March 29, 2017

 Chicago Sun-Times, Jake Arrieta tunes up for debut; Cubs lose 10-7 to Giants http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/jake-arrieta-tunes-up-for-season-debut-cubs-lose-10-7-to-giants/

 Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs’ : Next 6 months will answer if overhaul worked http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-jason-heyward-next-6-months-will-answer-if-overhaul-worked/

 Chicago Sun-Times, There’s only one way the Cubs can top 2016 season http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/theres-only-one-way-the-cubs-can-top-2016-season/

 Chicago Sun-Times, Cub SS (back) at ’95 percent,’ hopes to avoid DL http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cub-ss-addison-russell-back-at-95-percent-hopes-to-avoid-dl/

 Cubs.com, Arrieta fans 7 Giants in final spring start http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/221275504/giants-matt-cain-allows-4-runs-vs-cubs/

 Cubs.com, Russell's back improving as Zobrist returns http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/221327742/cubs-addison-russells-back-injury-improving/

 Cubs.com, Montero launches effort to help sick children http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/221291558/miguel-montero-to-help-sick-venezuelan-kids/

 ESPNChicago.com, Curse-breaking not afraid to change http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/43516/curse-breaking-cubs-not-afraid-to-change

 ESPNChicago.com, Fatherly advice: 's dad has suggestions for LaVar Ball http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19026530/father-chicago-cubs-star-kris-bryant-offers-advice-lavar-ball

 CSNChicago.com, Cubs: 's Path Back To October And A Possible Three-Peat http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/cubs-ben-zobrists-path-back-october-and-possible-three-peat

 CSNChicago.com, Cubs Return Rule 5 Lefty Caleb Smith To Yankees As Roster Comes Into Focus http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/cubs-return-rule-5-lefty-caleb-smith-yankees-roster-comes-focus

 CSNChicago.com, Is Addison Russell Still On Track For Opening Night? http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/addison-russell-still-track-opening-night

 CSNChicago.com, Cubs Release Munenori Kawasaki And Keep The Door Open For His Return http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/cubs-release-munenori-kawasaki-and-keep-door-open-his-return- maddon-russell-zobrist-baez

 Chicago Tribune, Kris Bryant signs deal as mobile game endorser http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chicagoinc/ct-kris-bryant-video-game-inc-spt-0329-20170328- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Jake Arrieta likes Cubs' progressive spring plan http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-jake-arrieta-spring-20170328-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs can count on Javier Baez if Addison Russell's back problems persist http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-addison-russell-back-injury-cubs-spt-0329- 20170328-story.html#nt=oft03a-1gp2

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs' final roster spot coming down to Matt Szczur or Tommy La Stella http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-prepare-to-head-north-bits-spt-0329- 20170328-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs hope to re-sign Munenori Kawasaki to minor league deal http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-munenori-kawasaki-20170328-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, : DL not a consideration for Addison Russell http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-addison-russell-back-20170328-story.html

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Chicago Sun-Times Jake Arrieta tunes up for season debut; Cubs lose 10-7 to Giants By Gordon Wittenmyer

MESA, Ariz. — Chris Marrero and former Cub Justin Ruggiano ninth- home runs on consecutive pitches from minor-leaguer Pierce Johnson – Marrero’s a three-run shot – as the Giants came from behind for a 10-7 victory Tuesday over the Cubs at Sloan Park.

Another ex-Cub, Tim Federowicz, added another homer off Daury Torrez in the Giants’ five-run ninth.

Arrieta ready

Jake Arrieta pitched four in his final start of the spring, giving up a leadoff homer to Denard Span during a two-run, four-hit, three-, 36-pitch first. But he retired 10 of his final 11 faced, needing just 36 pitches total for the final three innings.

“I’m getting close,” said Arrieta, who struck out seven and walked none. “There’s still some things that we’ll continue to work on, but that’s kind of the story of the season. … It was good. No walks. I hit [Nick] Hundley. There’s a couple pitches that are getting away. … But it’s getting better.”

Arrieta plans to throw on the side Thursday and Saturday in preparation for his season debut Tuesday in St. Louis.

Happ rap

The day after getting sent to minor-league camp after a torrid big-league spring, infield prospect came off the bench as an invited bench player and doubled twice, including a two-run hit during the Cubs’ four-run sixth inning.

