Cubs News: Molina responds to Contreras: "Respect the ranks, kid" |
Chicago Cubs catcher
Willson Contreras is one of the most exciting young catchers in the major leagues. However, Contreras has lofty expectations as he wants to be considered the best catcher in the game for years to come.
“I used to watch a lot of those guys,” Contreras said on the Cubs Convention on Friday night, “but now I’m watching myself because I know that I’m going to be better than them. That’s my plan. That’s my [mindset].” Contreras knows that he has the tools to be great, he just has to put it together and stay healthy. “I know that I have a lot of talent,” he said, “and I thank God every day for giving me this kind of talent that I have. In my mind, I want to be the best catcher in the game for a long time — like it was with Yadier Molina, like it is with Buster Posey. “I used to watch a lot of those guys, but now I'm watching myself because I know that I'm going to be better than them. That's my plan." In 2017, Contreras hit .276 with 21 homers, 74 RBIs, and had an .356 on-base percentage. In his short career, he has batted .278 with 33 homers and 109 RBIs. Molina responded to Contreras with the following message via his Instagram account. The message was “Respect the ranks, kid. Here’s me and the guys who have proven to be the best.” Contreras released a statement following Molina's post. "To use the best players as a model or standard and want to exceed them, I don’t believe is any disrespect simply motivation and Inspiration," Contreras posted. The Cubs-Cardinals rivalry will be a good one this season with the two catchers already talking some smack in the offseason. Many people have misinterpreted what was said during a recent interview, I see no wrong in taking the best players as personal goals and exceedance. What player doesn’t want to be the best at their position? I know I am lacking many years of experience and only time will tell.
