In response to Willson Contreras’ comments, Ross disagreed with his catcher and thought the sentiments should’ve stayed in the clubhouse.
Manager David Ross disagreed with what catcher Willson Contreras said Saturday night about the Cubs’ effort. He also didn’t think Contreras should’ve shared those thoughts with reporters.
Addressing the media after Sunday’s Cubs-Cardinals game was postponed due to inclement weather and rescheduled as part of a Sept. 24 split doubleheader, Ross discussed Contreras’ comments. For the first time in his career, Contreras could be on a losing team, which might be made worse by a possible sell-off.
But Ross said Contreras’ sentiments need to stay in-house, and that good will come out of the lesson the Cubs catcher has learned.
“Effort is something that has been here,” Ross said. “He’s dealt with some frustration. It’s a lot less than effort and ready to play. Talking to him, it’s about being a family and pulling for one another and supporting one another in times when we’re struggling.
“Losing in an atmosphere that’s been a part of winning, and guys in contract years, and playing for a city they love, an organization they have a lot of history with and a lot of teammates they have history with they care a lot about, balancing that with some selfishness, at times, is probably where the balance has gotten off,” Ross added. “And [that’s] where Willson sees a little bit of that and wants us to get back to supporting one another and being more family.”
Ross said there were conversations in the clubhouse but declined to divulge much about what was said. Late Saturday, Contreras said a lot after the 6-0 loss to the Cardinals that dropped the Cubs to 44-46 and assured them of their first losing record at the all-star break since 2017.
This break is clearly well-timed for the Cubs. They’ve plummeted out of contention and into the seller category as the July 30 trade deadline approaches, and maybe a few days apart would be good for everybody after the season spun out of control following a promising start.
“No message (to the players),” Ross said. “Just enjoy your break. The break’s coming at a really good time for us. Clear your head, be ready to play when you come back.”
When he was hired, part of Ross’ job was lighting a spark under the clubhouse. After winning the 2016 World Series under Joe Maddon, the story went that the Cubs needed a new voice who could prod them in a different way following three seasons of underachievement.
Ross said he wants to be accountable when things don’t work out and works to be better.
“Talking to Willson, it wasn’t pointed at me or the staff or anything like that,” Ross said. “The family atmosphere and knowing and being with these guys for a long time, he just has some frustrations that he wanted to get out. The wins and losses and having the right culture in there is definitely on me.”
The 2021 season has been a trying one for Contreras, with Saturday adding another frustration.
Because of the revolving door of backup catchers, Contreras has had to shoulder a heavy load behind the plate. He’s caught a pitching staff that’s struggled, while trying to produce offensively.
“I try to empathize with him in taking all of that in,” Ross said, “but sometimes the main focus for him is just about making sure we’re all here supporting one another together.”
NOTES: Ross clarified that injured infielders Matt Duffy (low back strain) and David Bote (dislocated left shoulder) will start their minor-league rehab assignments this week.
* Kyle Hendricks will start Friday in Arizona, followed by Adbert Alzolay and then Zach Davies.
from Chicago Sun-Times - All https://ift.tt/3i2byRc
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