March 24--MESA, Ariz. -- Catcher Miguel Montero is feeling more comfortable working with each of the Chicago Cubs' starting pitchers.
And Montero said he's received help from new teammate David Ross, who has been instrumental in the success of Jon Lester from their days with the Boston Red Sox.
"I had Ross helping me, telling me what he likes to do," Montero said. "I'm not going to say I'm smart enough, but I'm kind of know what he's talking about so I made adjustments a little bit quicker."
Tuesday, Montero will catch Edwin Jackson against the Oakland Athletics at HoHoKam Park. Jackson has allowed one earned run in nine innings this spring and is trying to salvage his disappointing career. Jackson could share the fifth spot in the Cubs' rotation with left-hander Travis Wood unless he pitches well enough to attract a pitching-needy team.
Jackson is under contract for two years at $22 million, so a deal would require some financial gymnastics to be completed. But Jackson and Montero were teammates with the Diamondbacks in 2010, so there is some familiarity.
"I caught him in the past, so I'd like to think I have a good idea, and we'll see what happens," Montero said.
