Joe Maddon defends Willson Contreras as Cardinals remove him as starting catcher
The St. Louis Cardinals have removed Willson Contreras from the starting catcher role, making him the team's designated hitter for the foreseeable future. It's a decision that's rankled the baseball world and it's one that one of Contreras' former managers took note of.
Former Chicago Cubs skipper Joe Maddon questioned the Cardinals' lineup change on "MLB Now" with Steve Phillips, defending the backstop that was a part of the "curse-breaking" 2016 World Series champions.
Maddon highlighted Contreras' prep work while in the North Side as well as conversations they had about to better manage his emotions when things weren't going well. For the three-time Manager of the Year, supporting Contreras needs to involve those conversations, especially with the Cardinals sporting an NL-worst 11-24 record.
In replacing the now-retired Yadier Molina, a nine-time Gold Glove winner who ranks among the greatest defensive players ever, Contreras had massive shoes to fill in playing at Busch Stadium.
As The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal noted, the signing was maligned because not even the Cubs, who were also in need of a catcher, were interested in a reunion. Contreras was never the defensive stalwart of his peers, but provides power at the plate and enough athleticism that Cardinals management considered moving him to the outfield before ultimately scuttling that plan.
The Cardinals' season has been a disaster, with no end or easy solutions in sight. What probably adds to the sour mood in St. Louis is that in defense of the maligned Contreras signing, the former manager of its biggest rival sprinkled a little more salt on the wound.
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