MLB news: Willson Contreras won’t stop talking about the Cubs
Sure, Willson Contreras appreciates his time with the Chicago Cubs, but he has a new team now. Contreras signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, and has reported to spring training. So…why all the talk about an ex?
A report from The Athletic suggests that Contreras did not meet the Cubs standards as far as defensive prep and game-calling. When prompted with that reporting, Contreras was forced to revisit his past, and had plenty to say.
“People don’t really know what happened there,” Contreras said. “I had to adjust to the (pitchers). I didn’t want them to do whatever I thought was right. I had to let them be themselves. I didn’t want to be a dictator, tell them what to do. A lot of times, I’d rather them figure out things by themselves.”
Clearly, there was a miscommunication somewhere. Contreras also believes he called games properly, which was another assertion from his former employer.
“I don’t think it’s accurate,” Contreras said. “You can ask the pitching coach. Obviously, a lot of times, I got off the plan because I saw what was going on in the game. If the pitcher doesn’t have what it takes to execute Plan A, I had to go to Plan B. I know we have technology, and it all helps. But a lot of times, the feelings are really important, too, in the game.”
Alas, Contreras and the Cubs were destined for a split. Chicago didn’t want to pay a premium price for a catcher who is transitioning away from that position long term, and Contreras deserved his payday. It’s unfortunate, from a Cubs perspective, that his new team is their bitter rival. But that’s what happens when said organization relinquishes control of a player. They call it free agency for a reason.