Call to the pen
Fansided

How St. Louis Cardinals and Willson Contreras can work long-term

By Jared Wolfe

Apr 19, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Willson Contreras (40) reacts after hitting a one run double against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Willson Contreras (40) reacts after hitting a one run double against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Jun 19, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Jordan Hicks (12) is congratulated by catcher Willson Contreras (40) after earning a save against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Jordan Hicks (12) is congratulated by catcher Willson Contreras (40) after earning a save against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Like all things within a good marriage, it first starts with communication.

There are two things that needs to happen.

First, the St. Louis Cardinals need to provide him a clear path of what they want from him as a player. Is he an everyday catcher? If so, they need to provide the tools for him to learn the expectations after a full season under his belt if they believe he can be that. Is he a platoon catcher, sort of like a David Ross was with only catching certain pitchers and playing DH at other points? Should he learn another position to open the door for other players at the catching position?

All of those questions need to be answered and should alleviate his confusion of what they want out of his skills. It starts with the St. Louis Cardinals looking internally about how he fits into their 2024 model.

From the perspective of Willson Contreras, he needs to take the time to soak in this season, rinse the bad off, and head down to Puerto Rico to work directly with Yadier Molina. Seriously, if he really wants to be Yadier Molina’s replacement, go learn from the source himself. Not just a long phone call as was reported back in May.

He needs to take time to dig into Yadier Molina’s mindset, preparation, and methodology. It may take a whole offseason to do it. I find it hard to believe the Yadier Molina would not take the time to help his former team.

Home/St. Louis Cardinals