As we recently discussed, with David Ross retiring, it was fair to wonder which Cubs catcher would be entrusted to work with Jon Lester this season. Willson Contreras is set to be the Cubs’ nominal starter, with veteran Miguel Montero likely a more-than-occasional backup. Would Lester be paired exclusively with one of the duo? Rotated around based on matchups?
Well, it’s pitchers and catchers day in Arizona, and we’ve got an answer.
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It’s going to be Contreras:
Joe Maddon says #Cubs plan to use Willson Contreras as Jon Lester's personal catcher this year.
— Patrick Mooney (@CSNMooney) February 14, 2017
And he’ll get some tutoring from the best possible source:
Plan is to have Contreras catch Lester. David Ross will work with Willson this spring #Cubs
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 14, 2017
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The decision was undoubtedly at least partially motivated by the unappetizing impact pairing Lester with Montero would have on the opposition’s running game. In a recent set of Bullets, I went into Jon Lester’s well-traveled running game issues, and it’s useful information to re-share here, in light of the Contreras revelation:
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Given his athleticism and overall sky-high potential behind the plate, I dig this decision. Hopefully Contreras and Lester click, and we don’t notice any lost strikes or dicey pitch selection for Lester this year, after he was so brilliant in 2016. And, you know, having Contreras’s bat in there for Lester’s starts is mighty nice, too.
It’s just another of the developing stories to follow this spring. That includes Kyle Schwarber behind the plate, too, as the Cubs are going to give him a chance to work back there.