Cubs seek to disrupt timing of Nats’ speedster Turner

WASHINGTON — Remembering how Trea Turner was during a four-game series in late June, the Cubs seek to mess with the timing of the Nationals speedster.

“We know Trea Turner is going to run,” Cubs catcher Willson Contreras said. “Every time he gets on base, he tries to get to second base. [The pitchers] have to change the tempo, change the delivery a little bit and play with his mind.”

Turner stole seven bases in a four-game series at Nationals Park, and the only time he was caught stealing was on a try for third base in the final game.

By then the damage was done, and the Cubs’ frustrations reached a zenith when catcher Miguel Montero criticized Jake Arrieta for not holding runners more closely.

Consequently, Montero was designated for assignment the following day.

But the truth hurts enough for the Cubs to be concerned with harnessing Turner during the National League Division Series, which starts Friday night.

“It can be very impactful, no question,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. “I’m not denying it. But I don’t want us to go into override.”

Turner went 6-for-14 with a .579 on-base percentage in that June series against the Cubs but didn’t get a chance to face them at Wrigley because Cubs reliever Pedro Strop broke his wrist with a pitch that caused him to miss two months.

Turner knows there’s a balance when it comes to base stealing, especially with Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon — strong hitters who also can run — batting behind him.

“If the stolen base is there or the extra base is there, then take it,” Turner said Wednesday after the Nationals’ workout. “If it’s not, don’t take it.

“If the Cubs execute the play and throw me out, hats off to them. It’s stuff you can’t worry about. I don’t expect that them to change up too much of what they want to do to cater to me.

“I’ve still got to get on base and do a lot of things. We’ll see. You’ve got to wait for the moment and see what happens.”

But Turner, 24, realizes how disruptive he can be in the postseason.

“Speed, in general, in the postseason, is important,” Turner said. “There may be an error that decides the game and maybe a pickoff that’s thrown away.

“Unless you have speed, that’s not going to happen. It’s important for me to get on first base, whether it’s an error, walk, hit, whatever it maybe.”

Maddon said the Nationals would have a “great edge” if it weren’t for Contreras, who threw out 23 base stealers in 84 attempts (27 percent).

“From our pitchers’ perspective, I’ve said I’d prefer them more worried about the hitter than the runner,” Maddon said.

“But a major-league pitcher should be able to [hold the runner] before he delivers the baseball, which controls part of that.”

First baseman Anthony Rizzo, who teamed with catcher David Ross last season to discourage baserunners from attempting to steal against Jon Lester, hinted the Cubs would use similar methods against Turner.

“You’ve got to keep him off the bases or make him uncomfortable at first base by throwing over or back picking,” Rizzo said.

“Other than that, a guy like him is going to steal no matter what.

“I’m sure we’ll give him a lot to think about, If Willson makes a good throw to second base, I’m sure he’s going to be out.”