He’s 22-for-53 (.415) this spring with 11 extra-base hits and a Cactus League-high 19 RBIs.

October redux

The Cubs went 2-4-1 this spring against their three playoff opponents from last fall: the Giants (0-2), Dodgers (2-0) and Indians (0-2-1).

Crowd sourcing

The Cubs on Tuesday drew a spring-season-high 15,513 – exactly 10 short of last year’s Cactus League record (March 20 vs. Royals).

Zobrist returns

Second baseman Ben Zobrist, who had been sidelined with neck stiffness since early last week, returned to the lineup and expected to be ready for Sunday’s opener.

He flied to right twice and walked in three trips to the plate.

It was Zobrist’s first game since the neck tightened up near the end of that last game he played, March 19.

On deck

Athletics at Cubs, Mesa, 3:05 p.m., cubs.com audio, vs. Kendall Graveman.

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Chicago Sun-Times Cubs’ Jason Heyward: Next 6 months will answer if overhaul worked By Gordon Wittenmyer

MESA, Ariz. — On the seventh pitch of an at-bat in the sixth inning Tuesday, the Cubs’ Jason Heyward lined a double into the gap in right-center field against the Giants’ Matt Cain. In the game before that, Heyward walked three times. In his final at-bat of the game before that, he homered.

So is Heyward fixed? Is the $184 million right fielder, who slumped to the worst offensive season of his career in 2016, back to career-average form now that the offseason work and nearly all of is done?

‘‘I don’t know,’’ Heyward said. ‘‘You’ll get the answer to that at the end of the season.’’

Maybe that’s the nature of these things. It’s certainly the only part that matters.

Heyward worked daily for long stretches of the winter with hitting coaches and , trying in part to re-create the swing and success he had when he hit a career-high 27 home runs in 2012.

He seems more at ease in his second season with the Cubs in the clubhouse and, some suggest, on the field. He said Tuesday he likes where he is physically and mentally at the plate, especially in recent games.

And while Heyward’s swing doesn’t look dramatically different, his hands are lower, giving him a chance to get to the ball quicker, and there’s less wasted movement in his setup than even early in the spring schedule.

But not even he will guess what it might produce once the regular season starts Sunday in St. Louis.

Depending on the scout you talk with in Arizona, Heyward looks like the same basic hitter who hit .230 with seven homers and was benched during the playoffs or shows signs of renewed life and confidence that might translate to the bounce-back season he and the Cubs are looking for.

‘‘I like what he’s doing right now,’’ Joe Maddon said. ‘‘I thought the swings have been really good lately. I see them making constant progress. . . . I see a lot of difference.’’

The Cubs won 103 games and the last season despite Heyward’s struggles at the plate but also because of what he provided with his Gold Glove defense, heady baserunning and work ethic.

If he can raise his career-worst .631 OPS even 100 points, it might be a significant factor in the Cubs’ efforts to repeat.

Heyward said his work in the last four months has been both a physical and mental process.

‘‘The last few games, I’ve gone up there with the mindset of swinging at every pitch and letting my eyes tell me, ‘No,’ ’’ Heyward said. ‘‘That’s how you be aggressive in the strike zone.

‘‘I’m not talking about results [he still is hitting only .163 this spring], just the mindset and approach of each at-bat. As far as timing and just being able to go up there and react, I feel like [I’ve] been able to do that here these last few games.

‘‘I like how it feels. The approach is good. Trusting that, being able to trust myself to lay off pitches not in the zone when you’re being aggressive in the strike zone, swinging at strikes — that’s what I want to do.’’

Left-hander , who admitted he struggled at times in the first season of his $155 million deal, called it ‘‘just human nature’’ for Heyward to have struggled in his first season after the big deal — and to rebound to career norms this season.

‘‘You’re coming into a place where you don’t know a lot of guys,’’ Lester said. ‘‘You’re trying to prove you’re worth something. You’re trying to prove to the city, to your teammates, your family, everybody else.

‘‘Now he can just go out and play.’’

Could that make a difference for Heyward the way it did for Lester?

‘‘We’ll see,’’ Heyward said. ‘‘We’ll see what happens.’’

