The Cubs’ confidence in Willson Contreras almost matches the self-assurance the 24-year-old catcher displayed during the team’s run to its first World Series title since 1908.
Contreras maintains an array of support staff members from manager Joe Maddon to coach Mike Borzello to a veteran pitching staff.
But faith in him will be validated only if Contreras succeeds in applying what he learns from rapid experience during a season in which he will be under a microscope without the cerebral David Ross as an on-field resource.
Otherwise, he will fall short as the Cubs’ catcher of the future just as Geovany Soto and Welington Castillo did before him.
"I can get a lot better," Contreras said. "I’m always working on areas like receiving skills and game-calling. I have to know my pitchers better. Now that I’m going to be back there almost every day, I have to make them feel comfortable."
Possibly his most important task involves helping Jon Lester after the retirement of Ross, who steered Lester to 19 victories and a 2.44 ERA with his ability to manage the left-hander through tight situations — whether it was holding a runner at first base or calming his nerves after a borderline pitch.
But there are other challenges, such as the ability to handle the club’s catching chores up to five times every week.
Willson Contreras works on blocking pitches
Cubs catcher Willson Contreras works on blocking pitches during spring training in Mesa, Ariz., on Feb. 17, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs catcher Willson Contreras works on blocking pitches during spring training in Mesa, Ariz., on Feb. 17, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
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Contreras caught a combined 102 games for the Cubs and Triple-A Iowa in 2016. Maddon believes his youth (age 24), strength (12 home runs in 252 at-bats) and arm (12 runners caught stealing, four pickoffs) can guide him through the next step in his development.
"Where Jon and Willson have to come together is more the cerebral side," manager Joe Maddon said. "That’s the part, I don’t want to say I’m concerned with, but that’s the part that’s probably going to need more work."
Lester and Contreras were a battery for one start in 2016, with Lester allowing five runs on four hits and three walks in three innings of a loss July 9 at Pittsburgh.
But Lester seems confident he and Contreras will connect, based on the work the catcher did with the rest of the rotation — especially controlling the running game and throwing behind runners.
"All that is is communication and he’s willing to talk and listen," Lester said. "We’ll make adjustments as we go. That’s all it comes down to. We have to get together and compete. We’ll figure it out from there.
"The biggest thing is we’ll have a fallback of a game plan, and he’s really good at taking that from the clubhouse to the game. I’ve already seen that from other guys."
Photos as the Cubs practice at spring training in Mesa, Ariz.
Contreras echoed that sentiment.
"I have confidence in myself," Contreras said. "I know what he wants to do. All that matters is getting to know (him). He has been great the last three to four years, so we have to keep doing it."
There is some concern about overloading Contreras with information, but Maddon expressed faith that his coaching staff will be able to convey the necessary tidbits.
"You’re always looking for nuggets in tight moments," Maddon said. "Willson has a good feel for that stuff. He’s a good student."
And that education should blossom with more experience, especially against National League Central opponents.
"The repetition should (help) there," said veteran Miguel Montero, who’s slated to be Contreras’ backup. "He’s going to face (Cardinals counterpart Yadier Molina) for how many at-bats, 40? After the first two games of a series, you have a better idea. And after the third game you feel more comfortable.
"The hardest thing is when you’re platooning. If he’s back there on a regular basis, he’s going to get a better feel for who he’s facing."
mgonzales@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @MDGonzales
Caption Joe Maddon on Cubs’ team meeting, spring training plans
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses a team meeting and spring training plans on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses a team meeting and spring training plans on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Joe Maddon on Cubs’ team meeting, spring training plans
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses a team meeting and spring training plans on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses a team meeting and spring training plans on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs’ Chairman Tom Ricketts on speech to team, World Series trophy
Cubs’ Chairman Tom Ricketts talks about speech to team and the World Series trophy. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs’ Chairman Tom Ricketts talks about speech to team and the World Series trophy. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs’ Kris Bryant on being pranked by Greg Maddux
Cubs’ Kris Bryant on being pranked by Greg Maddux. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs’ Kris Bryant on being pranked by Greg Maddux. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs’ Joe Maddon on ‘heartbeat’ speech
Cubs manager Joe Maddon talks about "heartbeat" speech. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon talks about “heartbeat” speech. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs’ Jason Heyward on locker room speeches
Cubs’ Jason Heyward talks about giving team speeches. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs’ Jason Heyward talks about giving team speeches. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
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