March 28, 2016

 Daily Herald, confident in coaching staff http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160327/sports/160329036/

 Cubs.com, Cubs' Russell takes game to new level http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/169194186/addison-russell-adds-power-to-his-skill-set

 Cubs.com, Cubs crush 4 HRs; Hammel knocked off course http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/169300906/robinson-cano-mariners-outslug-cubs

 Cubs.com, Fowler exits with injury after homering http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/169316070/cubs-dexter-fowler-exits-early-with-injury

 Cubs.com, Arrieta cleared to start on Opening Day http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/169294794/cubs-jake-arrieta-will-start-opening-day

 Cubs.com, Baez's status to figure into final roster decision http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/169358292/cubs-weigh-javier-baezs-health-as-camp-ends

 Cubs.com, Bees prompt delay in Mariners-Cubs game http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/169315608/swarm-of-bees-delays-mariners-cubs-game

 Cubs.com, Maddon willing to use stats, gut with lineup http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/169304384/cubs-joe-maddon-willing-to-experiment

 ESPNChicago.com, Questions remain for Cubs with one week until Opening Day http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/37133/questions-remain-for-cubs-with-one-week-until- opening-day

 ESPNChicago.com, Expectations high for Cubs' second-year players http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/page/seasonpreview_cubssophomores/chicago-cubs-super-sophomore- quintet-ready-encore-amid-high-expectations

 ESPNChicago.com, Cubs offense responds as is hard in loss to Mariners http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/37139/cubs-fall-to-mariners-as-jason-hammel-is-hit-hard- but-offense-responds

 ESPNChicago.com, Javier Baez nears return; rotation set for Cubs http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/37129/javier-baez-nears-return-rotation-set-for-cubs

 ESPNChicago.com, Cubs' to make Opening Day start after blister issue http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/15078243/chicago-cubs-jake-arrieta-make-opening-day-start- blister-issue

 CSNChicago.com, survives attack from swarm of bees during Cubs game http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/jason-heyward-survives-attack-swarm-bees-during-cubs-game

 CSNChicago.com, Where things stand with Javier Baez and Cubs roster http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/where-things-stand-javier-baez-and-cubs-roster

 CSNChicago.com, Cubs say Jake Arrieta is all systems go for Opening Day http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/cubs-say-jake-arrieta-all-systems-go-opening-day

 Chicago Tribune, Bee stings aside, Jason Heyward's transition to Cubs has been smooth http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-jason-heyward-bee-stings-spt-0328-20160327- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs' Jason Hammel shakes off sting of Robinson Cano's HRs http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-jason-hammel-allows-two-homers-20160327- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Trevor Cahill will step in if any Cubs starting suffers an injury http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-jake-arrieta-trevor-cahill-cubs-bits-spt-0328- 20160327-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Sunday's recap: Mariners 12, Cubs 9 http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-gameday-cubs-spring-training-spt-0328-20160327- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs building boom: Three structures going up around Wrigley http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-wrigley-field-buildings-construction-20160325- htmlstory.html

 Chicago Tribune, Jake Arrieta cleared for Cubs opener http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-jake-arrieta-starts-opener-20160327-story.html

 Chicago Sun-Times, Mariners 12, Cubs 9: Jason Hammel scuffles, Javy Baez almost back http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/mariners-12-cubs-9-jason-hammel-scuffles-javy-baez-almost-back/

 Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs OF Jason Heyward stung more than 10 times by bee swarm http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-of-jason-heyward-stung-more-than-10-times-by-bee-swarm/

 Chicago Sun-Times, Blister fine, so Cubs’ Jake Arrieta will start Opening Day http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/blister-fine-so-cubs-jake-arrieta-will-start-opening-day/

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Daily Herald Chicago Cubs confident in coaching staff By Bruce Miles

For the first time in several years, the Cubs made no changes to their coaching staff for an upcoming season.

That's remarkable because manager came aboard in the fall of 2014, with a staff already in place for 2015. Many times, a manager will overhaul a staff to his liking, but Maddon added only bench coach , his trusted hand from Tampa Bay. He left the rest of the staff intact.

Although some may have expected a change or two for 2016, Maddon and his front-office bosses repeatedly praised the work of the coaches during and after last year's 97-win season.

The jobs of the coaches have become more involved over the years, and one man simply cannot do it all in each facet of the game. Let's break down the Cubs' coaching staff down by department:

Pitching and catching:

Chris Bosio is so highly regarded as a pitching coach that he is working under his third manager of the Cubs. Bosio came aboard for the 2012 season under Dale Sveum and also has worked for Rick Renteria and Maddon.

Bosio, a former major-league pitcher, looks the part of a throwback, but he provides thoughtful responses in interviews and seems to maintain a good rapport with his , even as their roles may change and as bodies come and go during the season.

The biggest feather in Bosio's cap is his guidance of Jake Arrieta, who won the Cy Young Award last year. Bosio also took a Rule 5 pick in Hector Rondon and coached him into a 30-save closer.

Bosio gets help from bullpen coach , who enters his 28th year in the Cubs organization. , the catching and strategy coach, prepares game plans and scouting reports. The Cubs also have one of their former catchers, , who came aboard last year as quality assurance coach.

Hitting:

Team president Theo Epstein once likened the hitting-coach position on the Cubs to that of the drummer's spot in Spinal Tap.

The Cubs under Epstein couldn't settle in a hitting coach for more than a year after he took over. That has changed, as Chicago native goes into his second season with the Cubs.

Mallee's biggest challenge is coaching a bunch of young hitters who hit for power and strike out a lot. Last season, Cubs batters led the National League by striking out 1,518 times. The debate over how "bad" are as opposed to other kinds of outs will continue. As the Cubs' young batters mature and they learn better approaches at the plate, the strikeouts should come down, which will be important when situations call for putting the ball into play to advance a runner.

The Cubs were sixth in runs scored last year, fifth in home runs, fifth in on-base percentage and seventh in slugging.

Mallee is assisted by former big-league hitter .

The bases:

If you can't name the Cubs' third-base coach off the top of your head, that's probably a good thing because it means he wasn't getting a whole bunch of runners thrown out at the plate.

Gary Jones, who came to the Cubs with Renteria in 2014, does a quiet, solid job at third. He also works with the infielders.

Brandon Hyde came to the organization after Epstein and general manager took over in the fall of 2011. Hyde has moved from minor-league field coordinator to bench coach to first-base coach.

The bench:

Sooner or later, Martinez will leave Maddon, only because some other team will make him their major-league manager.

A former Cubs and White Sox player, Martinez is a detail-oriented coach, and working under the innovated Maddon, both in Tampa Bay (2008-14) and Chicago, should only help his managerial chances in the future.

Rounding out the coaching staff is Franklin Font, a former Cubs farmhand who enters his 22nd year in the organization. He serves as a staff assistant.

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Cubs.com Cubs' Russell takes game to new level By Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- Joe Maddon learned last season that Addison Russell was a solid defender, a good kid and the " of the future," but the Cubs manager wasn't prepared for the power. Russell didn't waste any time this spring flexing his muscles.

In the Cubs' second spring game, Russell smacked a two-run , the first by anyone on the team in Cactus League play. After hitting 13 home runs last season, Russell could be poised for a breakout season in 2016.

