March 23, 2015

 Cubs.com, Hammel fans 9 Padres in scoreless start http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/114195196/cubs-pitcher-jason-hammel-fans-9-padres-in-scoreless-start

 Cubs.com, Cubs lose locks for 'Respect Bald' campaign http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/114209948/chicago-cubs-lose-locks-for-respect-bald-campaign

 Cubs.com, Groin tightness a minor issue for Starlin http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/114203848/groin-tightness-a-minor-issue-for-chicago-cubs-shortstop- starlin-castro

 Cubs.com, Cubs could play homer-happy Bryant in outfield http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/114237940/chicago-cubs-could-play-homer-happy-kris-bryant-in- outfield

 Cubs.com, Maddon tries out in eighth-spot of lineup http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/114329932/cubs-manager-joe-maddon-tries-out-pitcher-in-eighth-spot- of-lineup

 ESPNChicago.com, Cubs manager maintaining mystery in roster calls http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/29349/maddon-mysteries

 ESPNChicago.com, Jason Hammel wants to pitch 200 innings this season http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/29347/hammel-thinking-200-innings

 ESPNChicago.com, Cubs notes: Starlin Castro fine, Kris Bryant to work in OF http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/29343/cubs-notes-castro-fine-bryant-to-work-in-of

 CSNChicago.com, Cubs will give Kris Bryant a shot in the outfield http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/cubs-will-give-kris-bryant-shot-outfield

 CSNChicago.com, Cubs: Mike Olt quietly doing his job in Kris Bryant’s shadow http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/cubs-mike-olt-quietly-doing-his-job-kris-bryant%E2%80%99s-shadow

 CSNChicago.com, Starlin Castro will be back in Cubs lineup soon http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/starlin-castro-will-be-back-cubs-lineup-soon

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs' Joe Maddon keeping an open mind on opening-day roster http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-report-kris-bryant-spt-0323-20150322- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Jason Hammel recalls Tampa Bay days http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-jason-hammel-recalls-tampa-bay-days-20150322- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Sunday's recap: Padres 6, Cubs 1 http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-gameday-cubs-spring-training-spt-0323-20150322- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Joe Maddon puts Cubs veterans on notice: Defense makes difference http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-joe-maddon-cubs-defense-spring-spt-0322- 20150321-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Jason Hammel to bat eighth, Starlin Castro says he's healthy http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-jason-hammel-batting-eighth-20150322-story.html

 Chicago Sun-Times, 'Big Game' James Shields: The one that got away in Cubs' big winter http://chicago.suntimes.com/baseball/7/71/461978/big-game-james-shields-one-got-away-cubs-big-winter

 Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs' Starlin Castro dismisses groin injury as "nothing," plans to play Tuesday http://chicago.suntimes.com/baseball/7/71/461150/cubs-starlin-castro-dismisses-groin-injury-nothing-plans- play-tuesday

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Cubs.com Hammel fans 9 Padres in scoreless start By Corey Brock and Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- Tommy Medica smacked a two-run homer in the eighth inning and James Shields threw five no- innings as the Padres beat the Cubs, 6-1, on Sunday in front of 15,206 at Sloan Park.

Arismendy Alcantara hit a solo in the sixth for Chicago, and starter Jason Hammel struck out nine over five scoreless innings.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Better Call Solarte: Padres third baseman Yangervis Solarte put on a clinic -- and was tested in many ways defensively -- in the second inning. First, he ran in to field a slow roller off the bat of , with his throw just beating Rizzo for the first out. Then, he fought the sun in foul territory to grab Miguel Montero's ball for the second out. Finally, he handled Hammel's screamer, a ball that he snagged while falling down, for the third out of the inning.

No easy out: Shields warned everyone who would listen during his introductory newser in February that he could hit. Apparently, he wasn't kidding. Shields came up with his second hit of the spring Sunday, a line drive to center field off Hammel in the third inning. This should come as no surprise, as Shields is a career .213 hitter in the big leagues in 47 career at-bats, all while pitching in the American League. He was later robbed of an RBI single by second baseman Alcantara in the fifth inning.

Hammel time: Hammel's season high in last season was nine, which he did on June 16 against the Marlins. On Sunday, the right-hander matched that with nine K's over five scoreless innings. He gave up three hits in his fourth spring start.

"It's Spring Training," Hammel said of all the strikeouts. "Don't start calling me a punchout guy yet. I still want to use the sinker."

Right place, right time: Alcantara snared Yonder Alonso's line drive with the bases loaded in the top of the sixth for the second out and led off the bottom half with his second spring homer. Cubs manager Joe Maddon likes Alcantara's versatility, which will help the team as it makes final roster decisions. For a small infielder, Alcantara has got some pop.

QUOTABLE

"I like defense, I like the ball being caught. You're not going to hit every night. This is like Colorado south [in Arizona]. It's very similar to playing in Colorado. I've forgotten about that. I know we have power, but a lot of the home runs -- and I'm not trying to denigrate anybody -- but a lot of the power will be mitigated by playing at sea level or Lake Michigan level." -- Maddon, whose Cubs have hit 29 homers this spring, including four on Saturday. SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Maddon experimented with the lineup and inserted Hammel into the No. 8 spot rather than ninth. The last Cubs pitcher to bat eighth in the regular season was , who did so on Sept. 8, 2012, under manager Dale Sveum. Maddon took it one step further and had pitcher Travis Wood pinch-hit for Hammel in the fifth.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Cubs have an off-day Monday, then get back to work Tuesday. Edwin Jackson, in the mix for the fifth spot in the rotation, will start against the A's at 1:05 p.m. CT in the Cubs' first trip back to remodeled Hohokam Stadium in Mesa. In three starts so far, Jackson has given up one earned run on nine hits over nine innings, while striking out six. The game will be broadcast on Cubs.com. is scheduled to start a "B" game against the A's earlier in the day.