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Chicago Sun-Times There’s only one way the Cubs can top 2016 season By Rick Telander

Here’s how the Cubs could top last season’s success: Win the World Series again, but this time at home.

Let the madness begin inside Wrigley Field after a seven-game thriller — not in Cleveland or some other city, where most of the fans would wander off silently, as they did last November at Depressive, excuse me, Progressive Field.

What else is left?

Cubs president Theo Epstein is officially the greatest leader in the free world. (He’s always been the smartest.)

Kris Bryant, 25, is America’s sweetheart, on every cover of every magazine published. Well, he’s on the cover of Sports Illustrated again, for the fifth time. (This time he’s finishing his powerhouse swing, smiling up at the SI camera as if being tickled from behind by .)

That smile — it never ends. Maybe it was heightened by the headline of Tom Verducci’s accompanying story: “HOW PERFECT IS KRIS BRYANT?” Perfect being an absolute, Bryant must be plausibly supernatural.

Then there’s Rizzo. The is only 27, has 134 home runs and 425 RBI, and he doesn’t get the same kind of postseason love that, say, Kyle “Have You Ever Seen Babe Ruth and Me in the Same Room?” Schwarber gets.

Young lefty monster Schwarber — who has played a total of 71 regular-season major-league games but has a .364 average, five homers and 10 RBI in the postseason — has endorsements and kudos galore. When he came back from knee surgery and spanked the rally-starting single in the 10th inning of Game 7 against the Indians, after the rain delay and Jason Heyward’s Knute Rockne speech, he became lore.

Not to get biblical here, but only Lazarus came back quicker from a worse injury. St. Schwarbs it is.

The rest of the team is still loaded, from star pitching on down to lessers such as young (tearing up Cactus League pitching) and young center fielder (defensive ace).

The Cubs tore off so many old tarps covering so many curses last season that it’s hard to think of what they can improve on, and it’s hard to think of what can go better for fans — except that home-field celebration.

What does come to mind are all the ways things could explode.

One thing’s for sure: The Cubs are the hunted, not the hunters. How are they going to like that? No one alive can remember when it was that way before — that is, 1909, the year after the Cubs’ previous World Series crown.

And how about right fielder Heyward? The Cubs won despite him abruptly losing the ability to hit. One hopes that was a bat-induced hiccup, not a plague.

The pitching staff was so good in 2016 that for a while, the Cubs had three — Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and — in valid contention for the Award. They finished second, third and ninth in the voting, respectively.

Still, individual awards like that don’t mean much; it’s how you come together as a team. (Consider that Cy Young winner played for an underachieving Washington Nationals team that lost in the NL Division series to the .) Nobody played better as a team than the Cubs in 2016.

That’s where it gets tricky. There’s no overachieving when you’re already the best. Any little thing can throw you off your game.

Imagine a, uh, how about a black squirrel scampering into the Cubs’ dugout just as a player pulls a muscle, or maybe a fan reaches over the wall and interferes with an ’s catch? Does anybody freak out? Does manager Joe Maddon easily handle the quirks and slumps and tough losses that are part of the game, as he did last season?

I’m concerned that departed reliever , the rent-a-fireballer who closed down many late games, can’t be replaced. And departed center fielder sure was a solid piece, wasn’t he?

Do you remember the Cubs started 25-6 last year? That is absurd. They had a 14-1 stretch in late July into August. They went 16-5 from Aug. 16 to Sept. 5. They went 11-6 in the postseason. Crazy.

Repeat? Tough order.

But the Wrigley-fest is something to shoot for. And we know Theo, like Stephen Hawking, is way ahead of us, a commander of the universe, comprehending all.

Onward, men!

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Chicago Sun-Times Cub SS Addison Russell (back) at ’95 percent,’ hopes to avoid DL By Gordon Wittenmyer

MESA, Ariz. — Addison Russell said his sore back feels ‘‘95 percent better,’’ and he hopes to return to the lineup Wednesday for the first time since last week.

But Russell acknowledged he might open the season on the disabled list if the soreness lingers, with the Cubs taking advantage of the new 10-day DL. Teams will be allowed to backdate such a move to March 30, which means Russell would be eligible to return the day before the home opener April 10.

