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Home , Jed Hoyer

April 19, 2017

 CSNChicago.com, Cubs Look More Like Themselves in Snapping Four-Game Losing Streak With Comeback Win Over Brewers http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/cubs-look-more-themselves-snapping-four-game-losing-streak- comeback-win-over-brewers

 CSNChicago.com, A World Series Ring Controversy and a Hall Of Fame Dispute? That's Cub http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/world-series-ring-controversy-and-hall-fame-dispute-thats-cubs

 CSNChicago.com, World Series Game 7 Base Sold for a Completely Mind-Boggling Total http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/world-series-game-7-base-sold-completely-mind-boggling-total- rizzo-cubs-indians-progressive-field

 Chicago Tribune, GM Jed Hoyer not about to panic as Cubs rally to snap four-game skid http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-brewers-spt-0419-20170418-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, 'They’re both going to play:' OK with both , Jon Jay in center http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-joe-maddon-albert-almora-jon-jay-20170418- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs address World Series ring agreements, Hall of Fame controversy http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-world-series-rings-cubs-sullivan-spt-0419-20170418- column.html

 Chicago Tribune, Brett Anderson maintains his humor after start in 'bipolar' Wrigley wind http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-brett-anderson-humor-20170418-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs' Hector Rondon on comeback trail http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-hector-rondon-20170418-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, calls for more testing after Starling Marte's suspension http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-rizzo-marte-suspension-cubs-notes-spt-0419- 20170418-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, ’s surprising bunt: ‘I’ll take it’ http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-kyle-schwarber-surprising-bunt-20170418- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs' Anthony Rizzo nearly unnerved by bunting http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-anthony-rizzo-bunt-20170418-story.html

 Chicago Sun-Times, What makes PEDs unbearable to consider for Cubs’ http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/what-makes-peds-unbearable-to-consider-for-cubs-jake-arrieta/

 Chicago Sun-Times, Rough patch for Cubs on and off the field in recent days http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/rough-patch-for-cubs-on-and-off-the-field-in-recent-days/

 Daily Herald, Cubs back to .500 with win over Brewers http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20170418/cubs-back-to-500-with-win-over-brewers

 Daily Herald, Cubs' Rizzo says he'd like to see more steroid testing http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20170418/cubsx2019-rizzo-says-hex2019d-like-to-see-more-steroid- testing

 Cubs.com, Cubs storm past Brewers, halt 4-game skid http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/225073128/cubs-end-slide-with-comeback-win-over- brewers/?topicId=27118368

 Cubs.com, After rough weekend, 'pen bears down http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/225180874/cubs-bullpen-bounces-back-to-contain- brewers/?topicId=27118368

 Cubs.com, CF tandem of Almora, Jay invaluable http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/225179890/albert-almora-jr-and-jon-jay-vital-to- cubs/?topicId=27118368

 Cubs.com, Slow start doesn't faze defending champs http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/225084640/early-issues-not-cause-for-concern-with- cubs/?topicId=27118368

 Cubs.com, Maddon offers take on Marte suspension http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/225083784/joe-maddon-on-suspension-of-starling- marte/?topicId=27118368

 ESPNChicago.com, It's no joke: Cubs reliever Hector Rondon is 'taking off' http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/43767/its-no-joke-cubs-reliever-hector-rondon-is-taking- off

 ESPNChicago.com, Cubs ask non-players to sign doc discouraging sale of World Series rings http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19189422/chicago-cubs-ask-non-players-sign-agreement-discouraging- sale-world-series-rings

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CSNChicago.com Cubs Look More Like Themselves in Snapping Four-Game Losing Streak With Comeback Win Over Brewers By Patrick Mooney

The Cubs are back…to being a .500 team. Not that anyone in this clubhouse would ever show the signs of frustration this early into a World Series title defense, but this comeback win felt more like something out of that unforgettable 2016 season.

"Some days you win, some days you lose, and some days the offense picks your sorry ass up!" Brett Anderson posted on his Twitter account after Tuesday's 9-7 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers snapped a four-game losing streak and reenergized .

Except for a bad Anderson start – and the scattered boos heard from the crowd of 39,026 – this looked more like the Cubs team you expected to see.

"Tonight was a perfect example," new Cub Jon Jay said. "Guys didn't get down and kept on fighting, kept on fighting. The guys out here, they play all nine. They play hard."

A relentless lineup erased a 5-0 deficit, scored in bunches with two two-run homers from Kyle Schwarber and and ultimately wore out the Brewers (8-7) with role players like Jay and Albert Almora Jr.

A bullpen still trying to define roles got its act together, with five relievers combining to limit the Brewers to one run across the final five-plus innings and slow down Korea Baseball Organization sensation Eric Thames (3-for-5, two doubles off Anderson).

It didn't feel exactly like the playoffs, but the press box did shake a little bit in the sixth inning, when Almora smashed a pinch-hit, two-run single off third baseman Travis Shaw's glove to make it a 7-6 game. The crowd roared again when Jay hammered a Jared Hughes fastball off the right-center field wall for a game-tying triple – and then scored the go-ahead run on a Hughes wild pitch.

"It's early in the season," Jay said. "We got guys with track records and guys who've had big years, so it's all about staying in that routine and continuing to play."

The contributions from all over the roster bailed out Anderson, who had the reporters in the interview room cracking up after the Brewers hit him hard and knocked the injury-prone pitcher out in the fourth inning, though not because of the ball that drilled him "right in the fat part of my fat hamstring."

"Yeah, it didn't feel great, but it didn't really affect me," Anderson said. "I tweaked a groin last start and got hit in the hamstring this start, so it wouldn't be a Brett Anderson start without some sort of athletic play.

"I'd like to have a start where I don't have to deal with something, but it comes with the territory of being super- athletic."

Can't relate, a beat writer said.

"Not many people can," Anderson said in his deadpan voice.

The 2016 Cubs didn't lose their seventh game until May 11, but this is still a new group trying to create a different identity, even if most of the names and faces are the same.

"We set the bar really high last year," Montero said. "We had a really good start last year. Whatever we're at right now, that doesn't mean that it's a really slow start. We're playing .500 now. We just got to worry about one series at a time, one game at a time."

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CSNChicago.com A World Series Ring Controversy and a Hall Of Fame Dispute? That's Cub By Patrick Mooney

A ring controversy and a petty dispute with the Hall of Fame? That's Cub.

This is the franchise of the 108-year drought, a place where almost anything can go viral, from the constant turf battles with City Hall and neighborhood businesses, to the 400-pound "Cake Boss" creation for the Wrigley Field centennial that wound up in the garbage, to the Opening Night bathroom fiasco in 2015.

But after finally winning the World Series, are you surprised this is still where the Cubs — and the media covering the team — are at now?

"Um, can I get hit by a foul ball?" general manager Jed Hoyer said Tuesday, laughing during batting practice before a 9-7 comeback win over the Milwaukee Brewers. "I think it's just the nature (of it). There's a lot of focus and attention on us."