"It's something I wanted to show last year, but the style I played, I was a little more timid coming into the season," Russell said of his power. "It was harder for me to let it fly, especially making that move to second. It was a hard transition. At the end of last year, I felt that grip-and-rip type feel, and that's the point I want to get at early on in the season."

When Russell was promoted to the big leagues last April 21, he was inserted as the starting . was the Opening Day shortstop, and the team had been rotating second basemen, starting Tommy La Stella, Arismendy Alcantara and Jonathan Herrera. On Aug. 7, Russell was moved to short to stay.

This year, with the trade of Castro to the Yankees and the addition of to play second, Russell no longer is the shortstop of the future. He's the Cubs' shortstop now.

"His range and quickness is off the charts," Zobrist said. "His work ethic is off the charts, his focus is off the charts. All he needs is time. That's really all he needs is time and experience."

On the first day practicing together, Russell said being with Zobrist was a "match made in heaven." Zobrist just has to keep up.

"He's so fast, and he gets to the ball so quick," Zobrist said of Russell. "He's really incredible, his quickness especially. For me, as I work with him up the middle, there's not much I can tell him other than let's make sure we get one. He's very polished on his own."

Zobrist is still getting a read on Russell's amazing range, knowing the young shortstop can cover a lot more ground. The two talk a lot.

"This is the most I've ever communicated with any shortstop I've played with in ," Zobrist said. "I think a lot of that is by design based on what we're looking at and where I'm playing right now, and also as far as the fact that they put us in every game together. That helps me get to learn him, learn his mannerisms in the game and how we can communicate best.

"It's been great working with him," Zobrist said. "It's really tough to point out some weakness because he has so many strengths. The biggest thing he needs is time and experience, and he'll get smoother and smoother and more and more polished as time goes on, and everyone will see what he's really capable of. He's got this special ability to make extended plays that other guys can't get to because of his range and athleticsm. It's going to be fun to watch."

Maddon protected Russell last season, batting him ninth behind the pitcher so he didn't thwart Russell's development. This year, Maddon is projecting Russell will hit higher in the order.

There's another part of Russell's development that Maddon likes.

"Conversationally, he's much more confident," Maddon said of the 22-year-old. "He's easier to joke around with. He's just much more comfortable in his Major League skin. I love it. He knows he belongs here; he knows he's good here. He's in great shape. He was in fine shape last year, and I think he's in even better shape now. There's a lot going on in his personal life and his family, which is all good. He's grown up a bit."

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Cubs.com Cubs crush 4 HRs; Hammel knocked off course By Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- Happy Easter, Robinson Cano.

The Mariners' second baseman belted three home runs and drove in seven runs to power the Mariners to a 12-9 victory over the Cubs on Sunday in front of a sellout crowd of 15,438 at Sloan Park.

Dexter Fowler, Jason Heyward, Addison Russell and Matt Szczur each homered for the Cubs, who rallied to tie the game at 7 in the fourth after trailing 7-1. Chicago has hit 30 home runs in the last 20 games.

Cano, who is returning from double hernia surgery, hit his fourth spring home run with one out and one on in the first off an 0-2 pitch from Jason Hammel. The Mariners second baseman added a three-run shot in the second, and a two-run homer in the eighth off Trevor Cahill.

"Happy Easter, Robbie Cano, I guess," Hammel said. "He had one heck of a game today. Obviously, my execution has to be better down in the zone, but that was because of being a little quick up top. That was always my mistake before. Today, I was trying to create when I didn't need to."

For the game, Hammel gave up nine runs on eight hits over 4 1/3 .

"Numbers-wise, you look at the line and yuck," Hammel said. "I did get the work in today. I did better with the sequencing today."

Mariners starter James Paxton served up three of the Cubs home runs. He said he left some pitches up on a day he obviously needed to work down with the ball carrying so well, but the southpaw had a career 6.75 ERA in 16 previous Cactus League games and feels it's a tough situation to judge his progress as he competes with Nathan Karns for the fifth starter spot.

"I think so. Obviously, it's what the coaches think that matters," Paxton said. "But I've kind of been that guy that doesn't get the numbers in Spring Training my whole career. I'm not going to let this start bother me. I'm just going to keep working and get myself ready for the season."

The Mariners loaded the bases with two outs in the second and Ketel Marte lofted a ball toward the left-field line that deflected off Russell's glove. Two runs scored on the double to give Seattle a 4-1 lead. Cano then launched his second homer to open a 7-1 lead.

The Cubs rallied, sending nine batters to the plate in the third to close to 7-6 as Heyward hit a two-run homer and Russell belted a three-run shot, his fourth, which is tied for the team lead this spring. Mark Zagunis tripled to open the fourth and scored one batter later on 's single to tie the game.

Seth Smith smacked a two-run double with one out in the fifth to give Seattle the lead and chase Hammel. Cano crushed a two-run homer in the eighth against Trevor Cahill.

Play was stopped in the Mariners' third after a swarm of bees invaded Sloan Park. Heyward tried to escape by jumping onto the fence in center, and Cubs relievers shared the visitor's bullpen in right field to avoid being stung. Bees prompt delay during Mariners-Cubs game

Up next for Mariners: Right-hander Nathan Karns, competing with James Paxton for the final rotation berth, gets the start Monday in a 1:10 p.m. PT game against the Royals at Peoria Stadium. Karns is looking to bounce back from a rough outing against the A's (eight hits and nine runs, seven earned in 2 1/3 innings). The game will be televised on MLB.TV.

Up next for Cubs: will make his fifth Cactus League start on Monday when the Cubs travel to Tempe to play the Angels. The right-hander has been effective this spring, striking out 19 over 19 innings. He's projected for the fifth spot in the rotation. First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. CT, live MLB.TV and a free cubs.com audio webcast.

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Cubs.com Fowler exits with injury after homering By Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs had to leave Sunday's 12-9 loss to the Mariners after one because of tightness in his left side. The problem was considered mild, and the team said he was removed as a precautionary measure.

Fowler led off the Cubs' first with a home run, his third, but he was lifted defensively in the second inning.

Fowler, who rejoined the Cubs this season, signing a one-year contract, is coming off a season in which he set career highs in runs scored (102), home runs (17) and walks (84), and is projected to be the leadoff batter.

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Cubs.com Arrieta cleared to start on Opening Day By Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- National League Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta will start on Opening Day, April 4, and not be sidelined because of a blister that forced him out of his last spring outing after one-third of an inning.

"There's nothing holding him back now," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Sunday after watching Arrieta's bullpen session. "He's fine to pitch on Opening Day, yes."

Arrieta threw 46 pitches Sunday, and Maddon joined pitching coach to watch the session.

"It's one of the best 'pens he's thrown all year," Bosio said. "Everything went well."

Arrieta will make one more spring start Tuesday against the Athletics, and then be ready for the season opener against the Angels in Anaheim. Maddon also announced the rest of his rotation, saying lefty will follow Arrieta, then right-handers , Jason Hammel and Kyle Hendricks.

