The importance of a baseball team's starting catcher cannot be underestimated. It is the most important position on the field, including the pitcher. He is essentially the game manager, he sets the tone. Granted, the pitcher and other position players must execute the plays to be successful. But it is the catcher who puts everything in motion. It is no coincidence that catchers are the position which migrates to manager over all others. And they tend to be the most successful managers. Why? Good ones are laser-focused on the game. They have to think ahead. They manage the pitchers, they control the teams defense. Their ability to block pitches and throw out runners picks up their teammates, as well as controlling the other team. I think it's fair to say they are the mood of their team. Catchers who lack the skills to lead a team and who have below-average defense impact negatively the mood of their team. Some of it is trust and a lot of it is respect. I sense (intangibly) that this team lacks respect for Montero. And tangibly, what has he done to earn their respect. Not much. He doesn't catch well, doesn't throw well, has little rapport with the pitchers, appears immature in his behavior (which might be overlooked if he were a more skillful catcher) and has not hit consistently (also might be mitigated with better catching performance). Obviously I am not in the clubhouse and can only observe from a distance. However, I see little evidence of leadership from Jesus Montero. Things being what they are, I anxiously await the promotion of Mike Zunino and hope that he will open a new era of Mariners baseball. It's a tall order, but one he seems prepared to perform. Moving Montero aside to DH and backup catcher may improve his outlook as well. Removing Montero from a position of leadership will probably suit him just fine.