To be honest, this isn't really Hoyer's fight. It's not like his job description involves formulating IRS defense strategies or authenticating 's Adidas cleats or shipping Anthony Rizzo's game-worn gear to upstate New York.

But Hoyer is a good soldier and a good talker, a counterweight to baseball boss and someone who can bring his two World Series rings from the into the conversation.

Hoyer disputed one key element to a Chicago Sun-Times report that said all employees — in order to receive their championship bling — must sign a document that gives the Cubs the right to buy back the ring for $1 if they ever decide to sell the jewelry. Players are exempted from signing that agreement, Hoyer said, and the Cubs are willing to find ways to pay down the taxes on the gifts.

"I signed that thing willingly," Hoyer said. "I know Theo did. Everyone except for the players signed it. I look at it like the Ricketts were so unbelievably generous in the cost of the ring and then the number (1,908) they gave out.

"When you're paying for the ring for a lot of people — and helping out with the taxes along with that — it just seems appropriate to say: 'I don't expect you to take the gift I'm giving you and run out to the market with it.' And I do think there's something a little bit different with the Cubs' 2016 ring, given how valuable it is and how long people waited."

Why would ownership even care when the franchise value has soared from $845 million after the 2009 purchase — including a stake in CSN Chicago and assorted Wrigleyville developments — to $2.68 billion in the latest Forbes rankings?

"I do think you devalue the ring for everyone if all of a sudden people are going to race to the market to see who can make some money off it," Hoyer said. "If you get a Heisman Trophy, they put that stipulation on it. If you win an Oscar, they put that stipulation on it. It's not a rare thing to be given a gift of something like that and also put those kind of stipulations on it."

But it's not like would feel any differently about his World Series MVP performance if a few behind- the-scenes employees eventually sold rings under pressure, responding to a medical emergency or dealing with a financial crisis or trying to send their kids to college.

It can be hard to square those worst-case scenarios and this altruistic spirit with some of the Ricketts family's right- wing politics and support of Republican hard-liners out to shred the social safety net. (Board member has yet to be confirmed as Donald Trump's deputy commerce secretary, while Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is listed as one of the team's limited partners.)

Credit chairman Tom Ricketts for hiring the right people to run baseball operations, having the patience and long- range vision to build a serial contender and securing the future of Wrigley Field. Estimates on the tiers of rings have ranged from $20,000 to $70,000.

"I certainly think in terms of the number of rings — and the cost of the rings — I'd be shocked if any professional sports team has ever spent more to take care of their employees," Hoyer said.

"Disparaging that, I feel like you're kind of taking a shot at what was really unprecedented generosity by the Ricketts. I think they went way above and beyond what other teams have done."

Maybe it's just a coincidence, but these two April 13 headlines from USA Today and The New York Times sure appeared to be sending a calculated message to 1060 W. Addison St. and Crane Kenney's business-operations department: "Baseball Hall of Fame Sorely Lacking Artifacts from Cubs' World Series Run" and "Cubs Fans Waited 108 Years. Cooperstown is Still Waiting."

"Honestly, I think the (delay's) been administrative, making sure you log everything," Hoyer said. "Certainly, there's no reason to hold out on Cooperstown. I think that's the biggest honor — to have a little display in Cooperstown about the team — so it's not a desire to not have it there.

"I just think it's cataloguing it and deciding what to send, but we'll be well-represented. It's kind of too bad that became a story, because obviously it's not about a lack of respect for Cooperstown, that's for sure."

After ToiletGate, Hoyer did another media scrum and talked about some of the growing pains while rebuilding an iconic ballpark: "Hopefully, we get all that stuff behind us and just focus on the players. And hopefully our team is what you want to talk about — not bathroom lines or porta-potties."

Two years later, that's still the organization's greatest asset, a spectacular collection of young talent and battle- tested veterans who won't be signing those promissory notes.

"Everyone knows the carriage of our guys and the quality of our team," Hoyer said. "In general, the stories are probably not going to be about controversies within that clubhouse, because I think we have a good group.

"Everyone knows they work hard and they're good guys, (but) there's always going to be little things that pop up."

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CSNChicago.com World Series Game 7 Base Sold for a Completely Mind-Boggling Total By Tony Andracki

Major League Baseball is still cashing in on the greatest game ever played. Now, a base from World Series Game 7 has earned a whole truckload of money.

The bag that was used for first base in the ninth and 10th innings of Game 7 at Progressive Field in Cleveland just sold on MLB's website for more than $100,000 — $101,237, to be exact:

Of course, that base was on the field for the crazy finish, including the best rain delay in Cubs history.

It's the base Kyle Schwarber touched after his leadoff single in the 10th and the base Albert Almora Jr. tagged up from to get to second and score the eventual championship-clinching run.

And it was the base Anthony Rizzo had his left foot planted upon when he received that high throw from Kris Bryant to retire Michael Martinez and end a 108-year drought.

Still, six figures is a damn mighty price to pay for a base...

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Chicago Tribune GM Jed Hoyer not about to panic as Cubs rally to snap four-game skid By Mark Gonzales

Fourteen games doesn't constitute a sample size large enough for general manager Jed Hoyer to make bold declarations about the Cubs' mediocre start.

And Tuesday night's comeback victory against the Brewers proved Hoyer's point about not rushing to judgment so soon.

Left-hander Brett Anderson was knocked out after 3 2/3 innings, but the Cubs mustered enough power and timely hitting to rally for a 9-7 victory that snapped their four-game losing streak.

"It's early in the season, we have guys with track records and big years so it's all about staying in that routine and continuing to play," said Jon Jay, who tied Tuesday night's game with a triple during the four-run sixth.

The offensive breakout included a pair of two-run homers from Kyle Schwarber and Miguel Montero and Albert Almora Jr.'s two-run pinch-hit single. All the hitting validated Hoyer's sense of calm about an offense that was batting only .242 with nine home runs entering Tuesday.

"The offensive part I have zero concerns about," Hoyer said before the game. "That will be a matter of time. We have such a talented lineup with guys that even have upside beyond what they did last year. The offensive part will come around. We haven't hit yet at all."

The Cubs offense took plenty of pressure off a pitching staff that failed to hold leads in the Pirates' sweep last weekend and failed at the start and end of a 6-3 loss to the Brewers on Monday.

The rally took Anderson off the hook after he allowed five doubles, including two apiece from Eric Thames and Travis Shaw.

Relievers , Carl Edwards Jr., Hector Rondon and Wade Davis combined for four scoreless innings to make amends for their struggles against the Pirates.

"We're going to be fine out there," manager Joe Maddon said. "It's all about confidence. We have to get them out there as they get more successful innings."

Hoyer also wants to see the Cubs defense re-establish its crispness.

"We're sloppier at times than we were last year," Hoyer said before left fielder Kyle Schwarber missed hitting the cutoff man on one of Shaw's doubles. , who received a 2016 Gold Glove Award for his exceptional defense, caught a Domingo Santana fly near the foul line but threw toward third base instead of home as Ryan Braun took a few steps off third before breaking off and extending the Brewers' lead to 5-0 in the third.