The Cubs did stretch out Trevor Cahill, Adam Warren, Clayton Richard and this spring, and all were considered options for the rotation. Cahill has been the super-utility pitcher, starting, pitching middle relief and also closing. Maddon said Cahill most likely would be the sub in case one of the starters has to miss a game.

Arrieta's blister has been the only real blip this spring. He exited his outing Thursday after throwing 34 pitches to seven Giants batters in one-third of an inning because he was having trouble gripping the ball. He had applied Super Glue to a small blister on his right thumb, and the glue created a slick surface. The blister never opened. On Sunday, Arrieta did his normal side session.

"He was fine, there was no restriction whatsoever, he felt great," Maddon said. "It was like it never happened. I anticipate no problems."

Usually starting pitchers are backed off pitch count-wise in the last spring outing, and Maddon wanted to check with Bosio as to how much Arrieta will throw Tuesday. The right-hander has made three Cactus League starts so far and pitched in a Minor League game, but did not start a spring game until March 9. The Cubs want him fresh late in the season.

"The guy's in wonderful shape," Maddon said. "The one thing we've been trying to do is restrict what he's been doing anyway, so maybe this is one of those built-ins you take advantage of."

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Cubs.com Baez's status to figure into final roster decision By Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- The Cubs have announced their rotation, but they have not finalized the rest of the roster because they're waiting to see how Javier Baez feels after missing one week of games with a sore left thumb.

"He came in and shook my hand this morning and wished me happy Easter, so I know he's feeling pretty good," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Sunday.

If Baez isn't ready, the Cubs could keep versatile Munenori Kawasaki or outfielder Matt Szczur, who is out of options. The Cubs also are deciding whether to carry 12 or 13 pitchers.

Maddon liked Baez last spring, especially his defensive ability, but Baez didn't make the Opening Day roster because others in the front office felt he needed more seasoning.

"I hadn't seen enough of him to make that call," Maddon said.

Extra bases

• Hector Rondon, and Clayton Richard pitched in back-to-back games Friday and Saturday, and Maddon was pleased with the relievers' outings.

"They need to feel that before you start the season," Maddon said. "The progression of all those guys has been really good."

Rondon said he peeked at the radar readings during Saturday's outing, and liked what he saw.

"I felt good, really good," Rondon said Sunday. "Yesterday, I knew I was ready [for the season]."

• gets three bats every spring for the season, and that's more than the reliever needs.

"I need one to hang on my wall," Grimm said.

Grimm has four career at-bats, including one against current teammate John Lackey on Aug. 31, 2014.

"He threw me a 50-foot curve, and I still swung over the top," Grimm said.

How much batting practice has Grimm taken this spring? Zero.

"I don't need to take BP," he said, smiling.

• Cubs players and coaches wore athletic shorts Sunday that one would see on high school football coaches, not on the baseball field. Maddon did this last year as a salute to coaches everywhere.

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Cubs.com Bees prompt delay in Mariners-Cubs game By Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward was stung more than 10 times by a swarm of bees that swooped into center field Sunday at Sloan Park, prompting him to try to escape by jumping onto the fence. Play was stopped for about five minutes in the top of the third inning of the Mariners' 12-9 victory.

"They came over from right field," Heyward said of the bees. "I saw them moving around a little bit, but [right fielder Mark Zagunis] was doing what I was doing, which is wearing it because we knew the game was going on. I wasn't thinking to get out of there until it got crazy. I was like, 'OK, I'm not going to stand here,' so I tried to get away."

Heyward was swatting at the bees, and then finally ran toward the center-field fence, and jumped onto it for safety. The bees kept coming.

"I should have gone over the fence," Heyward said.

Fans on the berm in left and center hid under blankets. Cubs relievers vacated the left-field bullpen, and shared the right field bullpen with the Mariners.

"That was wild," Cubs starter Jason Hammel said. "I've never had a delay like that before."

The bees attached themselves to a chair in the bullpen. Hammel watched from the pitcher's mound as the bizarre scenario unfolded.

"You could see them from left field all the way to center, they were everywhere," Hammel said. "The fact that Heyward isn't swollen beyond belief right now, I don't know how he made it out of that."

Maybe bee pollen helped? Heyward hit a two-run homer in the Cubs' third. And Matt Szczur, who was in left field, belted a solo homer in the eighth. Szczur joked later that maybe the bees were the reason he hit the homer, but it's no laughing matter.

"[Heyward] was all right, and said, 'Go ahead, play,' and then they came my way and I thought we've got to stop it," Szczur said.

The bees stung Heyward on his face and the back of his head, but he was calm.

"If I was allergic, I would not have stayed there," Heyward said. "I thought, 'If [Hammel is] still pitching, I'm still playing center field.

"I've seen it happen in a Minor League game one time, but [the swarm] went through quicker than that and didn't last as long," Heyward said. "That lasted for a while."

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Cubs.com Maddon willing to use stats, gut with lineup By Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- Ben Zobrist has batted first, second and third this spring for the Cubs, but on Sunday, he was in the No. 6 spot.

"Playing around -- just playing around," manager Joe Maddon said. "There's nothing to be read into it, honestly, just playing around with different thoughts."

Some of those thoughts may have been sparked during a meeting Saturday with the baseball operations people about lineup breakdowns and how important protection is.

"I said, 'When you came in, you caused my head to spin,'" Maddon said of the meeting. "[I said], 'I hope I'm causing your head to spin on the way out the door.'"

Maddon said the sabermetrics tend to not factor in the human element.

"I know what the numbers indicate, but what does that manager think in that moment, and what does that pitcher think in that moment?" Maddon said. "Is this pitcher self-aware enough to know I prefer pitching to the guy behind that guy just because I don't like [facing] this guy? You almost have to do it on a game-by-game basis. Of course, the database won't be big enough to give you solid responses."

The only thing that appears set is that Dexter Fowler, who started Sunday's game with a home run, will lead off, and the pitcher will return to the No. 9 spot rather than bat eighth, which Maddon did last year.

Something else that the analysts need to consider is trends, but those are things Maddon and his staff notice from the dugout and aren't always included in the stats.

"Sometimes my numbers will indicate this hitter should tear it up against that pitcher, but the actual numbers are horrible because you don't see that guy that good," he said. "Furthermore, he's in your head. When he's in your head, he's in there and it's hard to get him out."

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ESPNChicago.com Questions remain for Cubs with one week until Opening Day By Jesse Rogers

MESA, Ariz. -- One week to go until Opening Day for the Chicago Cubs with several questions still needing answers. Let’s tackle a few here before Joe Maddon does the same by next Monday:

Does reliever Neil Ramirez make the team?

The Cubs are leaning towards Ramirez getting a spot, which means they’d keep eight relievers to begin the season. It’s the smart move for two reasons: It leaves one fewer position player on the bench, and Ramirez still might be a really good reliever.

Maddon already will need to find at-bats for quasi-starters Javier Baez and . Why feed another body? And Ramirez will tell you it’s still a process with his shoulder strength. He believes he’ll get back to the upper 90’s on his , but even if he doesn’t, he’s slowly learning to pitch with less velocity. He has very good breaking stuff so there might be enough upside there to keep him around.

Ramirez is out of minor league options so the other choice is to trade him. But for what? A “B” prospect? Keeping him is the best move and lightens the load on the entire bullpen, which includes Clayton Richard, Travis Wood, Trevor Cahill, Adam Warren, Justin Grimm, Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon.

