March 7, 2016 • Cubs.Com, Warren Willing, Able to Fill Any Role for Cubs

March 7, 2016

 Cubs.com, Warren willing, able to fill any role for Cubs http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/166387896/adam-warren-makes-spring-debut-for-cubs

 Cubs.com, Fowler mashes monster HR in loss to D-backs http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/166387278/d-backs-beat-cubs-in-corbins-first-start

 Cubs.com, Cubs don T-shirts with Maddon's latest motto http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/166388998/cubs-wear-t-shirts-with-joe-maddon-motto

 Cubs.com, Former Cubs prospect savors chance to coach http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/166412434/former-cubs-prospect-savors-chance-to-coach

 ESPNChicago.com, Adam Warren debuts, Dexter Fowler goes deep as Cubs fall to Diamondbacks http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/36784/adam-warren-makes-debut-dexter-fowler-goes- deep-as-cubs-fall-to-diamondbacks

 ESPNChicago.com, Happy 30th birthday for Cubs Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/36771/happy-30th-birthday-for-cubs-cy-young-winner-jake- arrieta

 ESPNChicago.com, 'Try not to suck' catching on, T-shirt benefits Joe Maddon's foundation http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/36762/try-not-to-suck-catching-on-t-shirt-benefits-joe- maddons-foundation

 ESPNChicago.com, Cubs Joe Maddon begins 'screwing' around with lineup possibilities http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/36754/cubs-joe-maddon-begins-screwing-around-with- lineup-possibilities

 CSNChicago.com, Adam Warren settling into a groove in Cubs camp http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/adam-warren-settling-groove-cubs-camp

 CSNChicago.com, Albert Almora is playing with confidence for Cubs http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/albert-almora-playing-confidence-cubs

 CSNChicago.com, Cubs embracing Joe Maddon's not-so-subtle motto: 'Try not to suck' http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/cubs-embracing-joe-maddons-not-so-subtle-motto-try-not-suck

 Chicago Tribune, Former Red Sox believe their experience can aid Cubs' World Series mission http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-red-sox-reunion-helps-cubs-spt-0307-20160306- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Sunday's recap: Diamondbacks 8, Cubs 3 http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-gameday-cubs-spring-training-spt-0307-20160306- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs reliever Neil Ramirez battling numbers game for roster spot http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-neil-ramirez-chances-cubs-bits-spt-0307-20160306- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Adam Warren admits nervousness in Cubs' spring debut http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-adam-warren-experiences-nerves-20160306- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, John Lackey under control in simulated game http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-john-lackey-pitches-simulated-game-20160306- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs' Matt Murton hopes to return this week http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-matt-murton-recovering-20160306-story.html

 Chicago Sun-Times, Dan Vogelbach works on making name for himself with Cubs http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/dan-vogelbach-works-on-making-name-for-himself-with-cubs/

 Chicago Sun-Times, Diamondbacks 8, Cubs 3: game notes http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/diamondbacks-8-cubs-3-game-notes/

 Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs embrace 2016 goal: `Try not to suck’ http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-embrace-2016-goal-try-not-to-suck/

Cubs.com Warren willing, able to fill any role for Cubs By Carrie Muskat

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- It isn't just Cubs fans who are curious about what's going on in spring camp this year. Adam Warren said his former catcher, John Ryan Murphy, wanted to know about the craziness.

"It's definitely different," Warren said. "I told him, 'You come to the park, you know you're going to laugh, but you have no idea what's going to happen.' That's fun and it makes it interesting to come to the ballpark.

"You know you're going to have fun and you know you're going to focus on baseball and this group of guys makes it so enjoyable," he said. "It's not that it wasn't fun in other camps, but there's a completely different feel here."

Warren made his Cubs debut in Sunday's 8-3 loss to the D-backs and gave up two runs in the first inning, then retired the side in order in the second. The right-hander, acquired from the Yankees in exchange for Starlin Castro, didn't think he'd faced anyone on the D-backs roster before. And Warren admitted he was a little nervous.

"Things were moving a little faster than I wanted them to," he said of the first inning. "It's to be expected -- I was a little jittery, anxious to get out there, especially with a new team. Just to get that first inning out of the way was really nice. It was really encouraging for me to go out there in the second inning and settle down and pitch like I know I can."

Being a little anxious is OK, Warren said.

"You're going to have butterflies when you pitch in the regular season, so it's nice to experience that," he said.

Last spring, the Yankees groomed Warren to be a starter, and he began the season in the rotation. In 17 starts, he posted a 3.66 ERA, and he was then shifted to the bullpen, where he compiled a 2.29 ERA in 26 appearances. The right-hander isn't exactly sure what his role is on the Cubs.

"As far as for right now, I think it's kind of up in the air," Warren said. "They sat down in the pre-Spring Training meeting and said, 'We can't tell you what you're going to do now -- you could start, you could be in the bullpen.' Long term, I think they saw me as a starter when they acquired me and they told me that.

"It's a special season for this team and I think we'll see how it plays out," he said. "I don't mind being in either role. I think they understand that and that I can bounce back and forth between the two."

All Warren wants to do is fit in. He's still trying to get to know everybody on the team.

"I know there's a relaxed vibe here," he said. "You feel the confidence coming from guys and that's a good thing. Comparing with the Yankees, that's hard to do. There's just a lot of excitement here. That's fun with the fan base and the guys. Everybody knows how talented this team can be and that's what motivates everybody to come every day and work to get to that point."