"Even in the games we've won, I don't think we've been quite as clean or as efficient as we were a year ago," Hoyer said. "But one of the nice things about almost bringing back exactly the same team is we know we can do it. It's virtually the same group that won 103 games last year and was very dominant at times. I think we'll get back to it.

"One of the things about coming off a world championship or very good season is the tendency to feel we have the same group together, and things are going to happen again. Every team has to create its own identity and every team has to go through that process again. And maybe this is good for us in a way."

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Chicago Tribune 'They’re both going to play:' Joe Maddon OK with both Albert Almora, Jon Jay in center By Mark Gonzales

Based on Albert Almora Jr.’s defense and productive hitting, there have been understandable pleas from fans for him to take over the starting center field duties on a full time.

But veteran Jon Jay has made a strong impression, as evidenced by his game-tying triple in the sixth inning of a 9-7 comeback win over the Milwaukee Brewers

“Beautiful player,” Maddon said of Jay, who is 2-for-4 as a pinch-hitter. “He’s the consummate pro, Jon Jay is. They’re both going to play. There should be a groundswell for both of them, actually.

“They’re both going to get plenty of at-bats. Both are really important to us this season. You’re going to see both of them (Wednesday).”

That could mean that Kyle Schwarber could get a break in Wednesday’s series finale against left-hander Tommy Milone.

Jay, 30, who is 7-for-18 this season, has been careful about when to give advice to his fellow Miami native Almora, 23, who delivered a pinch-hit two-run single during a four-run sixth and is batting .421.

“We talked about this situation,” Jay said. “He knows what he’s doing. He’s doing a great job. I didn’t say anything, but that was a big clutch hit for us.”

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Chicago Tribune Cubs address World Series ring agreements, Hall of Fame controversy By Paul Sullivan

The spoils of victory from the Cubs' 2016 title have made as much news as the players themselves over the first two weeks of the new season.

Last week it was reported the Cubs weren't donating enough memorabilia from the World Series to satisfy the Baseball Hall of Fame, which is planning an upcoming exhibit on their triumph over the Indians.

On Tuesday the Cubs were on the defensive again after a report of a memo asking every World Series ring recipient to sign an agreement forcing them to offer the ring back to the team for $1 before selling it elsewhere.

The Cubs insisted the Hall of Fame controversy was much ado about nothing and that the ring agreement, which the club says does not apply to players, manager Joe Maddon and the coaching staff, was a way to assure the gifts would not appear on eBay or other internet auction sites, potentially lowering the rings' overall value.

The Cubs are in the process of giving out 1,908 pieces of championship-related jewelry, including the championship rings valued at $30,000 to $40,000.

Spokesman Julian Green confirmed the team has asked almost all recipients to sign a document agreeing to insure the rings, report them as income, keep them for personal and not commercial use and offer the Cubs first right of refusal at $1 if they intended to sell them.

Green said the agreement did not prevent recipients from giving the gift to family members or friends, and the purpose was to maintain the rings' value.

"Why did we do this?" he said. "We don't want rings, 30 days after they receive them, to (have owners) start putting them out on eBay, which reduces the value of what we think is one of the most coveted rings in sports."

In saying the Cubs players and coaches are not affected, Green denied a Sun-Times report that at least two players said they would decline to sign the form.

General manager Jed Hoyer pointed out the Oscars and the Heisman Trophy have similar agreement forms winners must sign, and said no one he has spoken to decline their rings because of the form. Hoyer defended the Ricketts family for trying to maintain the ring's value.

"If people are racing to the market to make a little bit of money, it does kind of drive the rings down in value," he said.

Hoyer said he and President Theo Epstein signed the form willingly.

"Everyone except for the players (and coaches) signed it," he said. "I look at it like the Rickettses were so extremely generous and the cost of the ring and the number they gave out. I think it's totally appropriate when you're paying for the ring to a lot of people, and then helping out with the taxes along with that (if necessary).

"It seems appropriate to say 'I don't expect you to take the gift I'm giving you and run out to the market. And I do think it's probably a little different with the Cubs 2016 ring, given how valuable it is and how long people waited."

Anthony Rizzo said "it was a good business move," and confirmed players weren't asked to sign any forms.

"I'm sure if a player wants to sell his ring, he can do it without facing reprimands," Rizzo said.

The Cubs have three tiers of rings, and everyone from the Rickettses to ushers received something.

"This is by far the most rings any baseball team has ever awarded," Green said. "The organization wants to make sure people cherish it because it is a priceless memento. If rings start showing up on eBay and on auction sites, certainly it would devalue the rings. We're not the first team in Major League Baseball to limit the sale and transfer of a ring."

The Cubs obviously could not enforce the agreement if the rings were sold surreptitiously, but employees could face termination if caught. Green said if someone "fell on hard times" down the road and needed to sell the ring, the team could "provide assistance" before the owner sold it.

The lower tier of rings, given to security guards and other ballpark employees, are worth around $450-$500.

As for the memorabilia, the Hall of Fame said the Cubs have not provided "player-artifacts" for their upcoming exhibit.

"Should the request be granted, World Series artifacts representing players will be included in the exhibit for Cubs fans everywhere to enjoy and appreciate," the Hall said in a statement.

Hoyer said the Cubs are "eager to give a lot of stuff to them," and blamed the delay on an administrative foul up regarding cataloging items.

"There is certainly no reason to hold out on Cooperstown," he said. "The biggest honor is to have a little display about the team. … We'll be well represented. It's kind of too bad that became a story."

Green was upset that the story "escalated to the point where we somehow were called out by not being a good partner. There was no set deadline to get items to the Hall of Fame. They're making an issue when there is not an issue."

Green didn't provide a list of the items the Cubs would donate, but said requests were made for items like bats, balls, gloves and other player items that are not "currently under our control."

"We were under the impression that we were not allowed to collect jerseys, caps and bats directly from players, but instead to work through the team," said Hall spokesman Jon Shestakofsky. "Perhaps there was a misunderstanding, and if that's the case, we are at fault."

Players can donate on their own, though the value of some items has been increased because of the historic nature of their victory, so they may want to hold onto them for personal and financial reasons.

The Hall of Fame did not respond to questions about what exactly they wanted from the Cubs.

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Chicago Tribune Brett Anderson maintains his humor after start in 'bipolar' Wrigley wind By Mark Gonzales

Left-hander Brett Anderson was grateful that his Chicago Cubs teammates rescued him from a potential loss Tuesday night, and Anderson did his best to maintain his sense of humor following a 9-7 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Anderson was asked about the conditions at Wrigley Field, which started with a game-time temperature of 77 with winds blowing at 15 mph from the south, compared to his previous start on April 13 with temperatures in the high 40s and 7 mph winds blowing in from the east.

“It’s kind of bipolar in nature,” Anderson quipped. “I’ve seen that the past few starts. You couldn’t hit one out of here with a minus-5 aluminum bat, and here you could hit one out with a piece of balsa wood. Both teams had to deal with it. It’s not great.”

The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Anderson, who tweaked his groin in his last start, also maintained his dry sense of humor after getting struck by a hard grounder by Domingo Santana in the first.