Is Baez healthy and ready for his new super-utility role?

Baez needs some at-bats this final week as he’s been slowed by a jammed thumb. His role won’t be easy -- and that’s just on offense where plate appearances might be at a premium. He’s already come a long way in centerfield, and Maddon still loves his instincts, so he’ll probably enter a lot of games he doesn’t start. When he gets his chances at the plate he’ll need to show patience and act like he’s an everyday player. If he takes his one at- bat per game like it’s do-or-die, then he’s in trouble.

What, if any, will be Maddon’s regular-season batting order?

That’s definitely a question which could be answered in these final days of spring training. A lot of it revolves around Ben Zobrist. Will Maddon indeed bat him third as he’s done a few times this spring? Having and Kris Bryant hit with men on base and with some protection is paramount to Maddon, so there’s a good chance Dexter Fowler, Jason Heyward and Zobrist will bat 1-2-3 in front of the sluggers. It makes sense until the Cubs need a long ball late in the game, and instead of Bryant at the plate it’s Zobrist, but remember the season is 162 games and Maddon can make a change -- and undoubtedly will -- at any time.

So what’s the catching situation looking like?

The Cubs have basically decided will continue as a part-time catcher and part-time outfielder. It could actually be what his career looks like -- as no longer is he in line to be the everyday backstop. The emergence of in the minors is one reason, and the Cubs don’t want Schwarber to be worn down by the position anyway. So the plan is for Schwarber to catch Jason Hammel most of the time, while is Jon Lester’s guy. That leaves for the other three starters. Keeping Montero fresh is a benefit, and the plan also keeps Schwarber’s bat in the lineup while Soler gets at-bats those days Schwarber catches.

What else did we learn from camp?

In no particular order:

-- The Cubs offense is going to have some HUGE games this year. They may only come in good weather and maybe against end-of-the rotation pitchers, but one way or another they will put up some crooked numbers. Envision innings where the line just keeps moving until that big hit or two. We saw as much in the handful of games Maddon played his regulars this spring.

-- Speaking of offense, Addison Russell arguably has looked the best of any Cub this spring and he is already a Gold Glove candidate. If there is any carryover to the regular season, the Cubs' potential No. 7 hitter is in line for a big year. His overall batting average might not be high, but his power numbers should continue to climb as they did in the second half last season.

-- The farm system still looks good despite all the top picks making it to the majors last season. The Cubs can put together a package of prospects in a July trade if need be, although they don’t want to part with Contreras. Infielder Jeimer Candelario is good trade bait as he’s blocked at the major league level -- as are Dan Vogelbach and a few others. We should finally see a Theo Epstein-draft arm make it to the Cubs as Ryan Williams is on the verge and could make his debut this year as well. And Class-A South Bend could have an interesting team as Dylan Cease should make his way there. He was throwing 99-100 mph in camp.

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ESPNChicago.com Expectations high for Cubs' second-year players By Jesse Rogers

What the Cubs' sophomore quintet of Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Kyle Schwarber and Jorge Soler can do first and foremost is crush . At an age when many players are still cutting their teeth as prospects in minor league ballparks, they've all proven at least that much under the bright lights of the majors since their debuts within the last 18 months.

Bryant hit 26 home runs last season while Schwarber hit 16 in 69 games. Even the middle infielder, Russell, hit 13 out. The biggest and strongest of the group, Soler, only hit 10 home runs, but there isn't a scout in baseball who doesn't believe he has 20 to 30-homer potential.

And led by Schwarber's franchise-record five October long balls, four of the five have already hit a home run on the pressure-packed postseason stage -- a fact not to be ignored for a group focused on putting 108 years of heartache in the rearview this season.

The sound off their bats is special. Russell, not previously known for power, has changed his style and has slugged the ball in camp with the best of them. Batting practice with the quintuplet is a show.

"I jokingly say all the time 'don't put me in the hitting group with those guys because it kills my self-esteem,'" catcher David Ross said. "I went up to [assistant hitting coach] Eric Hinske, I go, 'Why does it look so easy for them?'"

While getting matched up with the hard-hitting youngsters in BP might be a mismatch for some Cubs, none will complain about having them on their side come game time. The team shocked the baseball world last year with five first-year players contributing to a 97-win season. Rookies are usually reserved for rebuilding teams, but these are no ordinary youngsters.

One year later, they're hungrier than ever, as projected statistics by four different online services say the Cubs' sophomore "Fab Five" are expected to hit at least 15 home runs and drive in 50 runs each in 2016, but all are expected to strike out at least 110 times. That's not a concern for the organization, as one of the most talented freshman classes any team has debuted in recent years gets ready to take the next step in Year 2.

"People forget how young they are for good reason," president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said from spring training. "They're past the phase where they're looked at for their age and more for what they can do for the team."

Not since the 2007 and has baseball seen a young group of this many position players make such an impact. But neither of those teams were able to get where the Cubs are trying to go: the . The current Cubs have already won 97 games and a postseason series while the five players were just getting their feet wet as rookies. What does that mean for 2016?

"They're all advanced for their ages," veteran second baseman Ben Zobrist said. "That's the common theme. Usually you have 1-2 guys like that. You don't have five like that at the same time.

"It's similar to the Braves' young pitching that came up together. And people wonder why they're so good at that age. They're just so talented. There's only upside for all of them."

Hitting isn't the only thing this group does well, it's just at the top of the list -- Russell could be on a short list to win a Gold Glove this season and Bryant is a fantastic baserunner.

Baez and Soler are still trying to establish themselves while Bryant, Russell and Schwarber are more ensconced. But even the rookie of the year can expect adjustments from the opposition, as can the other young players. How they react will go a long way toward determining how good the Cubs will be this season. They are that important.

"The biggest thing is you just can't keep doing the same thing and keep getting the same result," Zobrist said of when the struggles inevitably come. "You have to make adjustments because they're going to make adjustments.

Pitchers will analyze the video from last year and find new ways to get them out. It's about getting ahead of the curve and being a complete hitter."

The Cubs aren't exactly expecting the worst from the group, of course, but they know a player's second year can be his toughest. There's a reason it's called a sophomore slump.

"I look at the Royals, for instance and you went back to (Alex) Gordon, (Eric) Hosmer, (Mike) Moustakas, and their ups and down development path they took," Epstein said. "A good rookie year, a rough sophomore year, in some cases options to the minor leagues to work things out. When they all got good at the same time is when the team finally won. Our ability to maintain performance at the level we saw last year will be dictated to a certain extent by their development."

That's one reason why manager Joe Maddon will protect them by finding the right matchups and giving them plenty of rest. None, including Bryant, will play 150 or more games. In fact, expect them all to play less. In a few cases, it'll be a lot less.

"I don't care what it says on their birth certificates. I want them fresh for September," Maddon said.

Besides talent, the five are bound by a maturity beyond their years. Maybe it's a result of being around a selfless team last season, but they are all over being wide-eyed by their surroundings.

"It's not fair to lump them together because their personalities are all different, but as a group it's fair to say they're pretty grounded, mature and adjusted pretty quickly," Epstein said. "Their primary focus is winning which earned them a lot of respect from their veteran teammates."

