Imagine a baseball legend, a true wizard on the field, offering his wisdom to a rising star. That's exactly what happened when Willson Contreras, the new first baseman for the Red Sox, received guidance from none other than Ozzie Smith, the legendary shortstop and a Hall of Famer.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Contreras, a versatile player who seamlessly transitioned from catcher to first base with the Cardinals last year, credits his success to the advice of 'The Wizard of Oz.' With a 91st percentile ranking in outs above average among MLB first basemen, Contreras' performance speaks for itself.
He immersed himself in the role, spending time with the fielding coordinator, studying videos, and asking countless questions. But the real magic happened when he crossed paths with Ozzie Smith.
"He showed up during my workouts, sharing insights on angles and techniques. I couldn't stop asking questions," Contreras revealed.
Smith, a 13-time Gold Glove winner, earned his 'Wizard' nickname through his extraordinary play at shortstop. His advice to Contreras? "Stay on your feet, don't be flat-footed. Always be ready and ask questions."
Contreras took this wisdom to heart, especially considering his background as a third baseman when he first signed with the Cubs.
"I never doubted my ability to play first base," he asserted.
And he's not resting on his laurels. Contreras aims to improve in every aspect, driven by a desire to contribute to the team's success.
Manager Alex Cora has identified Contreras as the cleanup hitter for the upcoming season, a role he embraces with enthusiasm.
"Good at-bats are key for me," Contreras said. "I'm excited to hit cleanup and contribute to our strong team."
Contreras' stats over the past four seasons speak to his consistency and power: a .256 batting average, .356 on-base percentage, and 77 home runs.
Cora compares Contreras' offensive impact to that of Alex Bregman, praising his quality at-bats and the right-handed power he brings to the team.
So, what do you think? Is Contreras' success a result of his own talent and hard work, or did Ozzie Smith's advice truly work like magic? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