Cubs.com Fowler mashes monster HR in loss to D-backs By Steve Gilbert

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The D-backs collected 12 hits and got a solid outing by starter Patrick Corbin as they beat the Cubs, 8-3, on Sunday afternoon in front of a sellout crowd at Salt River Fields.

Corbin became the final member of the Arizona rotation to see action this spring, and the left-hander allowed two runs, both of which were unearned thanks to an error by third baseman Jake Lamb.

"There were a couple of pitches I think I left up a little bit early in some at-bats," Corbin said. "Overall, I felt pretty good and felt strong."

The D-backs scored a pair of runs in the first inning on an RBI double by Lamb and a run-scoring single by Peter O'Brien.

Both of the runs came off Adam Warren, who is battling for a spot in the Cubs' rotation. In his first spring start, Warren allowed three hits over two innings.

Warren admitted he had some butterflies in his Cubs debut.

The Cubs tied things up with the two unearned runs in the second and grabbed the lead in the third on a monster home run by Dexter Fowler that was projected by Statcast™ to land 442 feet from home plate.

The D-backs reclaimed the lead with a pair of runs during a sloppy fourth inning that saw Rex Brothers throw four wild pitches and Tommy La Stella commit a throwing error.

Shortstop Jack Reinheimer, acquired from the Mariners in last year's Mark Trumbo trade, capped the D-backs' scoring in the eighth with a two-run homer, his first of the spring.

Up next for Cubs: Jason Hammel will make his first Cactus League start on Monday when the Cubs host the Royals at 2:05 p.m. CT at Sloan Park in Mesa. It's a split-squad day, and Aaron Brooks, recently acquired from the A's, will start for the Cubs against the Rockies at 2:10 p.m. in Scottsdale. Brooks was 3-4 with a 6.71 ERA in 11 games with Oakland last year. Hammel is coming off a 10-7 season in which he compiled a 3.74 ERA. He reported to camp in great shape after revising his offseason workout plan. The game against the Rockies can be heard on an exclusive webcast on cubs.com.

Up next for D-backs: The club travels across town to play the Mariners in Peoria on Monday at 1:10 p.m. MT with Rubby De La Rosa making his second start of the spring. De La Rosa is penciled into the fourth spot in the rotation. Archie Bradley, who is scheduled to follow De La Rosa to the mound, is in contention for the No 5 spot.

Cubs.com Cubs don T-shirts with Maddon's latest motto By Carrie Muskat

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Joe Maddon has delivered a few sayings since coming to the Cubs, such as "Do Simple Better," "Respect 90," and this year's message, "Embrace the Target."

On Sunday, Cubs players were wearing T-shirts with an image of Maddon's glasses that said, "Try Not to Suck," which was delivered in a lighthearted manner.

"It's the most positive negative you've ever heard in your life," Maddon said.

Maddon is hoping to sell the shirts at some point to raise money for his "Respect 90" foundation.

"We would say it in the dugout and we all laughed," Maddon said.

Cubs.com Former Cubs prospect savors chance to coach By Carrie Muskat

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- In January 2014, Jose Zapata was one of five Cubs prospects injured in a car accident in the Dominican Republic. The young pitcher suffered a broken neck, yet he was able to return and pitch in instructional league that October.

But Zapata's comeback stalled. Pain in his right shoulder forced him to retire as a player at 22. Now, he's a coach for the Cubs, and he will work in Mesa this summer with the young pitchers. And Zapata is OK with that.

"The team loves me and they've helped me a lot," he said Sunday. "They're going to give me a second chance. I'm here to help the guys. I love baseball. That's why I'm here."

Zapata will be working with Carmelo Martinez, who is entering his 19th season with the Cubs organization and second in a row as the Mesa rookie league manager.

• Kris Bryant has been getting some tips at third base from Kevin Youkilis, who is in camp as a guest instructor. They've discussed footwork, especially on slow ground balls and how Bryant needs to keep his feet moving. Another discussion has been regarding arm angles on his throws, which is something Bryant worked on last season at Triple-A Iowa with Chris Valaika.

Youkilis pointed out to Bryant how Addison Russell is so quick on his throws, but the shortstop is about 6-feet tall while Bryant is 6-5.

"For me to get it and throw it, I have to make sure my arm is in the right position, and I'm continuing to practice that just in case there's a quicker runner and I don't have time to gather myself," Bryant said. "That will really help me out getting rid of it quick and making sure the ball is on line and on target."

Bryant also can learn from tall third basemen like Scott Rolen and Troy Glaus -- and Youkilis.

"He's a pretty big guy," Bryant said. "It's good for me to learn from him."

• Pitching prospect Frank Batista had to leave Sunday's 8-3 loss in the fifth inning when he fell awkwardly off the mound and injured his left quad.

Batista started the fifth inning for the Cubs against the D-backs, and the first batter reached on a throwing error by third baseman Taylor Davis. One out later, Peter O'Brien hit a ball toward second, which Batista reached for. He stumbled and came up limping but was able to walk off the field under his own power.

Batista, 26, was 8-7 with a 2.90 ERA in 27 games last season, pitching at both Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa.

• John Lackey threw three innings and Manny Parra threw two in a simulated game at Sloan Park early Sunday. Bryant, Jorge Soler and Kyle Schwarber were the batters, and manager Joe Maddon said both Bryant and Soler each hit home runs off Parra.

"It's really interesting to watch," Maddon said. "It's a sim game at 10 o'clock in the morning, on the main field, nobody watching, but the intensity from the hitter to the pitcher and back was very good. John got his work in, Manny got his work in, the hitters got their work in, and it benefits both."