It also takes the pressure off them, considering all five will rotate in and out of the lineup. Yes, they'll want to perform, but whether they do or not won't essentially change their playing time. Maddon will keep that rotation intact either way. He did something similar last September. That's not to say Bryant and Russell, in particular, won't play most days, but Maddon can err on the side of keeping them fresh.

"They'll go through their ups and downs but they'll do it together," first baseman Anthony Rizzo said. "I'm sure they'll have their own little powwow where they can talk to each other and feel comfortable and they know that they can come to the veterans at any time. It's a good support group."

Coincidence or not, Ross started to contemplate retirement as his young teammates burst onto the scene last year. He's OK with that because at least he gets a front row seat for their sophomore seasons. They could be special.

"I see my time passing because these guys are way better than I am," Ross said, only half-joking. "They're still learning the game and not one of them has been through a complete season. We have to realize they're not established big leaguers as good as they are. But when they get there, watch out. They're going to be really good."

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ESPNChicago.com Cubs offense responds as Jason Hammel is hit hard in loss to Mariners By Jesse Rogers

MESA, Ariz. -- The Chicago Cubs lost to the 12-9 on Sunday afternoon in front of 15,438 at Sloan Park. Here are some takeaways from the game.

Dexter Fowler: He left the game with some “tightness” on his left side after hitting a home run to lead off the bottom of the first inning. The Cubs say the injury isn’t serious.

Jason Hammel: Hammel got hit hard leaving balls up in the zone as Robinson Cano took him deep twice.

“Happy Easter Robbie Cano,” Hammel said half-smiling afterwards

Hammel left after 4 1/3 innings, giving up nine runs on eight hits and three walks. It’s hard to come down on Hammel as he’s been mostly good this spring and one bad outing won’t change that. For some fans, though, the memory of his second half is still fresh so beginning next week he’ll have to erase the doubters with a good start to the regular season. Sunday was a mechanical problem as his spring ERA rose to 5.12.

“I was quicker up top than I had been,” Hammel explained. “I’m not going to worry about it too much ... . Execution has to be better down in the zone.”

Cubs offense: Once again the Cubs got down big early in the game only to storm back. They did the same on Thursday erasing a six run deficit just as they did on Sunday when they went down 7-1 only to tie it at 7-7 in the fourth inning. That type of comeback ability could be the norm starting next month as the Cubs staged several comebacks in the second half last season with a similarly deep lineup. Addison Russell homered for the second day in a row and fourth time this spring. He’s looked locked in for a month while Matt Szczur also homered as he’s fully recovered from an oblique injury.

Bees: The game was delayed about 10 minutes while a swarm of bees moved from right field to left causing centerfielder Jason Heyward to nearly hop the fence in center to avoid them.

Up next: The final few games of Cactus League action begin on Monday when the Cubs play at the . It’s a preview of what’s to come for real seven days later in Anaheim. Kyle Hendricks pitches for the Cubs.

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ESPNChicago.com Javier Baez nears return; rotation set for Cubs By Jesse Rogers

MESA, Ariz. -- After declaring Jake Arrieta ready to go for Opening Day and then confirming his rotation for the rest of the week, Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon has only Javier Baez to worry about right now. Baez has been out with a bad thumb but could return as soon as Monday.

“He came in, shook my hand this morning and wished me Happy Easter,” Maddon said. “I know he’s feeling pretty good.”

Maddon doesn’t think it will be a problem getting Baez some at-bats in the final week of spring training as long as the training staff verifies Baez is ready for game action. He jammed his thumb sliding head first into first base in a Cactus League game, but the swelling has gone down.

“I’m OK,” Baez said. “I can start tomorrow (Monday).”

A return to the playing field for Baez means Munenori Kawasaki won’t make the team despite a very good spring.

No surprise among starters

Maddon confirmed Trevor Cahill would be his emergency starter after announcing Jon Lester, John Lackey, Jason Hammel and Kyle Hendricks would follow Arrieta in the rotation.

“I’ve kept Cahill stretched out in the event something were to happen but the other three guys have been told they’re back in the bullpen,” Maddon said. “(Adam) Warren, (Travis) Wood and (Clayton) Richard.”

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ESPNChicago.com Cubs' Jake Arrieta to make Opening Day start after blister issue By Jesse Rogers

MESA, Ariz. -- All systems are go for National League Cy Young award winner Jake Arrieta to make his Opening Day start next Monday against the Los Angeles Angels after he left his last spring outing early with a blister on his pitching thumb.

Arrieta threw 46 pitches in a bullpen session Sunday morning. He and his manager declared him ready to go.

"He was fine," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "No restriction whatsoever. He felt great. It was like it never happened. I anticipate no problems."

Arrieta got hit hard in one-third of inning Thursday against the , giving up five runs before being pulled. He said he felt the blister in the bullpen warming up, so he knew he might have some troubles. After the game, he showed his thumb to reporters.

"Went great," Arrieta said of his bullpen session. "I'm fine."

He'll make his final spring start on Tuesday against the , where he might increase his pitch count in order to make up for his short outing against the Giants.

Arrieta went 22-6 last season with a 1.77 ERA, earning his first Cy Young Award.

Maddon confirmed he'll start next Monday, then officially named the rotation for the rest of the week Jon Lester will pitch the second game against the Angels, followed by John Lackey against Arizona in Game 3. Jason Hammel and Kyle Hendricks will round out the first turn through the rotation.

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CSNChicago.com Jason Heyward survives attack from swarm of bees during Cubs game By Patrick Mooney

MESA, Ariz. — This looked like one of Joe Maddon’s gimmicks gone wild, an Easter Sunday swarm of bees surrounding Jason Heyward in center and chasing the Cubs outfielder all the way out to the warning track.

Heyward jumped onto the fence at Sloan Park, trying to escape, but that didn’t work, either. He just kept swatting his glove through the air, brushing away the bees buzzing at his beard and waving around his blue Cubs hat.

Heyward estimated he got stung at least 10 times in front of a sellout crowd, the TV cameras and a social-media audience that loves stuff like this. Fans sitting on the berm wrapped themselves underneath blankets during a bizarre third-inning scene that interrupted the game for several minutes.

“It was no stunt,” Heyward said after a 12-9 loss to the Seattle Mariners. “It was real.”

This came two days after the Cubs manager had his players pose for pictures with two cubs from Bearizona Wildlife Park, near the end of a Camp Maddon that has featured all sorts of diversions, from mimes to karaoke to hippie costumes.

Heyward had moved from right field to center when Dexter Fowler left the game after feeling tightness on his left side. The Cubs downplayed it and didn’t have a postgame update on Fowler, who did feel good enough to homer in his first at-bat. So the bees attacked Heyward.

“I wasn’t thinking to get out of there until it just got crazy,” Heyward said. “I just tried to get out of the way. I should have went over the fence.

“It’s OK. Not allergic.”

Heyward — who usually comes across as calm and cool and older than 26 — simply shrugged off the entire episode. But a plague descending upon a player at the beginning of an eight-year, $184 million contract sort of fit into the sometimes surreal vibe surrounding this team in spring training.