Tyson Ross gets the start on Monday as the Padres return to Peoria to face the White Sox for the first time this spring in a game that begins at 1:05 p.m. PT at the Peoria Sports Complex (watch the game on MLB.TV). This will be Ross' fourth start, and he will likely throw 75 or so pitches. He will continue to mix in his , a pitch he wants to use more to complement his fastball and slider, his best pitch.

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Cubs.com Cubs lose locks for 'Respect Bald' campaign By Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs manager Joe Maddon hopes he had his last haircut for the year on Sunday, as he helped raise money for pediatric cancer research.

Maddon and more than 20 players had their heads shaved near one of the practice fields at the Cubs' complex as part of the first "Respect Bald" campaign.

Players and fans paid $100 for the shave and got a T-shirt, as well as a good feeling.

"The point is to raise awareness and feel a little bit," Maddon said. "For me, this is about doing the right thing." It's for the kids #respectbald #theyoungcubbies pic.twitter.com/ESWi3zwZKj - Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) March 22, 2015

Maddon has done similar head-shaving events when he managed the Rays. As for his hair, it normally starts sprouting back in April, and by mid May, it looks like he got a military cut.

"By June, I should be back to full force," he said. "My goal is not to get any more haircuts for the year, but then I get ratty and I succumb. If I could truly do this today and go the whole year without a haircut -- I'm not saying I'm going to do that, but that's the goal every time. I've always succumbed."

Among the players who took part were Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, Jorge Soler, Phil Coke, Drake Britton, Mike Olt, Chris Denorfia, Ryan Sweeney, Matt Szczur, Felix Doubront, Justin Grimm, Edwin Jackson, Chris Coghlan, Welington Castillo, Starlin Castro and Neil Ramirez. Several of Maddon's coaches also participated, including and Eric Hinske.

"Whatever we can do to raise the moment for the kid for a little bit and raise some hope -- and money can create hope in some situations in research and finding a cure," Maddon said.

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Cubs.com Groin tightness a minor issue for Starlin By Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro, scratched from Saturday's lineup with a tight right groin, said he feels 100 percent and expects to play Tuesday, his 25th birthday.

Castro said he felt the tightness in his groin on Thursday during an at-bat.

"It's just a little bit tight in the groin," Castro said. "I felt it three days ago when we played the night game, and just a little bit. I don't want to take a chance -- we have two weeks left. I don't want to take a chance and rush myself and get hurt."

The Cubs have Monday off, and they return to Cactus League play on Tuesday against the Athletics at 3:05 p.m. CT.

The groin soreness is not as serious as the hamstring issues Castro experienced which kept him out of Spring Training last year.

"Not even close -- I can play right now," Castro said. "I can play 100 percent right now. I feel a little tightness, and came in here and got a little massage and that's it. The tightness is gone. It's still early, and doesn't mean anything here. I don't want to push myself and get hurt here with two weeks left before the start of the season."

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Cubs.com Cubs could play homer-happy Bryant in outfield By Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- Kris Bryant passed all the tests at third base, and the next step will likely be having the Cubs' top prospect play some outfield.

Bryant, who posted his third two-homer game this spring on Saturday to raise his spring total to eight home runs, did not start Sunday, but he will play on Tuesday. Where is to be determined. He did not play third base for more than one week because of fatigue in his right shoulder, and will likely start drills in the outfield on Tuesday. The Cubs have an off-day Monday.

"Speaking to him, he was all for it," manager Joe Maddon said of having Bryant play some outfield. "I think he understands the ability to play more than one position, how that benefits you in the future as a player. His tools play in both spots. He's very confident with the glove, runs well, has a fine arm."

Bryant did test his shoulder on Saturday with five throws to first base, and he passed.

"He was not pushing the ball, the arm strength was where it was supposed to be," Maddon said.

Bryant has had no problems at the plate. He leads the Major Leagues in home runs and RBIs (14) this spring.

"It's been impressive, it's been very impressive," Maddon said. "I give him a lot of credit because he's coming in here with a lot of expectations, wanting to win a job, and he hasn't blinked, man. He hasn't blinked at all."

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Cubs.com Maddon tries out pitcher in eighth-spot of lineup By Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs manager Joe Maddon has quizzed the club's "brainiac" department regarding the pros and cons of having the pitcher bat eighth, and during Sunday's 6-1 loss to the Padres, he tested it with Jason Hammel. It won't be the last time.

"Our lineup should be relatively thick up and down," Maddon said of the potential for offensive output. "Whoever is hitting in front of the pitcher will be at a disadvantage. If there's one of those last two guys in the lineup who you like a lot in regards to maybe getting on base and being a pretty good hitter, it would be advantageous to us and to him to hit him ninth."