• Dexter Fowler may have reported late to Cubs camp but his hitting seems up to date. He hit a solo home run Sunday in the Cubs' 8-3 loss to the D-backs.

"My timing is coming around on the left side pretty quick," Fowler said. "All in all, I'm seeing the ball well at the plate. That's the most important thing."

Extra bases: Infielder Jesus Guzman, whose arrival was delayed because of visa problems, reported to camp on Sunday. ... Matt Murton, who underwent an appendectomy one week ago, was hoping to hit off a batting tee Sunday. There is no timetable for his return to games.

ESPNChicago.com Adam Warren debuts, Dexter Fowler goes deep as Cubs fall to Diamondbacks By Jesse Rogers

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Chicago Cubs lost 8-3 to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday in front of a sellout crowd of 13,151 at Salt Rivers Fields.

Adam Warren makes debut: Warren gave up two runs in the first inning on three hits as he wasn’t fooling anyone early. His second inning was clean.

“Things moved a little bit faster than I wanted to,” Warren said. “It’s kind of expected. Little anxious out there especially with a new team. Really encouraging to go out in that 2nd inning and settle down and pitch like I know I’m capable.”

The spotlight will be on Warren early as he was acquired for Starlin Castro over the winter. Warren is slated for the bullpen but the Cubs left things open. They were non-committal in a pre-spring meeting.

“They said we can’t tell you what you’re going to do right now,” Warren recalled. “Long term I think they saw me as a starter.”

Warren is still adjusting to his new surroundings and his new manager, though having fun in his first Cubs camp. His former catcher in New York, John Ryan Murphy, asked how things were going playing for Maddon.

“I told him you come to the park, you know you’re going to laugh but you have no idea what’s going to happen,” Warren said with a smile.

Battle for a bullpen spot: Rex Brothers got off to a rough start this spring throwing four wild pitches in one inning as the Diamondbacks took control of the game with him on the mound. Brothers had catcher David Ross chasing balls all over the place with the final wild one scoring a run on a dropped third strike. It forced Maddon to make a mid-inning pitching change -- a rarity in spring games.

Dexter Fowler goes deep: Batting lefty, Fowler hit a long 442-foot home run to right field to lead off the third inning. Though he’s better from the right side during the regular season, Fowler says it takes him longer to feel comfortable there since he faces few lefties during the spring. He hit .228 as a lefty last season with a .331 on-base percentage.

“My timing is coming around on the left side pretty quick,” Fowler stated.

Albert Almora: As he’s seemingly done so many times during spring training over the past couple of years, Almora, the 2012 first round pick, once again showed off his talent with a ninth inning double to right center on Sunday. He’s 18 for 50 (.360) during spring games going back to 2013. If he can hold his own at Triple-A Iowa he has a chance to make his major league debut this season, though an injury before September would probably be the only way for him to make it to Chicago.

Pitcher injury: Pitching prospect Frank Batista left the game after “tweaking” his left quad after a batted ball got by him on the way to second base. He was seen limping towards the clubhouse.

Updated pitching schedule: Chicago's top four starters will make their spring debuts this week beginning with Jason Hammel on Monday. He’ll start against the Kansas City Royals in Mesa while newcomer Aaron Brooks will pitch against the Rockies at Talking Stick. After Kyle Hendricks and Travis Wood take their second turns of the spring on the mound on Tuesday it’ll be Jake Arrieta on Wednesday (Cleveland), Jon Lester on Thursday (Seattle) and John Lackey (Cincinnati) on Friday.

ESPNChicago.com Happy 30th birthday for Cubs Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta By Jesse Rogers

MESA, Ariz. -- Some -- like Joe Maddon -- might call him a late bloomer but Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta has been a top talent in the game for many years. But it's only now, as he turns 30 on Sunday, that the results are catching up to that talent. His manager, general manager, former catcher and a top hitter in the league see a player who can dominate for another half decade at least.

"Being from Texas I used to hear his name a lot in college and stuff," Arizona Diamondbacks perennial MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt said Sunday before playing the Cubs. "I remember him well. What he's been able to do the last year and a half, he's up there with anyone in the league. If he keeps doing that in his 30's he could possibly be the best pitcher in the league."

Considering Goldschmidt is now teammates with Zack Greinke and has spent his career in the same division with him and Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers, that's pretty high praise. While Arrieta has been known in baseball circles his name didn't elicit the same kind of praise the other two, more accomplished pitchers received. They've been doing it for years.

"You see less late bloomers with starters because a lot of times they've been passed up by the guy that's 23, 24 or 25," Maddon explained. "A lot of times I like to get a relief pitcher that hasn't done anything until 27 or 28. They probably started out as a starter; eventually they figure it out in the bullpen and the light bulb goes on. For starters, they may not get that chance into their late 20's. Jake is just doing it later."

General manager Jed Hoyer was asked if "late bloomer" was the right description for Arrieta.

"I think that's fair," he answered. "He was a great prospect, so maybe late bloomer isn't exactly the right way to phrase it. He had some rocky times, but everyone takes a different amount of time to figure it out in the big leagues. We're just glad he figured it out with us."

There may not be another catcher in the league who saw the before and after of Arrieta than former Cub Welington Castillo. He caught him during some struggles in 2013 and then again during his breakout season in 2014 before being traded last year. Now with the Diamondbacks, Castillo was shaking his head on Sunday morning thinking about Arrieta's performance last season. Arrieta went 22-6 with a 1.77 ERA in 2015, producing the lowest post-All-Star break ERA (0.75) in history.