Anderson said the ball hit “right in the fat part of my fat hamstring. It didn’t feel great, but it didn’t really affect me.”

“It wouldn’t be a Brett Anderson start without some kind of athletic play. Just kind of what I deal myself. I’d like to have a start where I don’t have to deal with something, but it comes with the territory of being super athletic.”

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Chicago Tribune Cubs' Hector Rondon on comeback trail By Mark Gonzales

After watching Hector Rondon struggle for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, the Chicago Cubs believe they’ve corrected the former closer's flaws.

Rondon strengthened his cause by pitching a scoreless eighth inning in the Cubs’ 9-7 comeback win Tuesday night over the Milwaukee Brewers.

“He’s more on time with his slider,” manager Joe Maddon said. “He’s getting more on top and out in front.

“As Ronnie gets his confidence and where his slider is supposed to be, it’s going to take off again.”

Rondon has allowed only two hits in 23 at-bats while posting a 1.42 ERA in seven appearances, yet he feels his better days might be ahead as he gets more accustomed to a mechanical change in which he lowered his hands in the stretch position in order to throw from a more effective arm angle.

“I still don’t feel right,” Rondon said. “I know it will take more time to make me feel better and get my velocity back.”

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Chicago Tribune Anthony Rizzo calls for more testing after Starling Marte's suspension By Mark Gonzales

Anthony Rizzo loves joking with Starling Marte when the Pirates star reaches first base.

"(But) then when something like this comes around," he said. "It's unfortunate."

Rizzo was referring to Marte's 80-game suspension for testing positive for performance enhancing drugs and believes rules should be more stringent.

"We should be drug testing a lot more," added Rizzo, who said he hasn't been tested since spring training. "But that's the way it is."

Rizzo believes that more tests will reduce the temptation for players to cheat.

"Is it a big risk if you're suspended 80 games and have a guaranteed contract?" Rizzo said. "Take that risk to get the reward? That's the question to ask. (With) some guys, it is a big risk. For others, if you get away with it, you get the big deal. But it's part of the game, and we need drug testing a lot more."

Manager Joe Maddon wasn't upset Marte's suspension came three days after he hit a home run to help beat the Cubs, adding that he pushed for a level playing field through drug testing when he took over as manager of the Rays in 2006.

"In some ways it's unfortunate for Pittsburgh," Maddon said. "My goodness, that's really devastating to the entire group, not just the individual himself. It's a tough moment to be in. So I don't look backward. Looking forward, it appears the system is working."

Eyes on Almora: Maddon reiterated his support for Albert Almora Jr. even though Almora, who is batting .389, didn't start Tuesday amid pleas from fans for him to become the permanent center fielder.

"Eventually he's going to be a starting center fielder," Maddon said. "I don't know when that's going to happen. But he will, as long as he keeps doing what he's doing right now, he's going to become a regular, every-day center fielder.

"He needs opportunity."

Jimenez still unassigned: Outfielder Eloy Jimenez, the Cubs' top prospect, doubled at extended spring training Monday. But it hasn't been determined when Jimenez, who is recovering from a bone bruise in his right shoulder, will report to minor-league affiliate, general manager Jed Hoyer said.

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Chicago Tribune Kyle Schwarber’s surprising bunt: ‘I’ll take it’ By Staff

In the first inning of Monday night’s Cubs-Brewers game at Wrigley Field, slugger Kyle Schwarber pulled a slow one.

With the Brewers defense shifted toward right field, Schwarber pushed a soft bunt that rolled along the third-base chalk line, all the way until it bumped third base.

Schwarber went on to score after Ben Zobrist singled. It was his first career bunt in the majors.

“You need to get on base. If it’s wide open in that spot, I’ll take it,” Schwarber said after the game. “It’s only going to help us. With everyone shifting, it might open up something down the road.”

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Chicago Tribune Cubs' Anthony Rizzo nearly unnerved by bunting By Mark Gonzales

Anthony Rizzo made his bunt single Monday look easier that it seemed.

“When I bunted, my heart was racing faster than it raced one time in Game 7 (of the World Series),” Rizzo said. “It’s nerve-wracking. It’s part of the game.”

Rizzo and leadoff slugger Kyle Schwarber have some freedom to bunt from manager Joe Maddon, especially when defenses shift to the right to give them a large portion of the left side of the infield, as Milwaukee did.

“Leading off an inning, I’m OK with it,” Maddon said. “It’s beneficial. If you’re losing in latter part of the game, say trailing 3-0 in the seventh when the defense shifts and you need base runners, it would be beneficial.

“The prime time would be with a runner at first base with nobody out in a double-play situation and the left side wide open to you.

Rizzo presented an interesting situation in regards to sluggers bunting in specific situations.

“If teams are going to shift when the game is out of hand, up or down eight (runs), we should be able to bunt without them getting their (rears) hurt,” said Rizzo, adding that teams still shift on hitters like Jason Heyward regardless of the score.

“I’m waiting for someone to do it when it’s the unwritten rule of not to do it causing that big story.”

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Chicago Sun-Times What makes PEDs unbearable to consider for Cubs’ Jake Arrieta By Gordon Wittenmyer

Jake Arrieta might be the Cubs’ most tested player under baseball’s “random” testing program for performance enhancing drugs, enough that the muscular power pitcher might be able to make a case he’s being profiled.

“I was tested a couple weeks ago. I have one today,” he said Tuesday before the Cubs rallied to beat the Brewers 9-7 and snap a four-game losing streak.

“If I am profiled because of whatever, then that’s fine, too,” he said. “I’ll take the test, and we’ll keep continuing to move on. That’s all I can do. Do it the right way and cooperate and take every test that I’m asked to take, and every one comes back clean.”

The subject came up again with the announcement by major league baseball that All-Star outfielder Starling Marte of the rival Pirates was suspended for 80 games for a positive PED test, just three days after homering in a one-run victory over the Cubs.

On a hitter-friendly night in which the Cubs and Brewers combined for four home runs and 13 extra-base hits, it raised once again the question of how many players are still using PEDs more than a decade after the first significant increase in testing and penalties.

“I think we need to get drug tested a lot more,” said first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who seems at the opposite end of the “random” spectrum from Arrieta — having gone untested since the start-of-spring test everyone takes.

The Cubs trailed 5-0 before two-run homers by Kyle Schwarber in the third and Miguel Montero in the fourth, and a four-run sixth gave them the lead. And just like that, the hand wringing over the Pirates’ weekend sweep can disappear Wednesday if the Cubs win their fourth of fifth series.

“Well needed win,” said Montero, whose three hits included this homer.

Asked before the game about Marte in the context of the weekend sweep, manager Joe Maddon said, “I don’t’ look in the rear-view mirror. … I’m just glad that the drug testing is working.”

Arrieta said last year that he has heard of whispers from opposing players who speculate on whether he uses steroids.

“It’s just a frustrating time for everyone once something like this comes in the news,” he said. “You hate to see it, but it also shows that the testing’s working.”

For Arrieta, the choices he makes for strength building and fitness — “I eat plants” — come down to a simple way of looking at what might be bigger risks than suspensions or lost wages.