If the pitcher is expected to go deep in a game, like , he will likely bat ninth. Maddon asked the Cubs' baseball operations people to analyze the options and present the percentages.

"I really try to take in all the information possible," Maddon said. "I do believe we have some guys who make it make sense."

Maddon had pitcher Travis Wood pinch-hit for Hammel in the fifth.

• The Cubs' coaching staff had a different look on Sunday. Maddon and his coaches were wearing athletic shorts more common at a football practice rather than a baseball field. And each coach had a whistle on a lanyard around their neck.

The intent was a "tribute to coach," Maddon said, allowing his staff to pick their own coach. The manager went a step further, too.

"I'm OK with [being called] 'Coach' today over 'Skip,'" Maddon said.

"That's Joe and that's his quirkiness," Hammel said. "You never know what you're going to get with him. I think that's what keeps it so light here and a lot of fun."

• will stay on schedule and pitch in a Minor League game Monday, which is an off-day for the rest of the Cubs. Kyle Hendricks is scheduled to start in a "B" game on Tuesday against the Athletics at Hohokam Park in Mesa.

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ESPNChicago.com Cubs manager Joe Maddon maintaining mystery in roster calls By Jesse Rogers

MESA, Ariz. – From his ideas about how to utilize both Edwin Jackson and Travis Wood to employing three catchers, manager Joe Maddon is keeping people guessing on much of the Cubs' 25-man strategy as they head toward the final couple of weeks of spring training.

On Sunday he continued to drop hints about the roster, claiming to have had an “epiphany” the previous day. He was telling reporters to dig deeper.

“Beyond the more obvious stuff,” Maddon said. “What about his defense? How does he run the bases? What does it take to win a ballgame? A lot of answers lie below the surface.”

He wasn’t talking about any player in particular, but is describing what he’s looking for besides the long balls.

“There’s some stuff here I really like that I don’t think is being talked about a whole lot,” Maddon said.

So let’s take a stab and start talking about it:

Mike Olt: Setting Kris Bryant aside for a moment, Olt has to be playing his way onto the team. First off, he’s by far the best defensive third baseman the Cubs employ --- in fact, save Bryant, he’s the only natural third baseman they employ. With Maddon stressing defense, it would be a shock if Olt weren't part of the mix.

“He’s done a nice job,” Maddon said. “Not only that, he’s swinging the bat really well.”

Olt earned his team-leading seventh walk of the spring on Sunday, a huge change in his game from last season. His walks-to-strikeouts are getting better aligned, which would be music to the ears of the Cubs' front office. With Bryant’s situation as is, Olt has earned the right to start the season with the Cubs at third base. After that it’s on him, as the leash should be shorter than last season.

Welington Castillo: I don’t believe the Cubs had any intention of starting the season with three catchers, but that might be changing with the way Castillo is playing, combined with the apparent lack of chatter. Castillo is 4 for 8 throwing out runners and while his .375 batting average might be a spring aberration, he’s simply looked very good. Limit his playing time, use him late to shut down the opponent’s run game and find the right matchups for him at the plate. Castillo’s game might be giving the Cubs some new ideas to play with.

Matt Szczur/Junior Lake/Ryan Sweeney: Did you even know Sweeney was around? He’s under contract for one more year, but the former two players have shown much more to their games this spring. It doesn’t mean Sweeney won’t be the right choice as a veteran player, but he’s not the defender that Szczur is and Lake has more to his offensive game – when he’s making contact, of course. Plus, Szczur has shown plenty of pop in the batter’s box, claiming to have found his stroke after years of concentrating heavily on football. Maddon has already expressed how impressed he is with Lake’s baserunning and decisions in the outfield. And we know the athleticism Lake brings to the game. Sweeney might be looking over his shoulder before the end of the month.

Javier Baez: This one is more obvious because Maddon keeps talking about Baez’ baseball instincts away from the batter’s box, including his defense. He made a stellar throw from deep in the hole in Sunday’s game against the San Diego Padres.

“He tags as good as anyone,” Maddon said. “I’m a tag freak. It’s about run prevention.”

Baez is tied for the team lead with three stolen bases in addition to playing good defense. Is it really enough to offset some offensive woes?

“The strikeouts are a product of chase, chase, chase,” Maddon said.

The manager might simply be pumping up the confidence of the Cubs' top draft pick of 2011, as Baez leads the team with 13 strikeouts, though he has the most spring at-bats of any Cubs hitter.

Summary: Defense and baserunning are the two parts of the game that Maddon keeps stressing, but don’t show up much in a spring box score. If other things are equal, or the Cubs believe they might have enough power at the plate, these are the areas that can win or lose jobs.

Lake and Szczur, in particular, have to be giving the Cubs some pause when it comes to Sweeney’s role on the team, at least based on the spring.

“I’m seeing some things differently,” Maddon reiterated mysteriously. “I like defense, man. I like [the] ball being caught. There’s no unilateral decisions being made here.”

But there will be soon.

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ESPNChicago.com Jason Hammel wants to pitch 200 innings this season By Jesse Rogers

MESA, Ariz. – Chicago Cubs pitcher Jason Hammel is nearly ready for the regular season. If Sunday's third to last spring start is any indication he's definitely ready.

