The Chicago Cubs weren't very diplomatic earlier this week when they cut Miguel Montero, whom president of baseball operations Theo Epstein called a "bad teammate" and said they're "better off" without, but the catcher's dismissal could've been a lot worse, apparently.

Before the reigning World Series champions designated Montero for assignment on Wednesday, the same day a contingent of Cubs personnel visited the White House, their front office reportedly had the "temptation" to bring Montero along to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue so President (and former "The Apprentice" host) Donald Trump could tell him, "You're fired," according to Peter Gammons.

Montero, whom the Cubs will have to trade or release, was handed his walking papers the day after he allowed seven stolen bases in a loss to the Washington Nationals and then blamed Jake Arrieta for being too slow to the plate.

''It really sucked because the stolen bases go to me, and when you really look at it, the pitcher doesn't give me any time,'' Montero said, according to The Associated Press. ''So it's just like, 'Yeah, OK. Miggy can't throw nobody out,' but my pitcher doesn't hold anybody on. ... "