“I don’t want to ever have to look my kids in the face and tell them about something like that,” he said. “That’s why I’ve always tried to do things the right way. Play within the rules. That’s the only way I know how to do it.

“I personally think it would stick with you forever,” he added, “something that would weigh on you. Even the guys that don’t get caught. I feel like they’re going to have to deal with that personally for the rest of their lives.”

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Chicago Sun-Times Rough patch for Cubs on and off the field in recent days By Gordon Wittenmyer

Who would have thought winning the first World Series in 108 years would be easier for the Cubs to figure out than how to commemorate it?

As the team has struggled on the field in recent days, so has the team’s image off the field with revelations about financial strings attached to most of the World Series rings given to employees as well as unusual, ongoing delays in providing player artifacts from the World Series to the Hall of Fame.

“It’s not a desire not to have it there,” said general manager Jed Hoyer, who admittedly was unsure about the details on the holdup. “I think it’s just cataloguing and deciding what to send.

“It’s kind of too bad that that became a story because it’s not about a lack of respect for Cooperstown, that’s for sure.”

At the very least, it’s not a good look for an organization that got more attention for things that wound up in dumpsters — Ron Santo tribute memorabilia signed by fans in 2013; a huge Cake Boss-commissioned cake for the Wrigley centennial celebration in 2014 — than games that wound up in the win column until Theo Epstein’s rebuild took hold in 2015.

Asked if he was surprised that “petty” stories like the Hall of Fame delay and ring flap continue to arise even after the historic championship, Hoyer said it’s a result of greater attention on the team.

“It actually makes me in some ways happy,” he said. “I think that everyone knows the character of our guys and the quality of our team, and I think in general the stories are not going to be about controversies within that clubhouse.”

Hall of Fame spokesman Jon Shestakofsky said Tuesday the Hall has received the first-pitched ball from Game 7 and the second base used in the final two innings.

But requests for artifacts in the immediate aftermath of Game 7 to loan the museum have so far gone unfulfilled. It’s a stark contrast to previous champions who often provided a few items on the spot.

Shestakofsky said the current process used for requesting and quickly displaying items has been in place since at least the late 1990s.

Since the displays were made larger starting with Boston’s historic championship in 2004, teams have routinely provided six to 10 artifacts, with displays often going up by Thanksgiving, he said.

Shestakofsky said the Hall has worked around the holdup, with plans to have a display by Memorial Day that will highlight all of the Cubs’ World Series appearances — heavy on artifacts from previous appearances, with the two current items provided by MLB included.

“Each of the 30 clubs has their own way of going about things, and we respect them all,” Shestakofsky said. “We work with all 30 clubs to make sure we’re following what they want us to do, and we’re happy to do that again.”

He said that’s one of the reasons why the Hall hasn’t reached out to individual Cub players, some of whom have said they would be willing to provide items.

“Our relationship with the Hall of Fame goes back decades so we are not sure why one of their representatives selected to make a public issue out of something that is not an issue,” said Cubs spokesman Julian Green, who cited a recent project in conjunction with the Cardinals. “In fact, there was no set deadline for artifacts, and we will continue to source Cubs World Series items for display in the Hall.”

Chairman Tom Ricketts told USA Today it was out of the Cubs’ control.

“The memorabilia goes to the league , and then everybody puts in their requests. Everyone wants a piece. Then the league is kind of the final referee of what goes where. . . . They will end up with stuff, it’s just a matter of when, because it’s a clunky process.”

As for the World Series rings, Cubs ownership commissioned an astounding 1,908 rings made for players, staff and other team and stadium employees — tiered at three different value levels.

But the generosity was tempered some by agreements recipients — except players and uniformed staff — are required to sign banning each from selling the ring without approval from the Cubs or giving the Cubs the right to buy it back for $1.

“I don’t have any comment on that,” first baseman Anthony Rizzo said. “I’m the first baseman of the Chicago Cubs. I’m not Crane Kenney. They’re on the business side.”

(A player who told the Sun-Times on Monday that the stipulation also applied to players said Tuesday he had misunderstood its scope when talking to a club employee about the requirement).

“I had absolutely no problem signing it. No one I talked to had any problem with it,” Hoyer said. “I actually thought it was kind of appropriate.”

He said the “generosity” of ownership and a desire to keep some of the rings from immediately racing to the marketplace made it fair.

Said Green: “This is not an uncommon practice.”

But the ring comes with a tax bill based on its value, not based on $1.

And while Hoyer said the team plans to help ease that burden “for employees that need the assistance with that,” clearly some will be paying tax bills on an item they’re not allowed to sell.

Pitcher Jake Arrieta said he knows coaches on other championship teams “that had to take loans out to be able to pay for the tax on the ring.”

“It can create an issue for some guys,” he said. “As players, we’ve talked about maybe helping a couple of those guys out [here]. We don’t want the process to have any negative tied to it for anybody, because it should be something that’s celebrated and not something that’s kind of a burden to deal with financially.”

As for the no-sale stipulation: “I don’t like it,” he said. “You should be able to do whatever you want with it. It’s your ring.”

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Daily Herald Cubs back to .500 with win over Brewers By Bruce Miles

The Chicago Cubs insist it's too early to be concerned about a lackluster start to the 2017 season, and so far, it's OK to believe them.

But something definitely has looked amiss in April for the defending world champions. The team has lacked a certain crispness and sharpness to its game as it got off to a 7-7 start, including Tuesday night's 9-7 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field.

General manager Jed Hoyer said he notices it, too. Hoyer talked to the media before the Cubs went out and snapped a four-game losing streak with a 4-run rally in the sixth inning.

"April is difficult," he said. "We're drawing big conclusions from tiny sample sizes. If you were 8-5 after 13 games, you feel good. If you're 6-7, you feel bad. I think that's the nature of it. That said, I don't think we've played the kind of baseball we played last year, that's for sure. We've been sloppier at times than we were last year.

"I think that's the only part that I feel when I watch the games, we didn't do that last year. We were very clean. We took care of the ball. We didn't give other teams outs. The offensive part, I have zero concerns about that. That's just a matter of time."

Of course, the big question is why. Why have the Cubs looked so blah? Even though they brought back essentially the same crew that won last year's World Series, these Cubs will need time to form this year's team identity.

"One of the things about coming off a world championship or coming off a good season, I do think there's a tendency to feel like, 'OK, we have the same group together; the same things are going to happen again,'" Hoyer said. "And I think every team has to create their own identity, and every team has to go through that process again. Maybe this is good for us in a way. It forces our guys to realize just bringing back a lot of the same guys on a really good team, it doesn't just happen overnight. It takes time.

"It takes building that identity and working through some problems. Certainly not concerned. I hope that we start playing better soon. But as far as concern about it, no, I think this is sort of a part of a subpar 13 games and we'll get things going. I think that's kind of how the clubhouse feels as well."

The hope for Hoyer and the Cubs is that the muscle memory kicks in soon.