"Everything is taking shape but I'm most happy with the fastball command," Hammel said after throwing 5 shutout innings against the San Diego Padres. "Miggy (catcher Miguel Montero) and I are starting to develop a little bit of a rhythm so that's nice."

Hammel's fastball was humming just fine on Sunday as he struck out nine Padres, five of them looking. His regular season high last season was eight.

"It's spring training," he laughed when told that stat.

With the emergence of Kyle Hendricks and Jake Arrieta last year along with the big ticket signing of Jon Lester this past offseason, Hammel's return to the Cubs has probably flown under the radar to a degree.

It wasn't long ago he and Jeff Samardzija were being talked about as All-Stars for the Cubs last season. Samardzija made it but Hammel was pretty good as well sporting a 2.98 ERA for the Cubs while helping them to acquire when he was traded to Oakland with Samardzija. Forget being an All-Star though, Hammel has a bigger goal: 200 innings.

"That's always my main goal," Hammel said. "If you pitch 200 innings, as you can see with the big dogs in the league, everything else falls in line. You can't pitch 200 innings with a 5.00 era. That's a No. 1 goal."

Hammel has never done it -- not even once in his nine-year career. If Sunday was any indication he might be ready for another good attempt.

More Bryant: As much as Joe Maddon is impressed by Kris Bryant's baseball talent he's equally impressed by his ability to perform with so much noise swirling around him. Bryant homered twice on Saturday while playing a perfect third base just days after finding himself in the news after his agent chastised the Cubs for possibly sending Bryant to the minors before next month. He's also been dealing with a sore shoulder.

"He hasn't blinked," Maddon said. He hasn't blinked at all."

Heading into games on Sunday, Bryant leads all spring hitters (min. 20 AB) in home runs (8), runs batted in (14), slugging (1.520) and OPS (2.072). Those numbers are insane even for spring training.

"He knows he's good but how he speaks about it is really tasty," Maddon said. "It doesn't offend anybody."

Bryant had the day off on Sunday.

The Quote: "It's one of the biggest ballparks I've seen in my life." Maddon, on Wrigley Field when the wind is blowing in.

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ESPNChicago.com Cubs notes: Starlin Castro fine, Kris Bryant to work in OF By Jesse Rogers

MESA, Ariz. -- Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro should be back in the lineup on Tuesday after missing the last few days with a sore groin.

“He feels strongly about one more day,” manager Joe Maddon said Sunday morning. “Today, then one more with the off day [Monday]. Tuesday should be fine.”

Castro told reporters he was 100 percent and concurred Tuesday would be a good day for him to return to the lineup after he was scratched from Saturday’s game against the not long before first pitch.

Castro missed time in each of the last two spring camps with hamstring problems, which were initially thought of as minor but kept him from playing for weeks instead of days. The Cubs don’t anticipate the same kind of delay this time.

Bryant to the outfield: As promised in the offseason, the Cubs will find time for Kris Bryant to play the outfield before the end of camp.

“He’s going to work on that Tuesday,” Maddon said. “We’re going to start working with him on defense.”

Maddon wasn’t exactly sure of the timetable or when Bryant would appear in a game in the outfield but was confident he can play there.

“I think he understands the ability to play more than one position well, how that benefits you now and the future,” Maddon explained. “Plus, his tools play in both spots.”

Pitcher hitting 8th: Maddon batted pitcher Jason Hammel eighth on Sunday, marking the first time he’s done that this spring. Previously, he’s stated he might do it with a pitcher he doesn’t believe will last as long into a game. This way he can pinch hit for him one batter earlier. It also helps that Maddon believes the Cubs will have a deep lineup.

“It should be relatively thick,” he said. “I see us trending towards an American League lineup in the .”

Maddon feels like he can feed into a dangerous top of the order with a good hitter batting ninth. He had Arismendy Alcantara batting there on Sunday.

“I do believe we have guys that make it make sense,” Maddon said.

He’s still not completely convinced of the idea and has the Cubs' numbers guys working the computers.

“How does this play?” Maddon asked. “Percentages and things like that.”

Cubs raise money: On Sunday, Cubs players and coaches, along with Maddon, got their heads shaved to raise money for pediatric cancer research. It’s something Maddon brought with him from Tampa Bay. No less than 25 team personnel got haircuts with fans watching, and participating, for a donation.

“I start sprouting pretty good in April, by mid-May it starts to get back the military look and then June I should be back to full force,” Maddon said of his cut. “My goal is not to get any haircuts for the year but then I get ratty and succumb.”

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CSNChicago.com Cubs will give Kris Bryant a shot in the outfield By Patrick Mooney

MESA, Ariz. – Newsflash: Kris Bryant hits home runs, Scott Boras uses the media and the Cubs care about the bottom line.

This is about money, power and egos. But this really is not a good vs. evil story or a black-and-white decision.

Boras wouldn’t be doing his job if he wasn’t leveraging his super-agent status and trying to influence public opinion. The Cubs ultimately get to control how they develop their prospects.

Baseball America doesn’t see another one out there better than Bryant, who so far has destroyed Cactus League pitching (2.072 OPS). The outfield is the next frontier. Manager Joe Maddon said Bryant will start working there this week.

“He was all for it,” Maddon said before Sunday’s 6-1 loss to the San Diego Padres at Sloan Park. “He was really telling me he’d like to do it, so I found that interesting also. I think he understands the ability to play more than one position well benefits you now – and in the future – as a Major League Baseball player.”