"That was amazing what he did last year," Castillo said. "Everyone that knows him knows what kind of stuff he has. You already know what kind of pitcher he can be. He did it last year and there is no question he can keep doing it."

Health is always a concern for a pitcher and especially one as he gets older, but Hoyer stressed the physical condition Arrieta is in mitigates his late blossoming. He's in better shape than most 25-year-olds.

"He just wants to keep that going," Hoyer said. "He believes he can. His focus is to keep that last year and a half moving forward."

At 29, Arrieta battled one of the best pitchers (Greinke) in the game in an epic Cy Young race. Even the hitters were following it. Now at 30, he's out to do it again.

"It was cool," Goldschmidt said. "There are a lot of good pitches and both guys stood out. Arrieta seems to be just getting started."

ESPNChicago.com 'Try not to suck' catching on, T-shirt benefits Joe Maddon's foundation By Jesse Rogers

MESA, Ariz. -- Little did Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon know that when he jokingly told Javier Baez “not to suck” last year after Baez was called up from the minors that the saying would end up on a T-shirt. Maddon has partnered with Korked to raise money for his Respect 90 foundation, debuting the shirt at practice Sunday morning.

Maddon’s favorite gimmicks happen “organically” -- not as a planned or staged event -- and this fits right in.

“I don’t sit down and think ‘Oh, what am I going to do next?’” he said. “If it plays that way, there is an authenticity to it. Let’s see how it plays out. I appreciate the company coming on board.”

The shirts retail for $29.99 while the saying is quickly becoming another Cubs slogan to go along with “Embrace the Target.”

ESPNChicago.com Cubs Joe Maddon begins 'screwing' around with lineup possibilities By Jesse Rogers

MESA, Ariz. -- Like a fantasy football or baseball owner in Week 1 of the season -- before injuries hit -- Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon gets to pick and choose from a stacked lineup as his regular-season batting order continues to be a hot topic.

Maddon took pencil to paper for the first time this spring stressing he's at the beginning stages of playing with his lineup.

"I afforded myself that last night just screwing around a little bit," Maddon said Saturday morning from Cubs camp.

One topic of conversation involves shortstop Addison Russell. He's getting rave reviews this spring after a rookie season as the No. 9 hitter last year. Maddon gave the 21-year old protection in the lineup by batting the pitcher ahead of him with the top of the lineup looming behind him. But Russell may no longer be in need of protection as he's looked fabulous at the plate, hitting the Cubs first home run of the spring on Friday. Could he move up in the order come April?

"Like looking at the designated hitter lineup, my god, I mean hitting him ninth actually sounds pretty good, leading to the rest of the group coming back around," Maddon explained. "When you're playing an American League lineup it's got to be with that kind of thickness."

Maddon has Opening Day on his mind when the Cubs take on the Los Angeles Angels on the road so Russell could very well be batting ninth. On any other team, a breakout player who hit 13 home runs and 29 doubles in his rookie season might be higher in the lineup, but a healthy Cubs team should have more than enough above him.

"Then you look at 8-7-6-5 and it makes sense," Maddon said. "It all makes sense."

Without going through every permutation Maddon jumped back to the top of the order. He wouldn't concede Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant would simply follow Dexter Fowler and Jason Heyward as the manager might want all his on-base guys at the top. He cited using Chris Coghlan in the 3-hole last year as an example of what the Cubs might do.

"Dex (Fowler), Jason (Heyward), (Ben) Zobrist in front of KB and Rizzo," Maddon said. "They should be at the dinner table a lot doing it that way."

Maddon was quick to point out these ideas are "in theory" and "in reality" meaning it's all well and good writing things down on paper in early March but injuries and performance might make the decisions for him. As for where players want to bat and how much they want to play -- some are platoon guys -- the Cubs manager believes the magnitude of what the team is trying to accomplish will outweigh any personal goals, especially for the Cubs and their history.

"In a group like this where we feel strongly about what we're going to do this year I think guys will accept their platoon role more readily knowing that 'I don't want to be the squeaky wheel right now,'" Maddon stated. "The guys understand what our mission is. They understand you have to subjugate whatever your ego or personal agenda for the good of the group."

From stars like Kyle Schwarber to role players like Tommy La Stella, players have have been saying the same thing: It's for the good of the team. Russell understands as well, and though his early spring performance might dictate a higher spot in the batting order, he may begin the season right where he ended it.

"Last year was to protect him," Maddon reiterated. "If I were to do it this year it would not be so much for protection just the function of the whole group."

CSNChicago.com Adam Warren settling into a groove in Cubs camp By Tony Andracki

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Adam Warren is just like everybody else: He has no idea what Joe Maddon is going to do next.

Between the "try not to suck" T-shirts, Kawasaki Karaoke, a dance party and all of the other Maddon-fueled craziness, the baseball world is taking notice.

Warren's former New York Yankees teammate, John Ryan Murphy, texted the new Cubs pitcher and asked how different camp was with this team.

"I told him, 'You come to the park, you know you're gonna laugh, but you have no idea what's gonna happen,'" Warren said. "I think that's fun. It makes it interesting to come to the ballpark. The unpredictability, you know you're gonna have fun and you know you're gonna work on baseball.

"This group of guys makes it much more enjoyable to come. It's not that it wasn't fun in other camps, I just think it's a completely different feel for me than previous ones."

Warren has only been in Yankees camps before, entering the historic organization as a fourth-round pick in 2009 and spending six-plus years there before the Cubs acquired him for Starlin Castro over the winter.

Warren appreciates how the Cubs have fun and goof around, but also get their work in and know when to focus on the task at hand.