For Sunday's workout, Cubs players and coaches dressed like 1970s gym teachers with tight shorts and knee-high socks. The bees ultimately forced Cubs relievers to walk across the grass after the third inning and move into the right-field bullpen with the Mariners.

“That was wild — I’ve never had a delay like that before,” said pitcher Jason Hammel, who gave up two of Robinson Cano’s three homers and was charged with nine runs in 4.1 innings. “I had no idea. But once I figured out what was going on, you could see from the whole left-field line all the way out to center – they were everywhere.”

Now the question becomes: Can strength/conditioning coach Tim Buss find a beekeeper suit in time for Monday’s workout?

“The fact that Heyward isn’t swollen beyond belief right now — I don’t know how he made it out of that,” Hammel said.

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CSNChicago.com Where things stand with Javier Baez and Cubs roster By Patrick Mooney

MESA, Ariz. — Javier Baez — the player who generated so much debate between manager Joe Maddon and Theo Epstein’s front office at this time last year — might be the final piece to the roster puzzle facing the Cubs now.

This time, it’s a question of health with Baez, who jammed his left thumb while diving headfirst into first base and hasn’t played in a Cactus League game since March 20.

“He came in, shook my hand this morning, wished me Happy Easter,” Maddon said Sunday at Sloan Park. “I know he’s feeling pretty good.”

Maddon is sold on Baez, a natural shortstop who can play multiple positions and an aggressive swinger with some all-or-nothing tendencies. Baez has taken 30 Cactus League at-bats — hitting .200 with eight strikeouts — but spring training performance doesn’t really matter at this point.

“We just have to really nail down the fact that Javy’s well,” Maddon said. “We’ll figure it out. As long as he feels well, we’ll get him out there. I just got to verify with the training staff.”

The uncertainty leaves infielder Munenori Kawasaki — who’s shown he’s much more than a karaoke singer — on the roster bubble. But assuming Baez is healthy and the Cubs carry an eighth reliever — Neil Ramirez is out of minor-league options and appears to have the inside track — then a 25-man Opening Day projection would look like this:

C: Miguel Montero 1B: Anthony Rizzo 2B: Ben Zobrist SS: Addison Russell 3B: Kris Bryant LF: Kyle Schwarber CF: Dexter Fowler RF: Jason Heyward

Bench David Ross Jorge Soler Tommy La Stella Javier Baez

Rotation

Jake Arrieta Jon Lester John Lackey Jason Hammel Kyle Hendricks

Bullpen

Trevor Cahill Adam Warren Clayton Richard Travis Wood Neil Ramirez Justin Grimm Pedro Strop Hector Rondon

A team that reported to Arizona in February with World Series expectations really just needed to stay healthy and essentially focus on the 24th and 25th spots on the roster.

Maddon lobbied hard for Baez to make the team last year, seeing a fundamentally flawed defensive team and believing his range, strong arm and baseball IQ could help win low-scoring cold-weather games in April.

Maddon also wondered if the speed of the major league game — and working directly with his coaching staff — would force Baez into making adjustments at the plate.

“Just watching the kid last year,” Maddon said, “based on everything else that we had at that time, compared to what you have (here), it’s two different worlds right now based on offseason acquisitions, the ascension of different players.

“I’m coming in for the first time — I can see Javy making that team better. But then they’re relating to me different things that they had seen before that — and the fact that a lot of folks thought he needed more seasoning. That’s all you got to tell me. I didn’t see enough of him to really make that call. So it’s not a hard argument to have with me.”

Maddon’s fresh eyes could only see so far, and it became a difficult personal/professional transition for Baez, whose sister died last April. Baez also missed almost two months at Triple-A Iowa after fracturing his left ring finger on a headfirst slide into second base.

In a sense, Maddon and Epstein’s staff both had the right idea last spring. Baez did need more time to develop — and he did contribute as a September call-up for a playoff team.

Baez helped knock the St. Louis Cardinals out of the divisional round with one huge swing, a delirious crowd at Wrigley Field chanting “LAC-KEY! LAC-KEY!” after that go-ahead three-run homer in Game 4.

“I gave the boys my side of things,” Maddon said. “And then I know at the end of the day it’s up to them to make the call. I prefer that, but you always tell people what you think.

“The greatest line ever (came from) Colin Powell talking about the president of the United States when he operated in government: ‘I give him my best advice and I give him my strongest loyalty.’

“In other words, (if) you go to a meeting like that – and then whatever you suggest is not followed – there’s a lot of meetings after meetings and water-cooler stuff where you tear people down.

“The loyalty’s not there. So if you disagree with somebody, you tell him straight up you disagree. But if you’re a part of a group and you come to a conclusion, then you all get on board with that conclusion. And that’s how it works.”

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CSNChicago.com Cubs say Jake Arrieta is all systems go for Opening Day By Patrick Mooney

MESA, Ariz. – We’re talking about blisters. That’s how it goes when Jake Arrieta is coming off a Cy Young Award- winning season and the Cubs have a World Series-or-bust attitude.

“Yeah, but it’s a nonissue,” pitching coach Chris Bosio said. “A complete nonissue.”

The Cubs now say Arrieta is all systems go for Opening Day.

Bosio and manager Joe Maddon watched Arrieta zip through a 46-pitch bullpen session on Easter Sunday morning at Sloan Park, showing no lingering effects from the blister on his right thumb that abruptly ended his last start in the first inning.

“There was no restriction whatsoever,” Maddon said. “He felt great. It was like it never happened. He was very good today and I anticipate no problems.”

Arrieta’s next test will be a Cactus League start against the Oakland A’s on Tuesday in Mesa.

Arrieta threw only 34 pitches last week — and got one out and gave up five runs to the San Francisco Giants — but he believes his arm strength is built up to the point where he will be ready for April 4 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

Maddon also confirmed Jon Lester will start Game 2 against the Angels, with John Lackey, Jason Hammel, Kyle Hendricks and Arrieta lined up for the Arizona Diamondbacks (April 7-10) in the final leg of that road trip. The Cubs see Trevor Cahill as their sixth starter in case an injury happens late in camp.

But it’s not a nonstory when the entire rotation — and by extension the whole plan to play deep into October — revolves around Arrieta.

“There’s nothing holding him back right now,” Maddon said.

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Chicago Tribune Bee stings aside, Jason Heyward's transition to Cubs has been smooth By Mark Gonzales

Familiarity with his new teammates has helped Jason Heyward's transition to the Cubs appear seamless.

"It's kind of flown by," Heyward said as he knocked on the wood panel of his locker stall while preparing for the final week of spring training.

Perhaps he should have knocked harder, as Heyward received an unwelcome late welcome during Sunday's game from a swarm of bees that he said stung him more than 10 times in the third inning against the Mariners at Sloan Park.

One inning after Heyward moved from right field to center, the bees came from right and caused him to swat his hands several times before leaping to the top of the fence.

"I should have went over the fence," Heyward said.

The bees fled later to left field, causing the Cubs bullpen to move to the right-field bullpen. The game was delayed by more than five minutes as the bees covered a bullpen chair, but Heyward stayed in the game and homered in the bottom of the third.

"It's OK," said Heyward, who showed no signs of swelling. "I'm not allergic."