‘‘We’re trying to start the season out on a good note — and definitely in St. Louis,’’ Russell said of the Cubs’ season opener Sunday. ‘‘That’s kind of the goal. But if the back doesn’t feel well till then, maybe [the DL is] something that we have to do. But the way that I’m feeling, I don’t think that’s necessary.’’

Manager Joe Maddon said the training staff is confident Russell will be fine in the next couple of days and added: ‘‘I’m OK with him getting some rest right now.’’

As for the possibility of a DL stint to buy more recovery time, if necessary, Maddon said, ‘‘We’re not considering it right now.’’

Kawasaki released

The Cubs released popular middle Munenori Kawasaki from his minor-league contract Tuesday, the deadline to avoid paying him a $100,000 retention bonus.

The move gives Kawasaki, who had a strong spring, a chance to try to land a big-league job before the season starts. If that doesn’t happen, the Cubs are expected to talk to him about returning.

‘‘A guy like that needs to take advantage of how well he’s playing and possibly see if there’s a chance to get a major-league job,’’ Maddon said. ‘‘That’s all that is. But we would love to have him back.’’

Kawasaki, a career .237 hitter in 276 big-league games for three teams, hit .282 with three extra-base hits, six walks and a .378 on-base percentage this spring.

Sutcliffe dancing with the bar

Former Cubs right-hander , a special instructor during the spring, is scheduled to shoot a segment of ‘‘Dancing With the Stars’’ with former catcher on Wednesday.

‘‘I’m not dancing,’’ Sutcliffe said. ‘‘I’m going to play a bartender, something I’m more familiar with. I’m not used to being on that side of the bar, but I’m actually closer to a cold beer.’’

Sutcliffe made his annual trek to the minor-league side of camp to meet with the young pitchers, taking special assistant Kevin Youkilis and major-league ERA champ Kyle Hendricks along.

Roster cuts

The Cubs sent Rule 5 Caleb Smith back to the Yankees and reassigned injured non-roster Chris Dominguez and Jemile Weeks to minor-league camp.

The roster is at 27. That includes non-roster catcher Carlos Corporan, leaving only the Matt Szczur–Tommy La Stella spot to resolve.

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Cubs.com Arrieta fans 7 Giants in final spring start By Chris Haft and Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- Matt Cain, vying to secure the fifth starter spot, gave up four runs over 5 1/3 innings and helped himself by hitting a two-run double in the Giants' 10-7 win over the Cubs on Tuesday in front of the largest home crowd this spring, 15,513, at Sloan Park.

The Giants are considering Cain or Ty Blach for the last spot in the rotation, and Cain kept himself in contention with his outing, his seventh appearance this spring. The right-hander retired the first seven batters he faced before

Jake Arrieta singled with one out in the Cubs third. Chesny Young then homered to left. One of the runs charged to Cain scored when Josh Osich allowed hits to three of the four batters he faced in relief of Cain in the sixth.

"I know that I'm ready to be able to throw the ball the way I need to and I know that I finished spring being good with all my pitches and my mechanics," said Cain, who finished the Cactus League with a 7.82 ERA after allowing five hits, walking one and striking out five.

Cain refused to speculate about his status on the pitching staff. But he sounded as if he'll be surprised not to be named the No. 5 starter.

"I've been going out every fifth day," he said. "That's the mindset I'm going to keep going with, and we'll see what happens."

Denard Span launched Arrieta's second pitch of the game onto the right-field berm for his second spring . Two outs later, Brandon Crawford doubled and then scored on Jarrett Parker's single to go ahead 2-0. Arrieta did face eight batters that inning and struck out the side.

"There's still some things we'll continue to work on, but that's the story of the season," Arrieta said of his outing. With one out in the Giants' second, Span reached on a single, stole second and then scored on a by Arrieta as the ball skipped past catcher .

Arrieta singled with one out in the third and Young followed with his third spring homer to pull within 3-2. After Cain put the Giants up by three, Javier Baez singled home a run, Tommy La Stella doubled in another off Osich, and Ian Happ hit a two-run double to give the Cubs the lead.

Arrieta finished with seven over four innings. His next start will be April 4, the second game of the regular season, against the Cardinals.

"Everybody's hungry," Arrieta said of the feeling in the Cubs clubhouse. "One thing that stands out for me is health -- everybody's healthy. Everybody's getting the work load they need. ... I don't think anybody is complacent. I think we're happy with where we're at. Guys are working, guys getting their reps and guys are hungry."