Bryant’s future probably includes two weeks with -A Iowa in April, a move that would set his free-agency meter to after the 2021 season.

The Cubs have also repeatedly said they want the 6-foot-5 third baseman to improve defensively. A sore right shoulder limited Bryant’s audition time there and Maddon doesn’t want him to push too hard with longer throws from the outfield.

“I’m a baseball player – I can play anywhere,” Bryant said. “If they asked me to play catcher, I’d give it my all. But I’ve played (the outfield) before (and) I’m really confident out there.

“I started when I was nine years old – that’s where I played. It’s not anything new to me. I’m sure I’ll have to take some reps out there to get used to it again. But if that’s where they put me, I’m looking forward to that challenge.”

The Cubs could go with a three-man rotation at third base – Mike Olt, Arismendy Alcantara and Tommy La Stella – while Bryant serves his 12 days with Iowa. For all the service-time debates, the Cubs have real reasons for wanting Bryant to develop into a legitimate third baseman.

“His tools play in both spots,” Maddon said. “He’s very competent with the glove. He runs well. He’s got a fine arm. It’s always harder, I think, to find a good third baseman. If you want to nail him down, you’re looking for the third baseman first. But we’ll see. I don’t know enough about him yet.”

We’re talking about defense when Bryant has eight homers in 25 Cactus League at-bats – plus another one in a B game – and that’s probably what the Cubs want right now.

“I got to give him a lot of credit,” Maddon said, “because he’s coming in here with a lot of expectations, wanting to win a job, and he hasn’t blinked. He hasn’t blinked at all.

“He knows he’s good, but the way he manifests that and how he speaks about it is really tasty. It doesn’t offend anybody and I like that. This is a really solid young man that’s going to be a very good major-league player for many years. We just got to try to do the right things by him and for him.”

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CSNChicago.com Cubs: Mike Olt quietly doing his job in Kris Bryant’s shadow By Patrick Mooney

MESA, Ariz. – Mike Olt is quietly doing his job in Kris Bryant’s shadow.

Olt became a spring-training obsession at this time last year. Cubs fans and the Chicago media wondered if he could recapture what once made him a top prospect. Win the third-base job and he could be anointed as part of The Core.

That came with the question about whether or not Olt would be an all-or-nothing hitter, almost daily updates on his sore right shoulder and the backstory to that winter-ball accident that led to concussion issues and vision problems.

Nobody’s asking about Olt’s eyesight now.

“Or how’s my arm?” Olt said. “It’s good to focus on just baseball and I haven’t had that in a long time. It’s a relief.”

Now it feels like all Bryant all the time. But if the Cubs really want that extra year of club control over ’s No. 1 prospect, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Olt in two weeks on Opening Night at Wrigley Field.

Defensively, Olt’s probably the most natural third baseman in camp, someone who can make an athletic barehanded play and make strong throws from different angles. Offensively, he’s made a few tweaks after sometimes looking so lost at the plate last season (100 strikeouts in 258 plate appearances).

“He’s done a nice job,” manager Joe Maddon said before Sunday’s 6-1 loss to the San Diego Padres at Sloan Park. “Not only that, he’s swinging the bat pretty good right now, too. He’s doing everything really well.”

Cactus League numbers can be misleading, but Olt has noticed a real difference, putting up a .905 OPS with two homers, seven walks and 12 strikeouts through 13 games.

“It’s night and day,” Olt said. “Last year, I said that I felt like my swing was there. But secretly I knew in my head I wasn’t swinging at pitches I was supposed to.

“I’m just feeling like I’m tracking the ball a lot better this year. And a lot of the changes to my swing that we’ve made are a big reason why.”

Olt needed to find a way to protect himself against the off-speed stuff that left him exposed. His 12 homers came with a .160 average and the inconsistency got him demoted to Triple-A Iowa last summer.

“The swing I had last year, I was trying to hit a ball 500 feet,” Olt said. “I don’t need to hit it 500 feet. I need to hit it 330, 340. So understanding that was a big mental step for me.”

Olt might have a narrow window here before The Bryant Show. But offense is at a premium, Olt could theoretically also play first base and the outfield and Maddon loves versatility.

“You hear so many good things about his makeup and also his personality,” Maddon said. “I saw the numbers. I know that he had a tough year last year. His walk-to- rate was tough – (along with the) batting average – but he still hit for some power. Everybody speaks well of his third-base abilities and his arm, et cetera. Everybody loves him as a teammate.”

Olt is 26 and at a crossroads. He appears to be a little more relaxed now. Team officials like his demeanor and reporters see him as a stand-up guy who answers questions at his locker.

The saw enough potential to make Olt the 49th overall pick in the 2010 draft – and make him their organization’s minor league player of the year in 2012 – before packaging him in the Matt Garza trade.

“You find out it really is a lot more mental than physical at this level,” Olt said. “All of us have the talent to do it. It’s now kind of putting it all together and making sure that mentally you can get over every hump the game throws you.

“You really just want to get out there (and) prove it.”

So what about your shoulder and your eyesight?

“The best they’ve been,” Olt said.

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CSNChicago.com Starlin Castro will be back in Cubs lineup soon By Patrick Mooney

MESA, Ariz. — Starlin Castro dismissed any concerns about the tight right groin that kept him out of Saturday’s lineup, promising to be back on the field soon.

