Things To Watch in Spring Training

[Diehardfan]

Ramirez was lights out in 2014. Last year before the injury...not the same guy...even after he came back, he'd lost a foot off his fastball. Maybe he wasn't completely healed, who knows? But if the 2014 Ramirez shows up in Arizona, no way he doesn't come north with the Cubs.

 

[SilenceS]

Cubs won't completely commit to Rondon as the closer. They say thats the plan going in, but Maddon could use the hot hand method. I would think the Cubs would like to keep Ramirez. I know you field your best team, but he flashed so much potential and was part of the Garza deal.

 

[Parade_Rain]

I didn't want to start a new thread for this, but the Cubs tweeted this late yesterday-

Chicago Cubs ‏@Cubs 20h20 hours ago
When you’re trying to count down to pitchers and catchers reporting but half the squad has already shown up. #LetsGo

There is an obvious excitement for these players to get started!

 

[TC in Mississippi]

I didn't want to start a new thread for this, but the Cubs tweeted this late yesterday-

There is an obvious excitement for these players to get started!

Their ST slogan is "Train to Reign". You gotta love that.

 

[Parade_Rain]

Cubs Den regarding Baez and Soler in OF-

Sunday in the Park: A leaner Soler, thoughts on Baez, Soler in OF, plus more pics
http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/...s-on-baez-soler-in-of-plus-more-pics/#image/1

 

[Diehardfan]

I'm getting wired already. So glad they didn't move these two guys. Baez is gonna be SuperSub for this team...sounds like he can play anywhere and play it well. Running to the spot and not just following the ball...already? That is so impressive.

 

[DrGonzo]

Now I've heard everything:

Donald Trump goes after Cubs ownership via Twitter

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25491482/donald-trump-goes-after-cubs-ownership

 

[Parade_Rain]

Now I've heard everything:

Donald Trump goes after Cubs ownership via Twitter

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25491482/donald-trump-goes-after-cubs-ownership

The first problem with that article is the opening statement of "Despite similar conservative political views". Donald Trump is not a fiscal conservative. Ricketts to the best of my knowledge is a registered independent with a financially conservative view.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Javy Baez is at 1B today after having a bit of an adventure in CF yesterday. Despite his rocky start there most observers though that his instincts were mostly right and his athleticism will play well there. He just needs reps. I'm guessing he gets multiple starts in CF, 1B, 2B, SS and maybe 3B this spring.

 

[Parade_Rain]

Javy Baez is at 1B today after having a bit of an adventure in CF yesterday. Despite his rocky start there most observers though that his instincts were mostly right and his athleticism will play well there. He just needs reps. I'm guessing he gets multiple starts in CF, 1B, 2B, SS and maybe 3B this spring.

I would hope they do the experiments in ST and not the regular season.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

I would hope they do the experiments in ST and not the regular season.

I think they will but he is considered the primary backup at all of those positions, especially if La Stella doesn't make the team.

edit:

Actually I think Heyward is the primary backup in CF unless there's a trade.

 

[Parade_Rain]

I think they will but he is considered the primary backup at all of those positions, especially if La Stella doesn't make the team.

edit:

Actually I think Heyward is the primary backup in CF unless there's a trade.

Heyward is clearly the first backup in CF. Also, Bryant can play there in a pinch. I think Baez will be fine, but if he can just cover all of the IF positions, it isn't the end of the world..