The Giants scored five runs in the ninth on Chris Marrero's three-run homer, and solo shots by Justin Ruggiano and Tim Federowicz.

Giants Up Next: After a welcome scheduled day off at home Wednesday, the Giants will begin the three-game Bay Bridge Series on Thursday against the A's at AT&T Park. Game time is 7:15 p.m. PT, live on MLB.TV, as San Francisco right-hander Johnny Cueto will oppose Oakland lefty Sean Manaea.

Cubs Up Next: The Cubs wrap up Cactus League action Wednesday when they play host to the Athletics at Sloan Park in Mesa. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT. John Lackey gets the start as the Cubs say goodbye to Mesa. The Cubs are expected to set a record in attendance at home. They've been averaging slightly more than 15,000 per game at Sloan Park.

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Cubs.com Russell's back improving as Zobrist returns By Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- Ben Zobrist returned to the Cubs lineup Tuesday after missing more than one week because of a stiff neck while Addison Russell remained day to day, still nursing a sore back.

"Missing a few games this spring is a lot better than a few games in the season," Russell said Tuesday. "I've talked to [manager Joe Maddon] and there's no hurry back. I think in Houston, I'll get reps, but as far as tightness, it's getting better."

The Cubs will play two exhibition games in Houston on Thursday and Friday before opening the regular season Sunday night against the Cardinals in St. Louis.

Russell's back tightened up on him one morning and wasn't believed to be serious. He has not played since March 22.

Zobrist had not played since March 19, when he felt his neck stiffen. He went 0-for-2 with a walk in the Cubs' 10-7 loss to the Giants on Tuesday.

"I couldn't turn my head all the way to the left, that was all it was," Zobrist said. "I couldn't bat right-handed at the time. I could bat left-handed, not right-handed. They said, 'Let it calm down and do some soft tissue work.'" Zobrist said he may play in a Minor League game Wednesday to get more at-bats.

• One thing Zobrist and Maddon talked about before Spring Training started was the importance of rest. It's something Maddon has addressed all spring, especially after the Cubs' extended season last year.

"I think [Maddon's] words were, 'I really think rest is the next improvement in player performance, learning what rest means, what good rest is for players and what kind of rest players need,'" Zobrist said. "And that doesn't mean because you're 35 [years old]. If you're 25, you still have to take care of yourself and get the proper rest. Because we have such a deep team, he's able to do that and still feel confident about the team on the field."

So Zobrist is prepared to share second base with Javier Baez and also see some playing time in the outfield as well. "It's a good problem to have when you have really good players not playing and sitting on the bench," Zobrist said of the depth on the Cubs. "We had that last year, and we had guys accept their roles and buy into the team concept. The makeup of this team is the same. We have a few new guys and they have the same mindset. I anticipate more of the same."

• The Cubs released infielder Munenori Kawasaki, giving him a chance to pursue other opportunities. Kawasaki batted .282 in 17 games this spring. Kawasaki, 35, spent the majority of last season at Triple-A Iowa, where he batted .255 in 102 games.

"Hopefully, we get a chance to sign him back," Maddon said. "A guy like him needs to take advantage of how well he's playing and see if there's a chance to get a Major League job. We would love to have him back."

Maddon said he felt they had enough depth at the middle infield with Baez and Zobrist.

"The word 'release' is a very harsh word but I think it can be rectified," Maddon said of Kawasaki. "I hope he comes back to us, I really do."

• Speaking of Baez, Maddon talked to the infielder to make sure he's gotten enough rest after playing in the .

"For me, when you expend as much emotion as he has over a couple weeks, I'm concerned about mental fatigue," Maddon said of Baez, who played for Team Puerto Rico. "I told him, 'If you need some time, let me know.' I'm a big believer in emotional fatigue and how it impacts you in the game."

• The Cubs trimmed three more from the roster late Tuesday. They assigned Jemile Weeks and Chris Dominguez to Minor League camp and will return left-handed pitcher Caleb Smith to the Yankees. In December, Chicago acquired Smith, who was the Brewers' selection in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft. The Brewers traded Smith to the Cubs for cash considerations.

