Why one Cubs World Series hero is upset with how he was handled this postseason

The Cubs and the city of Chicago still are basking in the glory of the team’s first World Series championship since 1908, but one player isn’t exactly thrilled with how it all played out during the postseason.

Cubs backup catcher Miguel Montero is excited about the victory but still aired some grievances during an appearance on ESPN Radio in Chicago on Friday. From that interview:

"It was different for me. It was a different emotion because I didn't get a chance to play. I was a little disappointed, to be honest, because I felt like I did a good job in the regular season but was left out a little bit. It made me feel a little like not important or maybe not as good to be in this lineup."

Montero still contributed mightily, delivering perhaps the most important pinch hit in franchise history when he hit a grand slam to put Game 1 of the NLCS out of reach. And, of course, his 10th-inning RBI single proved to be the game-winning run in Game 7 of the World Series.

Perhaps more so than the playing time, Montero was disappointed by the lack of communication.

"I think the toughest part for me is they never communicated with me. I'm a veteran guy. They talk about veteran leadership. I have 11 years in the game and two All-Star [appearances]. I expected to be treated a little better. I was expected to get communication. Just let me know. Put me in the loop. That was the toughest part for me because I never understood what my role was going to be."

Montero, 33, fell behind David Ross and Willson Contreras on the depth chart in October and had only 12 plate appearances in the playoffs (four during the World Series). In 86 games during the regular season, he hit .216/.327/.357 with eight homers and 33 RBI.

Looking ahead to next season, Ross is retiring and Montero is under contract for $14 million.