"I just think it's been a very up-and-down 13 games," he said. "Even in the games we've won, I don't think we've been quite as clean, quite as efficient as we were a year ago. One of the nice things about bringing back almost exactly the same team is we know we can do it. Virtually the same group won 103 games last year and obviously was very dominant at times. I think we'll get back to that."

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Daily Herald Cubs' Rizzo says he'd like to see more steroid testing By Bruce Miles

Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon wasn't lamenting that the ' Starling Marte hit a home run against his team over the past weekend and then was suspended 80 games Tuesday for violating Major League Baseball's drug policy.

"I don't look in the rearview mirror," Maddon said. "I'm glad that the drug situation is working, the policies, the drug enforcement. That's all that means to me.

"Yeah, you could go backward and get upset about moments like that and if they would have done this (test) sooner, would hit have made a difference? I don't know. I don't live that way.

"I just think that moving it forward, it's good that it's actually in place, that it's working. Is it perfect? Probably not. But I also believe when something like this occurs as we move forward, whatever is falling through the cracks eventually will not anymore."

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo said he would like to see more testing.

"I think any system that's in place, you're going to have people trying to beat it," he said. "It's no different here. If there are loopholes, guys know that.

"He happened to get caught, but I'm sure there are other guys who are doing something very similar because to get caught with something that aggressive in his system, there's obviously something going on.

"We've made a lot of strides in baseball, but anytime there's something you can beat, someone's going to try to do it.

"That's the nature of human beings. It's 15 minutes to where we should be getting drug-tested a lot more."

No problem with ring thing:

Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said he feels there's no problem with how the Cubs handled a stipulation concerning the team distributing World Series rings.

The Cubs want to discourage people from selling the gifts for a profit.

To that end, everyone getting a ring -- except for the players and Joe Maddon and his coaching staff -- had to sign an agreement that would allow the team to buy back the ring for $1 if the person wanted to sell it.

The team, owned by the Ricketts family, is handing out 1,908 rings, at varying values, from the top of the organization down to stadium workers and seasonal employees.

"I don't think it's a real controversy," Hoyer said. "I signed that (agreement) willingly. I know Theo (team president Epstein) did. Everyone except for the players signed it.

"I look at it (like) the Ricketts were so unbelievably generous in the cost of the ring and the number they gave out, I think it's totally appropriate when you're paying for the ring to a lot of people and helping out with taxes along with that, I think it's appropriate to say, 'I don't expect you to take the gift I'm giving you and run out to the market with it.'

"And I do think there's probably something a little bit different with the Cubs 2016 ring, and given how valuable it is and how long people waited, I think it's appropriate to avoid those things hitting the market.

"I had absolutely no problem signing it. No one I talked to had any problem with it."

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Cubs.com Cubs storm past Brewers, halt 4-game skid By Carrie Muskat and Adam McCalvy

CHICAGO -- Not only did the Cubs stop Eric Thames' homer streak, but they snapped their skid as well.

Kyle Schwarber and Miguel Montero each hit two-run homers, pinch-hitter Albert Almora Jr. delivered a two-run single in a four-run sixth and the game-winning run scored on a wild pitch to lift the Cubs to a 9-7 victory Tuesday night over the Brewers at Wrigley Field.

"It's not a big deal -- it's early," Schwarber said of the Cubs' slow start. "We know that we're a good baseball club. It's early. We're not too worried about it. We're going to play our game and take the end result."

Thames was vying for his sixth straight game with a home run, but instead went 3-for-5 with two doubles and a single, and scored two runs. He has hit safely in each of his 12 starts, setting a franchise record to begin a season. Dickie Thon held the old mark of 11 games, set in 1993.

Milwaukee starter Jimmy Nelson scattered six hits over the first five innings, including both Schwarber's and Montero's homers. With one out in the Chicago sixth, he served up three straight ground ball hits, including Almora's pinch-hit single off third baseman Travis Shaw's glove, which pulled the Cubs within 7-6. Jon Jay then greeted Jared Hughes by hitting an elevated sinker for an RBI triple to tie the game. Two batters later, Hughes' first pitch to Kris Bryant skipped away for a wild pitch, and Jay scored.

"It was just terrible execution on my part," Hughes said.

Said Nelson: "When our offense puts up that many runs it should be a win every time. That's on me. We had a nice lead, the offense did a great job of getting to their starter early, and I just have to go out there and get more outs."

A 15-mph wind blowing out to left field made things tough for pitchers, but five Cubs relievers combined to hold the Brewers hitless after Shaw's home run leading off the fifth. Chicago starter Brett Anderson is still getting used to Wrigley's quirky elements. In his last start, he said, you couldn't hit one out with an aluminum bat. On Tuesday, a batter could have used a piece of balsa wood, he said.

"It was an incredibly difficult night to pitch, for sure," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "The balls in the air -- it probably evened out for both teams, really. I thought Jimmy pitched much better than his line. I thought he could have got a lot better fate tonight."

With the win, the Cubs ended their four-game losing streak. They're used to tight games this year as nine of their first 14 games have been decided by two runs or fewer, including six one-run games.

"We have a pretty good hitting lineup from top to bottom," Montero said. "Obviously, they have a five-run lead in the game but there was still a long way to go. We knew we'd be able to come back."

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Teamwork: The Brewers' 2-3-4 hitters combined to go 6-for-6 in their first two turns through the order, as both Thames and Shaw hit a pair of doubles. Shaw, excited to be playing at Wrigley for the first time, added a home run leading off the fifth. Eleven of Shaw's 13 total hits this season have been for extra bases.

"Those guys in the middle are scoring a bunch," Counsell said. "We've got to get some contributions down at the bottom, but if you've got your big guys hitting, you're going to put up some runs. Those guys continued to do it tonight, and that's a positive sign."

Power rangers: The Cubs began the night as one of three Major League teams that had yet to reach double digits in home runs, joining the Blue Jays and Red Sox. Schwarber and Montero changed that, raising the team total to 11. Schwarber's homer extended his hitting streak to six games, matching his career high, set Aug. 1-18, 2015.

Montero, delegated to backing up , began the night with two hits in 14 at-bats. He went 3-for-4, his second straight multihit game.

Do the players check the flags at Wrigley?

"I wouldn't say so, but obviously you see it when you walk in," Schwarber said. "That's the first thing you check when you walk out for batting practice, is if it's blowing in or blowing out. It might have an effect on some players, but I just want to go up there and stick with what I want to do."

QUOTABLE

"They'll definitely take advantage of any mistake you make. … Limit those mistakes and you can beat the Cubs. But tonight, I know I certainly didn't." -- Hughes

"Right in the fat part of my fat hamstring. I didn't feel great. It didn't really effect me. I tweaked a groin last start and get hit in the hamstring this start. It wouldn't be a Brett Anderson start without some sort of athletic play. I'd like to have a start where I don't have to deal with something. It comes with the territory, being super athletic." -- Anderson, about Domingo Santana's first-inning comebacker that struck him on his leg

BRAUN MOVES CLOSER TO 10-AND-5

Ryan Braun collected two hits and scored two runs on a day that brought some news on the business side. MLB Network's Ken Rosenthal reported that Braun is on pace to reach 10 years of Major League service on May 14, not May 24 as had been previously reported based on his May 25, 2007, debut. A year of Major League service is defined as 172 days, and Braun entered this season 43 days shy of the milestone. Why is this notable? Because a player with 10 years of service, the last five with his current team, is awarded a blanket no-trade provision. Until Braun reaches that point, the Brewers can trade him without his consent to one of six teams stipulated in Braun's contract.