Clubs pay $100,000 to select a player in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft. If that player does not stay on the 25-man roster for the full season, he must be offered back to his former team for $50,000. In five games this spring, Smith gave up three runs over 6 1/3 innings.

With the moves, the camp roster is now 27. The biggest decision remaining is whether the Cubs keep infielder Tommy La Stella or outfielder Matt Szczur, who is out of options. Catcher Carlos Corporan, a non-roster invitee, also is still on the spring roster, but he's not projected to make the final 25-man roster.

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Cubs.com Montero launches effort to help sick children By Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- If Miguel Montero can help one child from his native Venezuela, it will be enough.

Montero and his wife have created the Miguel and Vanessa Montero Foundation to provide medical assistance to seriously ill children of Venezuela. Their goal is to bring one or two Venezuelan children a year to the U.S. to get medical treatment.

"The medicine in Venezuela is not good and kids are dying, and people are dying because the antibiotics are nothing down there," Montero said. "It's sad. If we can help one or two or three kids a year, we'll try to do it." Montero and his foundation are working with a hospital in Houston to provide treatment. They also will take care of living expenses for the families while the children are in the U.S.

"I'm excited about it," Montero said of his new project. "The way I see things in Venezuela now, I see kids dying because of a lack of medicine or lack of facilities. These kids aren't even getting a chance. There's nothing the government in Venezuela is doing for these kids. I've been blessed enough, God gave me a lot in my life, so why can't we just help others, too?"

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein took part in the announcement of the foundation.

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ESPNChicago.com Curse-breaking Chicago Cubs not afraid to change By Jesse Rogers

MESA, Ariz. -- With a new leadoff man to get things going, a new closer to finish games and new rings on the way, the Chicago Cubs will begin their title defense every bit as confident as they were a year ago at this time. While many faces will be the same on Opening Day, the champs turned over 20 percent of their roster.

And they think they're better for it.

"All the additions are wonderful complements," said. "Upgrades. It's going to be really cool to see how it all plays out this season."

Schwarber isn't new, but he hasn't played a full season in the big leagues -- and he has a reimagined job description. The 24-year-old must embrace his role of setting the table for the "big guys" behind him, now that he takes over as . Before now, Schwarber had always been one of those big guys, but the Cubs' depth allows them to try something many other teams could not.

"It's a cool spot," Schwarber said. "I get to lead off the game. Then you don't know what spot you're hitting in. ... I'll take a couple hits. I'll think hits, more than a homer. Or walks. Whatever it is. Just don't get out."

While Schwarber starting things off is intriguing, the player tasked with finishing games might get even more scrutiny. With Wade Davis producing a plus-16.00 ERA this spring, some might already be wondering what the Cubs got for this past offseason. If the former Royals closer can't turn it around, Chicago has other options because the front office is convinced that it has six to eight pitchers capable of pitching with the game on the line.

"The nice thing is we have so many different guys to go to that are able to do that role at the end of games," Maddon said.

Among those potential late-game candidates is 41-year-old bullpen addition , who has recorded 93 career saves. Hector Rondon is still around to set up or close when needed, and Carl Edwards Jr. showed in the postseason that he is growing into a ninth-inning option. Is there a scenario in which Edwards is closing by the end of the season? It's possible, though Davis is absolutely the guy right now, with Maddon backing his new reliever despite a rough spring.

"If anything, it's a command issue," Maddon stated. "I'm seeing easy 94-95 mph ... I'm encouraged how he's throwing the ball."

The low-key Davis thinks the regular season will bring out the best in him.

"The mentality will get better," he said. "Go out there, and turn the switch on."

In the rotation, the Cubs are counting on another fresh face to be ready when the bright lights go on. Brett Anderson made only four starts with the Dodgers a season ago, but the ground ball machine could benefit from a historically good infield defense if he can stay healthy. You can bet Javier Baez will be starting as often as possible when Anderson pitches.

"I think as we get into more sea level conditions, where the grass is a little higher and the ground a little softer and the wind isn't blowing out, he's going to pitch even better," Maddon said during Anderson's Cactus League run with the Cubs.

Maddon added that Wrigley Field is the "perfect ballpark for him."

If Anderson can't perform, Mike Montgomery is waiting in the wings. He picked up where he left off last season, displaying a nasty that works against righties or lefties.