The 28-year-old right-hander made his first appearance in a Cubs uniform Sunday, getting the start in the team's fourth Cactus League game. He allowed three hits and two runs in the first inning before settling in and hurling a perfect second in the Cubs' 8-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

"Just kinda getting back in the swing of things," Warren said. "Things were moving a little faster than I wanted them to. It's kind of expected. A little jittery, anxious to get out there.

"That comes with a new team. Getting that first inning out of the way is really nice. Really encouraging for me to go out in the second inning and kinda settle down and pitch like I wanted to."

Warren admitted he was a little bit more nervous than normal in his first spring game because he wants to prove himself to his new team. But he also likes the butterflies because it helps him get ready for the regular season, too.

The Cubs are handling Warren the same way they're handling the other swingmen on the roster (Trevor Cahill, Travis Wood, Clayton Richard), stretching them all out this spring and keeping options open to push Jason Hammel and Kyle Hendricks in the rotation.

At Cubs Convention back in January, Warren said the organization told him they acquired him with a role as a starting pitcher in mind, though acknowledged that might not be this season.

Warren is fine with whatever role he's in, having started 20 games and pitched 127 as a reliever in his four years in New York.

If he winds up in the bullpen, Warren said he only needs one or two outings as a reliever in the spring to feel ready for that role.

Warren is used to a World Series or bust mentality from the Yankees, so he's been "embracing the target," so to speak, for basically his entire big-league career.

In talking about his potential role for 2016, Warren said this is a "special" season for the Cubs and just wants to help the team win however he can.

"I know how close this team feels right now," Warren said. "I'm still trying to get to know everyone. But I know the relaxed vibes here. You feel the confidence coming from guys. That's a good thing.

"Everybody knows how talented this team can be and I think that's kinda what motivates everybody to come to the field every day."

CSNChicago.com Albert Almora is playing with confidence for Cubs By Tony Andracki

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - It almost looked like Albert Almora was already running toward a spot before the ball was even hit.

The Cubs centerfield prospect made another highlight-reel catch in Sunday's 4-2 Cactus League loss to the Cincinnati Reds at Sloan Park.

Almora has a knack for making those big-time catches and the Cubs see the 21-year-old playing with a lot of confidence right now.

"That was amazing," Miguel Montero said of Almora's catch. "I saw him make one of those last year in Double-A. It was a phenomenal catch.

"He's a pretty good athlete. He's got so much talent. He's come with a pretty good presence [in camp] so far. He's playing hard.

"He's just a kid. Sometimes they have to mature, and right now, he looks a little bit more mature than last year."

If Montero's right, that would bode well for the Cubs.

Almora's baseball IQ and intangibles have always rated highly and his defense in center has probably been big- league ready for a while.

His spectacular catch Saturday wasn't just about athleticism or "being in the right spot at the right time" (which is how Almora tried to shrug it off).

Almora knew the hitter's tendencies, knew where he should be playing and also knew Cubs pitcher Ryan Williams, who is a ground ball pitcher but apparently has a knack for setting Almora up with highlight-reel plays during their time spent playing together.

"I'd definitely rather rob a homer than hit one," Almora said. "That's just the way I am.

"I take [defense] to heart. I want to help the team win and I know it's hard offensively at times, but defensively, I feel like I should be perfect.

"I'm not happy if I don't have a perfect season on defense, to be completely honest. I know it's a crazy thing to say, but that's just the way I am. ... I want to make pitchers happy."

Joe Maddon is all about mindset and the Cubs manager appreciates that approach.

"Obviously defense is the one part of your game that you should be able to bring and almost hit 1.000 at," Maddon said. "You can't hit 1.000 at the plate, but you can get close to 1.000 on defense if you're focused and your work's good.

"So I can understand to strive for perfection on defense. Maybe knowing that you can't be, but as an outfielder, you can be pretty darn close. I kinda like that. ... Guys that are really able to take the right mindset for defense on a daily basis wins games, man."

Almora struggled at the plate in 2014, hitting .270 with a .683 OPS, walking only 14 times in 125 games.

He was off to a slow start offensively last season before a torrid August (.352 average, .917 OPS) helped raise his overall numbers to a .272 average and .727 OPS.

That final month of the season wasn't the result of a mechanical adjustment, but more about approach and confidence.

"I'm just being more aggressive, swinging harder and trying to get my pitch to hit so I could drive it," Almora said. "That's basically it.

"I'm confident at the plate. If I strike out, I strike out, but I'm trying to hit the ball hard."

Almora hit a ball hard in back-to-back games over the weekend, drilling a double into the left-field corner Saturday and a gapper in right-center Sunday.

If Almora can start producing offensively, the former No. 36 prospect in the game (Baseball America, 2014) could be knocking on the door of the big leagues. If all goes well, he's projected to start the season in Triple-A Iowa.

Almora was the first draft pick of the Theo Epstein administration as the sixth overall selection in 2012. But he hasn't taken the same fast-track path of Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber, who were drafted in the first round in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer cautioned it isn't fair to look at Almora - who turns 22 in April - in the same light as college sluggers like Bryant or Schwarber.

In a way, the lack of hype surrounding Cubs prospects coming up now could be an advantage.

"Those guys aren't going to be expected to come up and be centerpieces anymore," Hoyer said. "They may be able to come in — like any young players on a quality team — and their entire focus can be helping the team win, being a complementary piece and then growing into that.

"Give a lot of credit to a guy like Kris or Anthony [Rizzo] or Kyle - those guys had to come up and they were expected right away to hit in the middle of the lineup, be really significant contributors. I'm really glad that we're past that and I think our young guys can break in in a way more stable way than our guys have in the past.

