Cubs' David Ross Happy To Mentor Willson Contreras
(CBS) Cubs veteran catcher David Ross fully understands prized prospect Willson Contreras doesn't need much advice regarding the physical aspects of the game.
As for the mental side, that's where Ross is ready to step in and help out Contreras, the 24-year-old prized catching prospect whom the Cubs officially called up Friday.
"It's all the preparation," Ross told Mike Mulligan and David Haugh on 670 The Score on Friday morning. "How do you as a catcher take all the information and put it into your language or how it best helps you or the pitcher that day. Getting to know the league, when to go against the scouting report, what's your gut telling you, is your gut right, are hitters setting you up or are they just young, inexperienced hitters? These things are going to be very valuable. I think that's one of the main reasons why he's here so fast, to get a lot of that experience, with the reports and game-calling and how that is being used.
"We're all going to be able to contribute what we do best, and Willson's going to learn a ton. I think all of us are excited that he's here.
Ross wasn't surprised at all by the promotion of Contreras, who was hitting .350 with a 1.030 OPS at Triple-A Iowa.
"The writing was on the wall in spring training with the talent level he has," Ross said. "You know the type of kid he is and where he's going to be in this organization, sooner rather than later. He's an extremely talented young man, and I think it's exciting for Cubs fans, because this kid needs to get up here and learn. And this group, it's a great environment for learning and teaching, as well as the talent level here. So I'm excited for him. The more talent you put on the team, the better."
The Cubs will continue to carry three catchers with Contreras' promotion, but Ross wasn't much worried about playing time, saying manager Joe Maddon will work it out well.
"Joe has a way and a knack of putting guys in the best position to succeed and be successful for the group and finding everybody plenty of playing time," Ross said. "So I don't think we have to worry about that. Things kind of work themselves out, they always do in baseball.
"It's a process. It's not going to happen overnight. But the good thing about Willson and having three catchers on this team is whoever's not catching can sit and help him and talk to him when he's on the bench. And when he's playing, it will be fun to watch and give him some positive feedback when he gets back to the bench."
Listen to Ross' full interview below.