WHAT'S NEXT

Brewers: Veteran lefty Tommy Milone will make his first career start at Wrigley in Wednesday's rubber game at 1:20 p.m. CT. Will it be his last start for a while? Matt Garza, recovered from a right groin strain, rejoined the team Tuesday and is ready to come off the disabled list. Brewers officials planned to meet Thursday to assess where to place Garza, a decision that could have implications for Milone.

Cubs: will make his third start in the series finale. This will be his second start against the Brewers. He gave up four runs over six innings April 8 at Miller Park, striking out six.

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Cubs.com After rough weekend, 'pen bears down By Carrie Muskat

CHICAGO -- Joe Maddon felt a lot better about his bullpen Tuesday night. The Cubs had blown a save in three straight games against the Pirates over the weekend, and couldn't stop the Brewers on Monday, but all was well in a 9-7 victory over Milwaukee as five pitchers combined for 5 1/3 innings of relief to help end a four-game losing streak.

Closer Wade Davis, who has yet to allow an earned run in seven appearances, pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his third save in three opportunities.

"We're going to be fine out there," Maddon said of his relief corps. "It's all about confidence. We have to keep getting them out there. As they get more successful innings, their confidence will come on. They're really good. We have great arms."

A perfect example is Hector Rondon, who struck out two of the four batters he faced. He now has not given up a run in his past three outings.

"He's more on time with his slider, meaning he's getting more on top," Maddon said of the right-hander. "You can see the break. It's down, it's where it's supposed to be. He's thrown some really well located fastballs down and away. He was hitting the glove. As Ronnie gets his confidence and his slider is back where it's supposed to be, he's going to take off again."

Rondon, who had a rough Spring Training, and didn't fare well in the World Baseball Classic for Venezuela, said he's made a few tweaks, such as lowering his hands to help his angle to the plate.

"I still don't feel right with my mechanics," Rondon said. "I know it'll take a little more to get my velocity back and hopefully, everything will be good."

"Rondon has been throwing the ball great," catcher Miguel Montero said. "Ever since he changed his delivery, he's been on line a lot better. His breaking ball looks a lot sharper now. We all needed to get comfortable."

That includes starter Brett Anderson, who needed the bullpen's help after an abbreviated start. He served up six runs over 3 2/3 innings.

"This is one of the few starts I've given up that many runs and been on the positive side of it," Anderson said. "All things considered, we'll take the win any way we can get it, at least right now."

"They pitched well at the end of the game," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "They got to their guys. It was an incredibly difficult night to pitch, for sure. The balls in the air -- it probably evened out for both teams, really."

Anderson is still learning about the wind at Wrigley Field.

"It's kind of bipolar in nature," he said of the ballpark.

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Cubs.com CF tandem of Almora, Jay invaluable By Carrie Muskat

CHICAGO -- It's tough to explain the Cubs' center-field situation. It's not a platoon exactly between Albert Almora Jr. and Jon Jay.

"Both of these guys together make a wonderful center fielder," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said after Tuesday's 9-7 victory over the Brewers. "I'm hoping it stays that way. We have to figure out how to get both incorporated. That's the best for everybody."

Almora delivered a clutch, two-run, pinch-hit single in the sixth inning, then scored on Jay's triple to tie it. Jay then scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch by the Brewers' Jared Hughes to help end the Cubs' four-game losing streak.

"Pinch-hitting is not that easy," Maddon said. "Everybody says, 'You just send them up and they'll get a hit.' Albert's not used to that, having played all the time in the Minor Leagues. The thing I like about Albert in that role is that he's not afraid to swing and he normally puts the ball in play."

Almora and Jay are close. When Almora was drafted, he trained with Jay in Miami. If Almora needs advice, he knows who to turn to.

"We've talked about those situations," Jay said of pinch-hitting, "but he knows what he's doing out there. In that situation, I didn't say anything. That was a big clutch hit for us, and kind of sparked everything right there." Hughes was mad at himself for the pitch to Jay, now 7-for-18 to begin the season.

"It was just terrible execution on my behalf," Hughes said. "I put it right over the heart of the plate and he's an experienced hitter and he did not miss. Put good contact on it, drove the run in. I just have to execute better. And if I execute better, I'll have better results."

And the wild pitch?

"I was just looking for a pitch in the strike zone," Jay said. "I was able to capitalize on the pitch right there." Jay was signed this offseason because the Cubs liked his experience. He's contributed in his part-time role.

"Beautiful player, man," Maddon said. "He's the consummate pro, Jon Jay is. They're both going to play. They're both going to get plenty of at-bats. They're both really important to us this season."

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Cubs.com Slow start doesn't faze defending champs By Carrie Muskat

CHICAGO -- Maybe the Cubs' slow start was a wakeup call for the defending World Series champions.

"April is difficult," Chicago general manager Jed Hoyer said before Tuesday's 9-7 victory over the Brewers. "We're drawing big conclusions based on tiny sample sizes. If we were 8-5 after 13 games, you feel good, and if you're 6-7, you feel bad.

"That said, I don't think we've played the kind of baseball we played last year," Hoyer said. "We've been sloppier at times than last year. That's the only part that, when I watch the games, we didn't do that last year. We were very clean, we took care of the ball, we didn't give the other team outs."

The Cubs ended a four-game losing streak Tuesday, rallying from a 5-0 deficit.

"It's early," said catcher Miguel Montero, who hit a two-run homer in the 14-hit attack. "Obviously, you don't want to lose four in a row. The good thing is it's still early in the season. We have a long way to go. We need to win one series at a time, one game at a time."

The Cubs' offense has been sluggish. In their seven losses, the Cubs were batting .215 and averaging 2.4 runs per game. Hoyer said he'd like to see more of the grinding at-bats when the Cubs players wore down opposing pitchers than he's seen. He did expect the offense to come around.

What Hoyer wasn't happy about were the errors. The Cubs rank second in the National League, committing 12 errors, trailing only the D-backs, who have made 14 miscues.

"I think it's been a very up-and-down 13 games," Hoyer said. "Even the games we've won, I don't think we've been as clean or efficient as we were a year ago."

Chicago did not lose back-to-back games in April 2016, and the longest losing streak was five games.

"We set the bar high," Montero said.

"One of the things about coming off a world championship or a really good season, there's a tendency to feel, 'OK, we have the same group together and the same things will happen again,'" Hoyer said. "I think every team has to create their own identity and every team has to go through that process again.

"Maybe this is good for us," he said. "It forces our guys to realize just bringing back the same guys from a really good team, it doesn't just happen overnight. It takes building that identity and working through some problems together."

