Willson Contreras smiled when asked what it’s like to catch Aroldis Chapman’s 104-mph fastball: “That’s easy.” The Cubs don’t worry about their rookie catcher’s confidence, believing his attitude and natural talent will make up for some of the raw elements to his defensive game.

But you also can’t take that for granted. Jason Hammel’s personality stands out on a veteran pitching staff where Jon Lester gets his own personal catcher (David Ross), John Lackey sometimes shows up his younger teammates and the Cubs haven’t felt comfortable enough to let Contreras handle Jake Arrieta’s Cy Young Award stuff yet.

For the same reasons the Cubs planned to pair up Hammel with Kyle Schwarber – at least until the catcher/outfielder wrecked his left knee in early April – Contreras is creating good chemistry.

“The fastball played well today – that was about it,” Hammel said after throwing six scoreless innings during Tuesday night’s 3-2 win over the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field. “Willson got me around that. He basically guided me through that, because I really wasn’t commanding the slider that well.

“He’s a great kid. I love him. He basically has gotten better every start that I’ve worked with him, with the game-calling and blocking. He’s even coming up to me and giving me hugs now.

“He saw that I was frustrated coming out early, and he’s like: ‘Hey, nice job.’ He’s got kind words, wise words behind his young ears.”

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There are probably times where Hammel – who went on the bereavement list on Wednesday for a family matter, creating a spot in the bullpen for Justin Grimm – could use veteran catcher Miguel Montero to help him think through an at-bat.

But Hammel is a good clubhouse guy who sees the big picture, even during a contract year and what should become his best individual season (11-5, 3.07 ERA). Hammel goes with the flow while working with Contreras and tries to swallow his pride when manager Joe Maddon gives him the quick hook.

All that matters while trying to break in your catcher of the future, even one as assertive as Contreras.

“He’s not intimidated by anything or anybody,” Maddon said. “I’d like to be his boxing manager in the offseason. I’d like to be in his corner. I think he could compete in that sport also. This guy’s not afraid of anything."