Cubs catcher Willson Contreras adjusts to expanded role

HOUSTON – Coach Mike Borzello described Willson Contreras’ handling of the Cubs’ starting pitchers in mid-season as the “ultimate introduction” as the rookie catcher helped navigate the rotation to the World Series.

The duties now have expanded.

“My mind is ready to go,” Contreras said.

Contreras growing knowledge of the starting pitchers , the scouting reports and what pitches work best in a given game has fostered the Cubs’ faith in him.

“He’s such an amenable player. He’s willing to be open-minded and try different things,” said Borzello, who prepares the game plan and works with catchers. “He’s so talented and willing to implement ideas. A lot of times players are stagnant and happy with where they’re at, and he’s always looking to get better and better.”

Spring training provided the perfect forum for Contreras, 24, to get fully acclimated to Jon Lester, who threw mostly to since-retired David Ross the last two seasons.

“I’m also learning how he likes to call a game,” Lester said. “Once we get into the regular season, you have a report to go about your business that way. And it’s part of the game.”

Lester said he and Ross meshed well in 2013 en route to a World Series with the Red Sox despite Ross not catching him in spring training.

“You figure it out as you go and adjust,” Lester said.

The bond between Contreras and Kyle Hendricks firmed up in a 5-0 complete game victory on Aug. 1.

Teammates marvel at the ability of Hendricks, a Dartmouth College graduate, to memorize a scouting report — down to batters’ tendencies, their swings and specific pitches in certain counts — before he looks at videotapes of opponents.

But Hendricks said he made several adjustments to complete that 123-pitch masterpiece he said was a turning point for their partnership.

“We had a feel and a game plan,” Hendricks recalled. “It’s a process, telling him what you like to do. He’s a student of the game, and he picks up the scouting reports quickly. He has a lot of energy and loves learning and talking the game.”

“I feel way better than last year,” Contreras said. “I feel more confident in myself.”

Contreras’ willingness to improve also has nurtured the faith in him pitchers and Borzello have expressed.

“He’s a hungry player,” Borzello said. “He never thinks he has it all figured out. That, on top of his God-given ability, makes him what he is.”

mgonzales@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @MDGonzales

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