Heyward's ability to take the incident in stride blends in well with a loose and versatile Cubs team. He neatly fills the gulf between the youngsters with little playoff experience and successful veterans seeking another World Series ring.

"He's the key piece," said catcher David Ross, who is entering his final season. "You have young guys coming in with little experience with a lot of hype. He went through that at Atlanta. He was supposed to be the savior. With him still being young and in his seventh year in the league, he's able to relate to both sides."

As manager Joe Maddon tinkers with lineup combinations that include switch hitters Dexter Fowler and Ben Zobrist, Heyward provides more options with his experience batting in the top five spots with the Braves and Cardinals.

Heyward has made 219 career starts in the second spot, where he batted Sunday behind Fowler.

"Just be ready," Heyward said. "That's what they like. With our lineup, we can hit so many guys in so many different places and get a lot of things done on any given day. You've got to be flexible for the team. You get used to that early on, it's going to pay off later in the season when you may have to mix things up "

With the re-signing of Fowler and the addition of Zobrist, Maddon has a reasonable chance to surpass the 119 lineups he used in 2015. And Heyward has accepted any spot without qualms.

Heyward said being traded from the Braves to the Cardinals before the 2015 season helped him adjust to new surroundings as well as join a singular mission to win the World Series.

"I got to see it acted out a whole lot in St. Louis," Heyward said. "The front office has the same mindset of trying to win a World Series. As a player, you're not working for anything other than that. This is no different."

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Chicago Tribune Cubs' Jason Hammel shakes off sting of Robinson Cano's HRs By Mark Gonzales

Jason Hammel had a field level view of the swarm of bees that stung center fielder Jason Heyward multiple times and caused play to be stopped for about five minutes.

“That was wild," Hammel said. "I’ve never had a delay like that before.

"The fact that Heyward isn’t swollen beyond belief, I don’t know how he made it out there."

Unfortunately for Hammel, he didn't survive the fifth inning after getting tagged for nine runs in 4 1/3 innings Sunday against the Mariners.

"An anomaly, honestly," said Hammel, who had allowed only two runs in 15 innings this spring prior to Sunday's 12-9 loss.

Hammel seemed content with reaching the 100-pitch mark with one spring start left in what will be an important season for him the the Chicago Cubs.

At the same time, Hammel quickly identified the mistakes that led to his short outing - particularly on two home runs surrendered to Robinson Cano, who also hit a home run off Trevor Cahill.

“I feel good. honestly," said Hammel, who is projected as the Cubs' fourth starter and is lined up to make his first start April 8 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

"My numbers, my pitching line, yuk. But I did get work in. I got to do better with my sequence. One of the home runs to Cano was my fault. You never throw that guy three heaters (fastball) in a row. I should have shook (off the sign). It wasn’t the same crispness as there was all of spring."

Hammel was encouraged with his work with Kyle Schwarber, whom many in Cubs' camp believe is progressing as a catcher and is expected to catch Hammel's starts this season when he's not playing left field.

As for Hammel, "I’m not going to panic. I feel good. I got up to 100 pitches. I forgot how long it is. My arm is tired, but you got to get to that point."

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Chicago Tribune Trevor Cahill will step in if any Cubs starting pitcher suffers an injury By Mark Gonzales

Jake Arrieta's 46-pitch bullpen session Sunday morning convinced Cubs manager Joe Maddon that the 2015 National League Cy Young Award winner is healthy for the April 4 opener against the Angels.

"There's nothing holding him back right now," Maddon said after watching Arrieta pitch without discomfort from a blister on his right thumb.

Maddon was just as forthcoming in announcing that Trevor Cahill would serve as the emergency starter in the event of an injury to Arrieta or fellow starters Jon Lester, John Lackey, Jason Hammel and Kyle Hendricks — who will pitch in that order to start the season.

"We thought the logical guy to keep back would be Cahill," Maddon said.

Cahill, an 18-game winner with the Athletics in 2010, allowed three runs on four hits in three innings Sunday against the Mariners in relief of Hammel.

Adam Warren and left-handers Travis Wood and Clayton Richard were informed they will start the season in the bullpen.

Medical update: The Cubs are bound to take a conservative approach with center fielder Dexter Fowler, who left because of mild tightness in his left side shortly after hitting an opposite-field home run to right in the first.

The Cubs also are waiting for assurances that Javier Baez's left thumb is healed before setting their opening-day roster.

"He shook my hand this morning and wished me a happy Easter," Maddon said. "I know he's feeling pretty good."

In the unlikely event Baez isn't ready by April 4, infielder Munenori Kawasaki and outfielder Matt Szczur, who is out of options, are possibilities for the roster. Maddon declined to say whether reliever Neil Ramirez would be on it.

Meeting mania: Maddon raised the issue with his analytics department Saturday of factoring in the human component when measuring protection in the lineup.

"I know what the numbers indicate, but what does that manager think in that moment and what does that pitcher do in that moment?" Maddon said.

Maddon seemed equally fascinated with trends and how they affect the game, depending on the sample size.

The Cubs are scheduled to hold a meeting with hitters Monday morning.

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Chicago Tribune Sunday's recap: Mariners 12, Cubs 9 By Mark Gonzales

Jason Hammel allowed two of Robinson Cano's three home runs as the Cubs lost 12-9 to the Mariners before a sellout crowd of 15,438 on Sunday at Sloan Park. Addison Russell hit a towering three-run home run in the third, and Matt Szczur hit a solo shot in the eighth.

At the plate

Kris Bryant is looking primed for the start of the regular season. Bryant lined a double to left in the first and hit an RBI single in the fourth and has six hits in his last 12 at-bats.

On the mound

Spencer Patton has been an under-the-radar reliever this spring. Patton relieved Hammel and stranded Seth Smith at second and hasn't allowed a run while giving up two hits and striking out 12 in nine appearances.

In the field

Catcher Kyle Schwarber was charged with a passed ball in the second before moving to left field and making a running catch near the foul line in the sixth.

Key number

36 — Home runs hit by the Cubs in 26 games this spring.

The quote

"Happy Easter, Robbie Cano. One heck of a game today." — Hammel

Up next

At Angels, 3:05 p.m. Monday at Tempe Diablo Stadium. RH Kyle Hendricks vs. RH Nick Tropeano.

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Chicago Tribune Cubs building boom: Three structures going up around Wrigley By Chad Yoder

In 2014, the Cubs announced a multiphase plan to update and rehabilitate Wrigley Field. Improvements have been made to the outfield bleachers and the Cubs home clubhouse, but a lot of work remains in and around the ballpark.

In addition to the massive amounts of work being done to Wrigley Field itself, the Cubs and the Ricketts family are planning three more structures around the ballpark in coming years. Last year, construction began on the first of these buildings: the office and retail space to be located at the north end of an open-air plaza on the site of the former triangle parking lot. Work recently started on the second building, a boutique hotel, with the demolition of the McDonalds on the opposite side of Clark Street. The third building, a two-story annex that will be attached to the ballpark itself, is scheduled to be completed in 2018.

Wrigley Field work finished in 2015-16 offseason:

Office building and plaza

Work will continue during the 2016 season on the new office building and plaza located in the old triangle parking lot, as well as a new western entrance to the ballpark.

