Hunt and Peck

Yadier Molina has a little fun trolling Cubs Willson Contreras - A Hunt and Peck

Nothin’ like some spirited competition!

By lil_scooter93 Jan 18, 2018, 1:00pm EST

So here is the story. Over the weekend Cubs catcher Willson Contreras did an interview at the Cubs Convention where he said this:

“I used to watch a lot of those guys [Yadier Molina and Buster Posey], 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].”

Here is the thing. One does not become one of the best among the highest level of competition by not believing in his or herself. It only makes sense that Contreras would believe he is going to be the best. And why shouldn’t he? Last year he was already one of the top catchers in the National League. At twenty-five years old he certainly has room to get even better.

Of course Yadier Molina has been the among the best for a long time and he is not ready to let the young Contreras forget that just yet:

Respeten los rangos NOVATOS!! aqui con los q si han probao que son los duros!! @salvadorp13 @busterposey

A post shared by Yadier Molina (@yadier_marciano_molina) on Jan 17, 2018 at 9:21am PST

Translated that caption says something like:

“Respect the ranks, Novice [Rookie]! Here with those that have proven to be tough.”

Contreras further explained his comments in a series of tweets:

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.
— Willson Contreras (@WContreras40) January 18, 2018

In my mind I aim to be the best and like I mentioned during the interview, I have enormous respect for these players, I honor and learn so much very time I play against Molina and Posey. I simply used them as examples of achievement in my professional career.
— Willson Contreras (@WContreras40) January 18, 2018

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.
Have a great night God bless you all
— Willson Contreras (@WContreras40) January 18, 2018

Now before everyone gets riled up and starts picking sides, Yadier Molina enjoys a little friendly trash-talk. It seems incredibly unlikely that anything Contreras said actually offended him. Sometimes you just gotta show the rookies what’s up. Don’t count out the old guys just yet!

Yadier Molina reacts to comments by Contreras | St. Louis Cardinals