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Cubs.com Maddon offers take on Marte suspension By Carrie Muskat

CHICAGO -- On Saturday, Starling Marte was one of four Pirates to hit a home run in an 8-7 win over the Cubs. On Tuesday, Marte was suspended 80 games for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon preferred to look forward rather than consider what happened over the weekend.

"I'm just glad the drug policies, the drug enforcement has been working," Maddon said. "I believe when something like this occurs, as we continue to move forward, whatever is falling through the cracks eventually won't any more."

Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer didn't want to comment on a misstep by a player on another team, but said Marte's suspension is another reason for players not to try to take shortcuts.

"You have to rely on the character of the guys you brought in," Hoyer said. "As far as addressing it, you hope everyone in your group is playing by the rules and playing fairly. Like I said, we need to worry about our own house and not comment on someone else's house."

• Eloy Jimenez, ranked No. 1 on MLBPipeline.com's list of top 30 Cubs prospects, has been playing in extended spring training in Arizona as the designated hitter. Jimenez suffered a bone bruise in his right shoulder during a Cactus League game. Hoyer said there is no timetable for when Jimenez will play outfield or will join one of the Cubs' Minor League affiliates.

Meanwhile, Ian Happ, ranked second on MLBPipeline.com's list, has been playing third base at Triple-A Iowa.

"We're trying to create as much versatility as we possibly can," Hoyer said. "At corner outfield and second base, he's put a lot of work in. Why not get some work in at third and increase his versatility for us?"

Happ was batting .286 in 12 games and led the Pacific Coast League with six home runs.

• Heading into Tuesday's game, Kyle Schwarber had reached base to lead off a game seven times in 13 plate appearances, including the past three contests. His .538 on-base percentage leading off the game ranked second in the Majors among players with at least 10 such plate appearances to the Padres' Manuel Margot (.583).

Hoyer likes the way Schwarber has handled the leadoff duties, as well as the combination of Schwarber, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo.

"It's certainly intimidating if you're the other team and you have to come out and face those three guys to begin the game," Hoyer said. "I think they have to bring their 'A' game in the first inning."

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ESPNChicago.com It's no joke: Cubs reliever Hector Rondon is 'taking off' By Jesse Rogers

CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs reliever Hector Rondon simply couldn’t locate his pitches during spring training or on the bigger stage of the World Baseball Classic, so he was far from ready when the regular season began.

But about a month later, he’s starting to come around. Rondon produced his fourth straight scoreless outing in Tuesday's 9-7 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, which snapped the Cubs' four-game losing streak.

Can you believe the previously beleaguered reliever has a 1.42 ERA in the early going of 2017?

"As Ronnie gets his confidence, and his slider is back where it’s supposed to be, he is going to take off," manager Joe Maddon said after the win.

The thought of Rondon "taking off" seemed ridiculous at the end of spring training, with his 14.73 ERA and his rough performance in the WBC for Team Venezuela. He also wasn’t passing the eye test. Fastballs were being left belt high, and there was no bite to his breaking pitch. When Rondon’s slider isn’t sliding, he’s in big trouble.

“Ever since he changed his delivery, he’s been on line a lot better,” catcher Miguel Montero said. “He’s executing pitches. The breaking ball looks sharper now.”

What tweak did the Cubs make on Rondon?

“[In] the stretch ... pull my hands down, that helps me a lot to get my angle to home plate,” he said. “I still don’t feel right about my mechanics.”

But he’s getting there. Rondon entered the game in the eighth inning protecting a one-run lead with a 15 mph wind blowing out. The Brewers had been bashing the ball all over Wrigley for two days, and Rondon had been taken deep by Domingo Santana just a few days ago in Milwaukee.

Santana led off the eighth with a 13-pitch at-bat that ended in a strikeout on a good slider. We could look back at that moment as the return of the righty who was so dominant for much of the past two seasons before being replaced as closer and getting hurt.

“He’s more on time with his slider,” Maddon said. “He’s getting more on top out front. It’s down. It’s where it’s supposed to be.”

Rondon has never indicated a loss of confidence, nor has he hid from his struggles. The same can be true of an up- and-down bullpen so far this season. Only closer Wade Davis has been consistent so far, so this might be a step in the right direction for the group. That wind had no effect on Justin Grimm, Carl Edwards Jr., Rondon or Davis.

“A couple games we struggled,” Rondon said. “We’re getting more comfortable to come in late in the game.”

What a difference a day or two makes, as even Maddon worried about the confidence of his relievers earlier in the week. Before Tuesday’s game, general manager Jed Hoyer expressed no concern about his offense -- he was proven right later in the night -- but what was left unmentioned was the bullpen. It has had a slow start, but a dominant night as the wind howled toward the lake beyond the bleachers can make a world of difference.

Speaking of differences, Rondon thinks he has found one as well: It’s called the regular season.

“Spring training is different,” he said. “You pitch different. Everything works different. The hitter, they’re thinking how you’re going to pitch them. In spring, they’re just swinging.”

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ESPNChicago.com Cubs ask non-players to sign doc discouraging sale of World Series rings By Jesse Rogers

CHICAGO -- In an effort to discourage those within the organization from selling their World Series rings, the Chicago Cubs are asking non-players to sign an agreement giving the team the right to buy back the ring for $1.

"I signed that thing willingly," Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said Tuesday. "Everyone except for the players signed it. I look at it as the Ricketts [ownership] were so unbelievably generous in the cost of the ring and the number they gave out, I think it's totally appropriate when you're paying for the ring and helping out with the taxes along with that -- it seems appropriate to say, 'I don't expect you to take the gift I'm giving you and run out to the market with it.'"

The Cubs gave out 1,908 rings and pins to everyone from high-level executives to the scoreboard operator after winning their first World Series in 108 years last season.

It's unclear how much the Ricketts family paid for the rings -- of which there are different tiers -- but according to sports ring dealer Tim Robins, "If a midlevel player were to be the first to sell his 2016 Cubs championship ring, I think it could go for at least $80,000."

Players will have to pay taxes on their rings based on their fair market value, but the team is taking on the taxes for many lower-level employees.

Not everyone is on board with the policy, as one executive thought it unfair if a person "needs to put food on the table," thus forcing them to sell their ring. But the Cubs think it would devalue what should be a prized possession.

"They went way above and beyond what other teams have done as far as the value of that gift," Hoyer said. "When you do that and help that person with the taxes, I think it's a reasonable thing not to go out and benefit financially right away.

"Part of the reason is you devalue the ring for everyone if all of a sudden people race to the market to make some money off of it."

According to a memo obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, those intending to sell "or otherwise transfer your ring" must notify the Cubs in writing of "the proposed transaction and a complete accounting of the terms.

"If the Cubs elect not to purchase the ring, then you may transfer it according to the terms you provided to the Cubs; however, each subsequent owner shall also be bound by these terms in the event of a subsequent proposed sale or other transfer."

Rings may be given as gifts, but the same terms would apply.

Hoyer said he didn't view the practice as "something unusual."

"If you get a Heisman Trophy, they put that stipulation on it," he said. "If you win an Oscar, they put that stipulation on it."

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