According to the Cubs, the open-air plaza is intended to be enjoyed by the community year-round. Suggested uses have included hosting an ice rink in the winter, farmers markets in the summer and outdoor music events.

In January, Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th, introduced a proposal to set rules for the outdoor area, including ending events in the plaza at 9 p.m. on weeknights and 10 p.m. on weekends. The proposal also would allow beer and wine to be sold at the plaza, but alcohol sales would stop during games and concerts taking place inside Wrigley Field and would not resume until an hour after such events end. The Cubs have argued that the proposed time and alcohol rules are too restrictive.

The six-story office building at the north end of the plaza will house Cubs administrative offices and conference meeting spaces, as well as retail on the ground floor.

Two-Story Annex

In a future phase of construction, a two-story annex would be built in the current location of the Captain Morgan Club. The Cubs have described the annex as a retail and entertainment space, and suggested uses include a restaurant/bar, retail merchandise store and ticket office.

The rooftop of the annex will be connected to the terrace concourse inside the ballpark, creating a new terrace space that will include expanded concession areas and bathrooms.

This new area is expected to be ready for Opening Day 2018.

Hotel

The Ricketts family plans to open a "premium neighborhood boutique" hotel on the northwest corner of Clark and Addison streets. The hotel will be affiliated with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and will include 180 rooms, retail, and food and beverage options.

Updated renderings of the new hotel have not been made available. Construction is beginning this year.

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Chicago Tribune Jake Arrieta cleared for Cubs opener By Mark Gonzales

Jake Arrieta was cleared to start the Cubs season opener April 4 against the Los Angeles Angels after suffering no discomfort Sunday in his right thumb.

"He’s fine to pitch opening day," manager Joe Maddon said after watching Arrieta, the 2015 National League Cy Young Award winner, throw 46 pitches.

Arrieta will be followed by left-hander Jon Lester, John Lackey, Jason Hammel and Kyle Hendricks.

Maddon was pleased that Arrieta threw with no restrictions after struggling with a blister and throwing only 34 pitches Thursday against the San Francisco Giants.

"It was like it never happened," Maddon said. "He was very good, and I anticipate no problems."

The only issue will be how many pitches Arrieta will throw Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners in his final spring start. Arrieta threw 60 pitches in a minor league game March 19, but he hasn't exceeded that total in a spring game.

"The guy is in wonderful shape, and the one thing we’ve been trying to do is restretict what he’s been doing anyway," Maddon said. "So maybe this is one of those built-ins you take advantage of."

Trevor Cahill will serve as the emergency starter in the event of an injury to Arrieta or any of the four other starters. Maddon said Adam Warren, Travis Wood and Clayton Richard were informed that they will start the season in the bullpen.

Maddon declined to say the opening day roster was finalized. Infielder Javier Baez is coping with a sore left hand, but Maddon believes there is enough time for Baez to get enough at-bats in preparation for the season.

Maddon also declined to announce that reliever Neil Ramirez had made the roster.

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Chicago Sun-Times Mariners 12, Cubs 9: Jason Hammel scuffles, Javy Baez almost back By Patrick Finley

MESA, Ariz. — Jason Hammel knew the problem: His upper body was moving too fast, making it hard to him to keep the ball down. He saw the result, too, in the Cubs’ 12-9 loss to the Mariners on Sunday at Sloan Park. Hammel allowed nine runs on eight hits, striking out four and walking three in 4 1/3 innings. “Obviously execution has to be better down in the zone, but that was because of being a little quick up top,” he said. “That was always my mistake before. I was trying to create when I really didn’t need to.”

Three homers

Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano had quite a day, hitting three home runs and driving in seven. He hit two against Hammel in the first two innings. The first came on an 0-2 pitch when Hammel didn’t shake off the third- straight fastball call. “You never throw that guy three heaters in a row,” he said. Hammel was able to laugh about it. “Happy Easter, Robby Cano, I guess,” he said.

Baez back? Javier Baez, who has been out since trying to play through a sore thumb on March 19 and 20, could return to the lineup Monday against the Angels. “I know he’s feeling pretty good,” manager Joe Maddon said. Baez could get enough at-bats to be ready by Opening Day, the skipper said.

Ramirez in?

Maddon said his 25-man roster was pretty much set — the only question mark being Baez’s health — but still wasn’t ready to acknowledge publicly whether reliever Neil Ramirez would make the team.

Lineup tinkering

Maddon hit Kris Bryant third and Ben Zobrist sixth, another step in his self-described “playing around” with his batting order. He met with team statistics analysts Saturday.

On deck

Cubs at Angels, 3:10 p.m., Cubs.com, Nick Tropeano vs. Kyle Hendricks

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Chicago Sun-Times Cubs OF Jason Heyward stung more than 10 times by bee swarm By Patrick Finley

MESA, Ariz. — Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward was stung more than 10 times — in the face and back of the head — when a swarm of bees swept through the field in the top of the third inning Sunday at Sloan Park.

Heyward, who is not allergic to bees, jumped and hung on the outfield wall, and actually considered going over it to get away.

“I wasn’t thinking to get out of there until it got crazy,” he said. “Once they saw, it was, I’m not gonna stand here.”

Starting pitcher Jason Hammel was aghast.

“Had to have been a big deal,” he said. “He’s swatting at his face and all over the place. I’ve never seen that before.”

He took Claritin after the game but was otherwise fine. He was jokingly asked if it might have been one of Maddon’s practice stunts gone wrong.

“It was no stunt,” he said. “It was real.”

The bees caused a delay of five minutes. They swarmed from right field, through center and onto a chair in the Cubs’ bullpen, which was behind the left field wall. Fans down the line scattered, and the pitchers eventually moved to share a bullpen with the Mariners.

Heyward didn’t tease outfielder Dexter Fowler, whose injury forced him to move to centerfield before the swarm. He left the game after one inning with mild side tightness.

“I’m sure someone will get on him,” Heyward said, “but I’m not gonna get on him.”

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Chicago Sun-Times Blister fine, so Cubs’ Jake Arrieta will start Opening Day By Patrick Finley

MESA, Ariz. — Jake Arrieta’s bullpen session Sunday morning wiped out any concerns the Cubs had about his status for the start of the season. As he was before suffering a blister on his right thumb Thursday, the Cubs’ ace is scheduled to start Opening Day on April 4.

“There was no restriction whatsoever,” manager Joe Maddon said of his throwing session. “He felt great. nothing. It was like it never happened.”

Arrieta will start against the A’s on Tuesday. After getting light work Thursday, the Cubs might let him throw more pitches than usual against Oakland, but not too many.

“The one thing we’ve been trying to do is restrict what he’s been doing anyway,” Maddon said, “so maybe this is one of those built-ins you take advantage of.”

The healthy of the reigning National League Cy Young winner means the Cubs’ rotation is set. Jon Lester will start Game 2, followed by John Lackey, Jason Hammel and Kyle Hendricks. Reliever Trevor Cahill will stay stretched out as the emergency starter.

Maddon said he told the other starting candidates — Travis Wood, Adam Warren and Clayton Richard — that they will return to the bullpen.

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