"At 22, [Almora's] likely going to be a big part of our organization probably in Triple-A. We're excited to see if he can build on what he did in August."

CSNChicago.com Cubs embracing Joe Maddon's not-so-subtle motto: 'Try not to suck' By Tony Andracki

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Joe Maddon seemingly has an endless stream of mottos and slogans at his disposal.

Sunday's iteration came in the form of T-shirts Cubs players and personnel wore for their workout at Sloan Park, though the exact slogan, "try not to suck" is actually from last season: Javy Baez first made the public aware of it back in Cubs Convention in January when he told fans the story of how Maddon used that phrase as advice for Baez's reintroduction to the big leagues.

But "try not to suck" was a popular motto in the Cubs' dugout last year, as guys like David Ross would shout it out a few times a game in an effort to have some fun and alleviate some of the pressure that comes with the game of baseball.

"It's the most positive negative you've ever heard in your life," Maddon joked with reporters Sunday morning.

Maddon and the Cubs are selling the shirts through Korked Baseball and all proceeds will go to Maddon's Respect 90 foundation.

He said he appreciates the authenticity of the phrase and hopes it's just the beginning of raising money for his foundation through selling T-shirts.

Chicago Tribune Former Red Sox believe their experience can aid Cubs' World Series mission By Mark Gonzales

Jake Peavy invited former Red Sox teammates Jon Lester, John Lackey and David Ross for dinner two weeks ago and admitted his unease with the reunion of the threesome in Chicago.

"I can tell you it's not something I look at and am happy about." said Peavy, in his third season with the Giants. "Anyone who was a part of that 2013 team and that ride knows there's a special energy between our group."

Lackey and Lester together on the Cubs "is a scary thought for me because I know how they make each other go," Peavy said. "I've watched it happen on a daily basis. With Rossy there, and now you throw (Shane) Victorino in that mix."

Furthermore, Peavy said he believes Lester, Lackey, Ross and Victorino could help the Cubs' talented youngsters navigate tough times on the way to the World Series.

"You feel like that '13 team was full of brothers, and that's how it is here," said Lester, who posted a 4-1 postseason record to lead the Red Sox to the World Series title. "Everyone has bought in and is ready to go. That doesn't mean we're going to win it, but it puts us in a good frame of mind and a good situation where when (stuff) does hit the fan, we're together. It's going to happen. We went through it last year. We went through a couple grinds, and we came through it on the other side. It made us better."

Victorino said not to underestimate the influence of veterans, such as his former Red Sox teammates. And don't forget the Cubs have also added Jason Heyward and Ben Zobrist, who have a combined 16 years of major-league service.

"I think the element of instincts is becoming a part of the game that's taken away," Victorino said. "I flip on the game and watch the younger players. Sometimes you give those kids too much information, and it starts becoming a game of thinking.

"When I look back (at the 2013 Red Sox), I see we had a great mixture that was built with veterans. Then (Xander Bogaerts) and others were inserted. This team is built on youth with an insertion of (veterans). Now it's teaching the young players the elements that come with experience."

Peavy said he believes Victorino, 35, could make a difference this season.

"Victorino is the best outfielder I've played with when he's healthy," said Peavy, referring to Victorino's Gold Glove season in right field before suffering back problems.

Ross, 38, would love to win a World Series in his final season, especially with these teammates.

"Coming into spring training, you create a brotherhood," Ross said. "That's what I want so badly here. There are such good guys in here. I'd love to have that history."

But so would Peavy with a Giants team that has won the last three World Series in even-numbered years.

"I certainly recognized what they have and what they've built," Peavy said. "Call them a good team, and I hope our paths meet somewhere down the road and we'll let it hang out."

Chicago Tribune Sunday's recap: Diamondbacks 8, Cubs 3 By Mark Gonzales

The Cubs committed two errors and were limited to five hits Sunday as the Diamondbacks rolled to an 8-3 victory before a sellout crowd of 13,151 at Salt River Fields. Tommy La Stella and Juan Perez each hit RBI doubles in the second inning.

At the plate

Dexter Fowler, who batted only .228 from the left side last season, ripped a home run off Randall Delgado in the third that traveled an estimated 442 feet.

On the mound

Frank Batista tweaked his quadriceps while trying to field a grounder in the fifth and had to leave the game.

In the field

La Stella, trying to enhance his versatility by playing third base, sailed a throw over first base that led to a run in the fifth.

Key number

4: Wild pitches by Rex Brothers in the fourth.

The quote

"They saw me as a starter when they acquired me. It's a special season for the team, so we'll see how it plays out. I don't mind being in either role." — pitcher Adam Warren

Up next

Split squad at 2:05 p.m. Monday: Vs. Royals at Sloan Park. RH Jason Hammel vs. RH Kris Medlen. Split squad at 2:10 p.m. Monday: At Rockies at Salt River Fields. RH Aaron Brooks vs. RH Jon Gray.

Chicago Tribune Cubs reliever Neil Ramirez battling numbers game for roster spot By Mark Gonzales

Reliever Neil Ramirez hopes he can build enough strength and consistency to make the Cubs' opening-day roster.

Ramirez, who has been brought along slowly after suffering a shoulder injury last season, is scheduled to make his second appearance of the spring Monday in a split-squad game against the Rockies.

"It's still early," said Ramirez, who pitched a scoreless inning Friday. "We're still building (strength) and not trying to do too much."

Ramirez is out of minor-league options, and the Cubs must decide whether to carry seven or eight relievers.