“Nothing big,” Castro said Sunday.

The Cubs have an off-day on Monday and Castro expects to be back playing on Tuesday, which also happens to be the All-Star shortstop’s 25th birthday. That afternoon, the Cubs will return to a remodeled Hohokam Stadium to face the Oakland A’s in Mesa.

Castro wouldn’t compare this issue to the hamstring injuries that sidelined him during spring training in each of the last two years.

“Not even close — I can play right now,” Castro told reporters. “I can play 100 percent right now. I feel a little tightness, and came in here and got a little massage and that’s it. The tightness is gone. It’s still early, and doesn’t mean anything here. I don’t want to push myself and get hurt here with two weeks left before the start of the season.”

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Chicago Tribune Cubs' Joe Maddon keeping an open mind on opening-day roster By Mark Gonzales

MESA, Ariz. — The Cubs' coaching staff sported polyester shorts during Sunday's pregame workout as a tribute to former football coaches.

They'll need the same elasticity in the next two weeks as they sculpt their opening-night roster and anticipate some in-season promotions.

The most anticipated addition involves Kris Bryant, who will start to work in the outfield on Tuesday after playing adequately at third base.

"I think he understands the ability to play more than one position and how that benefits you now and in the future as a baseball player," manager Joe Maddon said Sunday, one day after Bryant hit two home runs to increase his spring total to eight in only 25 at-bats. "Plus, he's competent with the glove and runs well. He's got a fine arm, so it plays in both spots.

"It's harder to nail it down if you want to find a good third baseman, and you're looking for the third baseman first. But we'll see."

The possibility of Bryant starting the regular season at Triple-A Iowa, however, remains strong as the Cubs could delay his service-time clock and allow him to gain more seasoning at third base.

Bryant's arrival could eventually impact Mike Olt, who has drawn seven walks this spring and can also play first base. But Olt doesn't possess the versatility of Tommy La Stella and Arismendy Alcantara, whose ability to perform several duties affects second baseman Javier Baez as well as the outfielders.

Second base is the natural position for the left-handed-hitting La Stella, who has displayed a compact swing and could start if Baez is sent to Iowa to start the season.

Baez worked from a two-strike count to draw his second walk of the spring Sunday against James Shields of the Padres, but he is batting .135 with 13 strikeouts.

"I believe he will make the adjustments," Maddon said.

Before the Cubs leave Arizona on April 4?

"I don't know," Maddon replied.

Right fielder Jorge Soler, center fielder Dexter Fowler and left fielders Chris Coghlan and Chris Denorfia appear locks, and Alcantara's ability to play the outfield could squeeze out left-handed hitter Ryan Sweeney and Matt Szczur, who would give the Cubs much-needed speed.

Edwin Jackson, who has allowed only one earned run in nine innings this spring, will start Tuesday against the A's in what could be another showcase start in the event a pitching-needy team such as the Dodgers is willing to take a portion of the $22 million and two years left on his contract.

If the Cubs cannot find a taker for Jackson, they could opt to start left-hander Travis Wood or Jackson against the most favorable opponent. But that would impact a deep bullpen.

In addition, left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada and Jacob Turner could return in May.

With a .375 batting average and a strong throwing arm, Welington Castillo could play a more prominent role in the next two weeks to the Cubs as a third catcher and any catching-needy teams.

Break before birthday: Shortstop Starlin Castro said he will return to the lineup on Tuesday — his 25th birthday.

"I did feel a little tightness (Saturday), but I came in to the trainer's room and get a little massaging," Castro said of his right groin. "That's it. The tightness is gone.

"It's still early. (The games) don't mean anything yet. I don't want to be pushing myself and get hurt with two weeks left before the start of the season. It's not really smart."

Extra innings: Jake Arrieta is scheduled to pitch six innings in a minor-league game Monday. ... The Cubs and Diamondbacks will play a B game Tuesday at Sloan Park. ... Maddon and more than 25 coaches and players shaved their heads to raise awareness for their "Respect Bald" event that raises funds and awareness for pediatric cancer.

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Chicago Tribune Jason Hammel recalls Tampa Bay days By Mark Gonzales

MESA, Ariz. -- Watching manager Joe Maddon and the Chicago Cubs' coaching staff wearing polyester shorts reminded pitcher Jason Hammel of the "quirkiness" of Maddon during their days in Tampa Bay.

And watching former Rays teammate James Shields pitch five no-hit innings against the Cubs brought back memories for Hammel of Shields' transformation.

Hammel didn't make a big issue out of batting eighth, but he was a little disappointed that he didn't take the first pitch when he came up in the second with two runners on base and two out.

Hammel lined out to third after Shields threw five consecutive balls.

"I just knew he wasn’t going to screw around with me and make me swing," Hammel said.

Hammel thought that Shields would have been a great for the Cubs had he chose them instead of the San Diego Padres early last month.

"He’s awesome," Hammel said of Shields. "A great team guy, a great clubhouse guy, a workhorse, too. Everything you'd want at the top of the rotation."

Hammel recalled how Shields turned around his career during one winter with the help of his cousin and former White Sox standout Aaron Rowand.

"He was kind of struggling in the minor leagues, and then had an off-season and came back as a different guy," Hammel recalled.

