugout. Montero responded to Puig’s gaze with a wag of his finger, but apparently did not want to leave it at that.

Montero has been known to speak his mind about other players. The veteran backstop called out former teammate Trevor Bauer earlier this year -- who replied with this, umm, song? -- and was not hesitant to make his feelings known about Zack Greinke -- the word rhymes with "kickin' sit" -- following last month's benches-clearing fracas.