"When you get a guy as good as (Ramirez) is, and he's out of options, it's always tough," manager Joe Maddon said Sunday.

Seven relievers appear to be virtual locks to make it — closer Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop, Justin Grimm, Travis Wood, Clayton Richard, Trevor Cahill and Adam Warren. The Cubs could trade one of their relievers, but they retained Wood, Richard and Cahill and traded for Warren as insurance in case one of their starters is injured.

Balancing act: Dexter Fowler was pleased to show that his hitting from the left side is improving by hitting a home run Sunday.

Fowler batted .228 from the left side last season, compared with a .326 average from the right.

"Usually the timing (from the right side) comes along quicker because it's my natural side, but my left-handed swing feels good right now," Fowler said.

Maddon's madness: Maddon, coaches and players sported T-shirts that read "Try Not to Suck," a phrase that was used frequently in the dugout during the 2015 season.

The T-shirts can be purchased at korkedbaseball.com, with proceeds going to Maddon's Respect 90 Foundation.

It was the latest in a number of spring surprises that has impressed newcomer Warren, who sent a text to former Yankees teammate John Ryan Murphy on what his new team is like.

"You come to the park, you laugh, but you have no idea what's going to happen," Warren texted his friend.

Maddon said the message is "the most positive negative you've ever heard in your life."

Chicago Tribune Adam Warren admits nervousness in Cubs' spring debut By Mark Gonzales

Maybe it's a sign of how far the Chicago Cubs have come when Adam Warren admitted to feeling nervous in his debut Sunday after pitching the past three seasons for the New York Yankees

Warren quickly got off the mound to make an off-balance throw to retire A.J. Pollock for the first out, but Warren was tagged for three hits later in the inning before settling down in his second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

"I’m getting back in the swing of things," Warren said after allowing an RBI double to Jake Lamb and an RBI single to Peter O'Brien in the first. "Things were moving faster than I wanted to. It’s to be expected.

"I was a little jittery and anxious to get out there. That’s with a new team. Just to get that first inning out of the way was very nice. It was really encouraging for me to go out there for the second inning and settle down and pitch like I normally do."

Since joining the Cubs in December in a trade for shortstop Starlin Castro, Warren has been on a learning curve. His role has yet to be defined, but for now he's being trained as a starting pitcher. He also is switching leagues, so he sought advice from catcher Miguel Montero on the golf course recently to learn about certain hitters.

Warren threw to catcher David Ross for the first time, calling it a "learning experience."

"One of the things spring training is for is building chemistry with the catchers and learning how to pitch and call a game for you," Warren said.

Chicago Tribune John Lackey under control in simulated game By Mark Gonzales

John Lackey prepared for Friday's spring training debut by pitching three innings in a simulated game Sunday at Sloan Park.

And manager Joe Maddon likes the idea of using his veteran pitchers in a controlled setting, especially with so many pitchers initially needing to prepare as starters in the event of injuries.

"When you have a guy around as long as he has, some guys might prefer that," Maddon said. "That controlled setting really permits you to take the emotion out of it and take it at the pace you’re looking for, and that’s what you're looking for.

"I kind of like it."

Lackey threw three innings, and Maddon was impressed with Lackey's tune-up before he faces Cincinnati.

The Cubs have given exhibition starts to Travis Wood, Trevor Cahill and Adam Warren - whom all could start the season in the bullpen - while Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester and Lackey have thrown simulated games.

"We’re getting a lot done in a short period of time, getting a look at a lot of different people while you’re getting people ready," Maddon said.

Chicago Tribune Cubs' Matt Murton hopes to return this week By Mark Gonzales

Outfielder Matt Murton was scheduled to participate in Sunday's pre-workout stretching section, and Murton believes he may return to game action with the Chicago Cubs this week.

"I'm getting close," said Murton, who underwent an appendectomy on Feb. 27 and already is playing catch and hitting off a tee. "Obviously, (the Cubs' medical staff) will give me the final go-ahead, but I feel my body is getting close to where it has to be able to complete.

"I’m here to do my job. The last thing I want to do is not be a part of things. The sooner I can get out there, the better. But there’s a balance out there. You rush it back and have a setback, it can cost me the rest of camp. I can’t afford that, either."

Chicago Sun-Times Dan Vogelbach works on making name for himself with Cubs By Gordon Wittenmyer

MESA, Ariz. – Kyle Schwarber and first base prospect Dan Vogelbach were on the same field at the same time the other day for the Cubs, disrupting the neural activity of dozens of Cub fans pressed against the rail from dugout to dugout.

“Hey, Schwarber!” shouted fans seeking autographs when they initially saw Vogelbach on the field. “Schwarber!”

Vogelbach, who’s been through this since he and Schwarber were minor-league teammates, smiled and turned to show the back of his jersey.

“Oh, it’s Dan!” one voice could be heard saying.

The shouts resumed: “Dan! Dan! Come and sign!”

It’s become a running joke at Cubs spring training, with Vogelbach joining Schwarber in big-league camp for the first time.

They’re the Cubs’ doppelganger sluggers – both young left-handed hitters shaped like 6-foot boulders with tufts of blondish chin hair. That they’re roommates for the spring means they spend an especially large amount of time in the vicinity of each other, continually creating mistaken-identity moments.

“People do it all time,” Vogelbach said. “I’m used to it. I could have a lot worse comparisons.”

The trick will be keeping the comparisons coming as he progresses into Class AAA this season and then, presumably, the big leagues.

The bigger trick might be doing it with the Cubs.