Hammel also had an interesting view of Maddon and his gray t-shirt and blue shorts attire with a whistle around his neck. Maddon and his coaches sported different clothes to honor old school football coaches.

“I was wondering why they weren’t pinstripes," Hammel said. "They were gray and blue. ... That’s Joe and his quirkiness."

And Hammel had no complaints about Maddon's relaxed style

"He was the first guy to change the way guys look with the dress code," said Hammel, who played for Maddon from 2006 to 2008. " ... "He lets people be individuals."

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Chicago Tribune Sunday's recap: Padres 6, Cubs 1 By Mark Gonzales

The summary

Manager Joe Maddon tinkered with the lineup by batting starting pitcher Jason Hammel eighth. The Cubs were held hitless for five innings, but Arismendy Alcantara led off the sixth with a home run off reliever Jose Valverde.

At the plate

Javier Baez showed impressive plate discipline by battling from two strikes to draw a walk against James Shields in the second inning, and he hit a single in the seventh.

On the mound

For the second time in as many starts, Hammel possessed command of his fastball, curve and slider to strike out nine in five innings, including a strikeout of Yonder Alonso on a slider to end the fourth.

In the field

Right fielder Jorge Soler, who botched a line drive on Saturday, showed no problems in handling a line drive hit by Yangervis Solarte.

Key number

2: Walks drawn by Baez this spring.

The quote

"The slider is taking shape. The curve is taking shape. Even the changeup I have a feel for that I didn't have last year at this time. But I'm most happy with the fastball command. — Hammel

Up next

Off Monday. At Athletics, 3:05 p.m. Tuesday. RH Edwin Jackson vs. LH Drew Pomeranz.

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Chicago Tribune Joe Maddon puts Cubs veterans on notice: Defense makes difference By Mark Gonzales

MESA, Ariz. — The mundane drills usually reserved for the first two weeks of spring training are still in full force for the Cubs two weeks before .

Despite the addition of veterans such as Miguel Montero and Dexter Fowler to supplement the talent of Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo and the raw ability of Jorge Soler, pounding fundamentals will remain in full force until manager Joe Maddon is fully satisfied.

"I like a boring defense," Maddon said one day after Castro, a three-time National League All-Star shortstop, muffed two grounders that put Edwin Jackson in a hole Thursday night. "Meaning they make the routine play consistently, and then if you make the big play on occasion, that's wonderful.

"We need to make the routine play often. Our toughest years in Tampa Bay were when we didn't make the routine plays."

For the Cubs, playing dependable defense is vital to short-term and long-term success.

Struggling such as Travis Wood and Jackson have been encouraged to induce contact early and rely on their defense. Sinker maven Jason Hammel also leans heavily on his defense, particularly at Wrigley Field, where he was 4-1 with a 2.35 ERA in seven starts before being dealt to the Athletics and later re-signing with the Cubs for two years and $20 million in the offseason.

Soler already has impressed with his powerful arm in right field, and the Cubs are giving 6-foot-5 Kris Bryant — their top prospect — every opportunity to show he is agile and dependable enough to stay at third base.

But less than one week into exhibition games, Maddon was forced to resurrect fundamental drills because of lapses. A premium is placed on Maddon-managed teams because he loves versatility and won't hesitate to move players to different positions — if they can be trusted.

Although Castro enjoyed a rebound season in 2014, his defensive lapses continue to surface as his miscues cost Jackson a and eventually led to three runs in an inning.

"That's really a routine ball," he said. "I'm going to make that play every time. I work on getting ready pitch by pitch, but sometimes I get tall and don't get down to the ball. That's why I'm struggling."

If Castro can't get the job done, it could hurry the arrival of Addison Russell. He appears destined to start the season in Triple A but has impressed at shortstop this spring.

Maddon defends Castro's work ethic but seeks more polish on routine plays.

"Doing the instruction, you can't let bad techniques slide," Maddon said. "You have to correct it. All those things are in process with Starlin."

Dating to his days as a minor-league instructor in the Angels organization, Maddon has taken a special interest in outfield play, particularly the footwork required to get proper reads on fly balls.

Among the Cubs' outfielders, Fowler has been the most accomplished. But some metrics experts knock him because he has been playing his home games in spacious Coors Field and Minute Maid Park.

Maddon researched the criticism and believes he can help him reach the upper echelon of defensive center fielders, but he wouldn't disclose how.

"That's the emphasis with him in this camp," Maddon said. "I've put it out there for him. It's within his abilities to win a Gold Glove."

Like shortstop, the Cubs have some alternatives — albeit long-range — if they don't feel comfortable with Fowler past 2015. Albert Almora is considered one of their most dependable defensive outfielders because of his consistent play, and Maddon shared a story he learned from scouting mentor Gene Thompson (who died at 89 in 2006).

"Whenever (Thompson) walked into a kid's house to sign him, everyone was happy," Maddon recalled. "Platitudes, pats on the back, and then he'd walk out the door and tell the kid, 'Remember one thing, when I walk out this door, I'm going to look for somebody better than you.'

"I loved it, and that's what we all have to realize. Everyone is looking for someone better than us every day. That's the way it should be."