Vogelbach, 23, is a first baseman without a second position and no reason to think the designated hitter rule is coming to the National League anytime soon.

“Obviously, [Anthony] Rizzo’s the first baseman for the Chicago Cubs, and that’s not going to change,” said Vogelbach, who has a .382 career on-base percentage and .855 OPS in the minors since being drafted in the second round in 2011. “I just go out every day, and I play hard. And for me to be in the big leagues I have to perform.

“Whether there’s a spot for me with the Cubs or – that’s what I want to do; I want to play in Chicago and help this team win a World Series. So I’m going to play hard and perform, and wherever the chips fall, that’s where it’s going to happen.”

For now, he’s in Mesa, working in the early days of camp alongside Rizzo, spending all of camp with at least a small sense of what it might be like to be that young big-league hitter that captures the imagination of fans – fans who will know his name without having to see the back of his jersey.

“He’s done a lot of work this offseason to improve his swing,” said Schwarber, who knows all about Vogelbach’s work ethic and talent as teammates and roommates at high-A Daytona in 2014 and AA Tennessee the first half of 2015. “It’s been looking good.”

“And Rizzo’s kind of been taking me under his wing a little bit with helping me at first base,” Vogelbach said. “He doesn’t have to do that. He’s got better things to worry about, but I appreciate it. And that’s what I’m here to do. I’m here to really work on first base, put extra time into fielding and continue hitting the way I’ve been doing.”

Hamstring and oblique injuries last season put Vogelbach on the disabled list for the first time in his career, costing him about half the season. But he produced when he played (.272 with a .403 OBP and 24 extra-base hits in 76 games), and he’s healthy and stronger this year, he said.

He even did an especially good impersonation of Schwarber in their game together, driving a two-out, ground-rule double to the opposite-field gap to drive home the Cubs’ only run of the game.

“It was definitely cool to have him in the lineup and have him hit the RBI double,” said Schwarber, who went hitless and wouldn’t have minded being mistaken for Vogelbach.

“I wish.”

Chicago Sun-Times Diamondbacks 8, Cubs 3: game notes By Gordon Wittenmyer

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Two Cub errors, four wild pitches by a Cub reliever in one inning and 12 hits by the Diamondbacks added up to an 8-3 loss for the Cubs in a sloppy game at Salt River Fields in north Scottsdale — their third loss in four games so far this spring

Highlights and notes:

Warren peace of mind

After three loud hits and a pair of runs in his first inning of work, Cubs newcomer Adam Warren settled down for a 1-2-3 second to finish off his Cub debut.

“I think I was more anxious to get out there than I normally would,” he said of the first. “First spring game, new organization, and you want to prove yourself a little bit. Just to get that first inning out of the way was really nice, and it was really encouraging to go out in the second and pitch like I wanted to.”

Who needs spring training?

After signing late and joining camp in progress, switch-hitter Dexter Fowler seems to have gotten quickly up to speed at the plate, including a left-handed, 422-foot drive over the wall in right-center for a brief 3-2 Cubs lead.

“My timing’s coming around on the left side pretty quick,” said Fowler, who struggled from that side much of the first half last year. “Right hand is still a work in progress. All in all I feel good; I’m seeing the ball at the plate. that’s the most important thing.”

Wild thing

Rex Brothers failed to get through his scheduled inning of work in the Diamondbacks’ two-run fourth after control problems (and an error by Tommy La Stella) extended the inning. At one point he threw four wild pitches in the span of two batters.

The lefty reliever’s career high for a season is five (Kyle Hendricks had three wild pitches last year).

Injury report

Minor-league right-hander Frank Batista, pitching the fifth, “tweaked” his left quad going after a grounder past the mound and left the game. He had been invited to join the big-league club for the day.

On deck

Split squad doubleheader: Royals at Cubs, 2:05 p.m., mlb.com audio, Kris Medlen vs. Jason Hammel; and Cubs at Rockies, 2:10 p.m., Aaron Brooks vs. Jonathan Gray.

Chicago Sun-Times Cubs embrace 2016 goal: `Try not to suck’ By Gordon Wittenmyer

MESA, Ariz. – Apparently “Embrace the Target” wasn’t enough, or too complicated.

Either way, the Cubs embraced a new motto Sunday morning when new T-shirts showed up at their lockers to wear during morning workouts. On the front: “Try not to suck” (with an image of manager Joe Maddon’s glasses).

“It’s kind of true,” reliever Justin Grimm said. “It’s, like, just try not to suck.”

Just like that.

The phrase is not new for this group, especially during games, when catcher David Ross makes it a habit to share the thought with teammates heading to the plate or to the mound.

How it’s taken this long to find its way onto a T-shirt in the clubhouse that leads the majors in T-shirts and slogans is the strangest thing about the phrase, especially given its team history since Maddon and Ross showed up on the scene a year ago.

Javy Baez said Maddon inspired him with the thought during their meeting in the manager’s office when Baez was called up from the minors in September.

“He just told me to relax and just enjoy the game,” Baez said. “And then at the end he said, `Try not to suck.’

“I just laughed and said, `OK.’ ”

The debut of the shirts came one day after Maddon’s annual “Respect the Bald” hair-shaving promotion raised close to $30,000 for pediatric cancer research. And the shirts already are available online for $29.99 at korkedbaseball.com, with Maddon’s part of the proceeds benefitting charity.

“When we say it in the dugout we laugh,” Maddon said. “It’s the most positive negative you’ve ever heard in your life.”

And it’s only the beginning. Maddon is working with the T-shirt maker on a line featuring several Maddonisms.