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Chicago Tribune Jason Hammel to bat eighth, Starlin Castro says he's healthy By Mark Gonzales

MESA, Ariz. -- The odd sight of manager Joe Maddon and the coaches dressed as football coaches with polyester shorts and whistles Saturday morning fit perfectly the changes involving the Chicago Cubs.

Starting pitcher Jason Hammel will bat eighth against the San Diego Padres and James Shields. Maddon has talked about the possibility of a starting pitcher batting eighth as he continues to experiment with different lineups.

Also, shortstop Starlin Castro said his right groin is 100 percent after feeling tightness on Saturday that caused him to be scratched from the lineup. Castro said he originally felt discomfort Thursday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks while striding toward a pitch but not swinging.

“We got two weeks left," Castro said. "I don’t want to take a chance and rush myself and get hurt. I’m good. I’m taking (Sunday) off. (Monday) we got a day off, and Tuesday I will play again."

Castro said the severity of the injury isn't anywhere close to the hamstring ailments that have sidelined him for extended periods for the past two springs.

"No. not even close," Castro said. "I can play right now 100 percent right now. I did feel a little tightness (Saturday). I came in here to the trainer’s room and got a little massaging. That’s it. The tightness is gone.

"It’ still early. It don’t mean anything yet. I don’t want to be pushing myself and get hurt with two weeks left before the start of the season. It’s not really smart."

Javier Baez will start at shortstop in place of Castro.

Meanwhile, Anthony Rizzo and Castro are among the players who will participate in the Cubs' "Respect Bald" campaign to raise funds for pediatric cancer research.

Castro, who turns 25 on Tuesday, said this will be the first time he will shave his head.

"Those kids are going to be excited," Castro said. "I've never done it before. I’m in. I told my girlfriend already I’ll be bald."

Jake Arrieta will pitch a minor league game on Monday -- the team's scheduled day off.

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Chicago Sun-Times 'Big Game' James Shields: The one that got away in Cubs' big winter By Gordon Wittenmyer

MESA, Ariz. — James Shields shared hugs and handshakes with Cubs manager Joe Maddon and coaches Dave Martinez and Eric Hinske on his way off the field Sunday after pitching five no-hit innings.

The only thing wrong with that picture, at least for most of those involved, was that Shields was wearing a San Diego Padres uniform.

Just a little spring salt in the wound for a Cubs team that finished second to the Padres for the free-agent right- hander, the ace in the hole who might have turned a much-improved club into a bona fide National League contender.

“They were definitely up there, for sure,” said Shields, who eventually signed a four-year, $75 million deal with the Padres last month. The Cubs made a strong, late push with a three-year, $60 million deal that would have been creatively structured to fit Shields’ needs and the Cubs’ payroll projections.

“I loved playing for Joe Maddon in Tampa [2006-12],” Shields said. “I was in communication with Joe in the offseason, and I know what they’re all about over there. I recognized they have a good team over there, for sure. Absolutely.”

Shields, a two-time World Series veteran who’s coming off eight consecutive 200-inning seasons, spoke the day after $155 million Cubs ace Jon Lester skipped a start for what he and the team consider a common “dead-arm” period.

If the game without Lester on Saturday was a reminder that a team never can have enough pitching, the sight of Shields on Sunday was a reminder of how close the Cubs came to fielding a rotation with three former Opening Day starters (including Jake Arrieta). The five-man crew would have been locked in before camp opened.

“He’s awesome, a great team guy, great clubhouse guy and obviously a workhorse, too,” said Cubs starter Jason Hammel, who came up through the Rays’ system with Shields and was a teammate for three seasons with the Rays. “Everything that you would want at the top of your rotation.”

Hammel tried unsuccessfully to text Shields on an old number when he learned the Cubs were pursuing him.

“I was like, ‘Man, this is amazing. They’re trying to bring everybody in,’ ” he said.

Ultimately, Shields took the Padres’ offer to stay close to his Southern California home, though he suggested the hometown thing for his family might have been overstated.

“I’m all about winning,” said the frontman for the American League champion ’ rotation last year. “My main focus this offseason was to go to a team that was going to win and win now.

“There were a lot of teams that were coming after me that were definitely in the win-now scenario. As far as that goes, it was a tough decision.”

How tough? How close did the Cubs get?

With a Padres public-relations flack creating an awkward, hovering third party to the conversation, Shields danced around those questions, never straying far from praise for his Padres.

“[Maddon’s] going to do a phenomenal job over there,” he said. “I wish him the best of luck, for sure.”

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Chicago Sun-Times Cubs' Starlin Castro dismisses groin injury as "nothing," plans to play Tuesday By Gordon Wittenmyer

MESA, Ariz. – All-Star shortstop Starlin Castro on Sunday morning scoffed at the notion his groin soreness is comparable in any way to the hamstring injuries the past two springs that cost him significant game time in March.

“It’s nothing big,” Castro said with a scowl. “It’s nothing.”

Castro was a late scratch from Saturday’s lineup and wasn’t in Sunday’s, but he expects to play in the Cubs’ next game, Tuesday against the .

“It was just a little tight,” he said of the discomfort he first experienced in Thursday night’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. “After getting a massage [Saturday], it’s completely gone. I’m 100 percent right now.”

Hamstring injuries each of the last two springs cost Castro half the Cactus League schedule in 2013 and more than three weeks last spring. But he was in the Opening Day lineup both seasons.

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