The Cubs' ability to mix in newcomers while relying on familiar pieces is part of their recipe for success, and the amount of talent already on the roster isn't lost on the newest Cubs.

"There are 10-12 players on this team that are some of the best in baseball," Davis said. "That's something you don't see often."

The ever-popular Schwarber summed up the shared feeling among new and old players.

"If we play our game every day, good things will happen," he said.

Who could argue with him?

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ESPNChicago.com Fatherly advice: Kris Bryant's dad has suggestions for LaVar Ball By Jesse Rogers

MESA, Ariz. -- The father of the reigning National League MVP said on Tuesday he would tell LaVar Ball to keep quiet and let his sons play basketball instead of speaking out so much.

"The guy is going to ruin it for his kids," Kris Bryant's dad, Mike, said on ESPN 1000 in Chicago on Tuesday. "I mean that in a sympathetic/empathetic way. Let his kids go out there and play and let the rest happen. But to compare him to Michael Jordan and better than Steph Curry, c'mon, that's disrespecting those guys. If I had five minutes with him and I could get him to listen for two of them I think I could get him to think a little bit."

The elder Bryant has a tendency to be outspoken but has learned to "pull back" when appropriate. Kris, a star for the Chicago Cubs, is the first player in baseball history to win college player of the year, minor league player of the year, Rookie of the Year and MVP -- and he did it in four consecutive seasons. UCLA star Lonzo Ball and his two younger brothers are talents but haven't achieved anything on the professional level just yet. Mike Bryant thinks the elder Ball will have a negative impact on his sons.

"How can you have fun when you're worried about your old man making a fool of himself," Bryant said. "There's ways to do it. I'm not trying to be judgmental. I feel for the kid in this situation. There are too many stories out there that don't turn out well because of stuff like this."

Bryant was asked what advice he might give to LaVar Ball.

"Just let your kid play and enjoy it," Bryant responded. "You have to enjoy it. If you sit back and zip it, don't run your mouth and watch him do what he does you will be amazed at how good he is. If you're too busy talking you're going to miss the moments."

Bryant stressed a saying Cubs manager Joe Maddon often uses: Don't let the pressure exceed the pleasure. He feels like Ball is putting too much pressure on his kids.

"The spotlight is on him and all for the wrong reasons," Mike Bryant said. "It's too bad. I wonder if it's a tragedy waiting to happen or if something good can come out of it.

"It makes my skin crawl. My wife would smack me upside the head if I acted like that."

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CSNChicago.com Cubs: Ben Zobrist's Path Back To October And A Possible Three-Peat By Patrick Mooney

MESA, Ariz. – Ben Zobrist is focused on a personal three-peat, not worrying about a changing of the guard or any awkward moments with Javier Baez. Cubs manager Joe Maddon has repeatedly said that Zobrist will be the primary and another "Javy Being Javy" highlight reel from the World Baseball Classic won't change that thinking right now.

Zobrist sees the big picture better than almost anyone else in the clubhouse after going undrafted out of Eureka High School in downstate Illinois, perfecting the super-utility role Maddon envisioned with the Tampa Bay Rays and helping transform the 2015 Kansas City Royals into World Series champions.

While Baez started all 17 playoff games at second base last year, bursting onto the scene as the National League Championship co-MVP, Zobrist became the World Series MVP with his clutch hitting and still has three seasons left on his $56 million contract.

Maddon didn't spare anyone's feelings during the playoffs, turning $184 million outfielder Jason Heyward into a part-time player, giving a quick hook to major-league ERA leader Kyle Hendricks and shunning relievers not named Aroldis Chapman.

"We haven't had an extended conversation about it," Zobrist said. "But at the beginning of spring, we talked about it. I think his words were: ‘I really think rest is the next improvement in player performance.' Learning what rest means, what good rest is for players and what kind of rest certain players need versus others.

"That doesn't necessarily mean just because you're 35. It could mean you're 25 and you still got to take care of yourself and make sure you're getting the proper rest. Because we have such a deep team, he's able to do that at any given point in time and still feel confident about the team we have on the field.

"It's a good problem to have when you have really good players not playing and sitting on the bench. We had that all last year and we had guys accept their role and just buy into the team concept.

"The makeup of this team is the same, basically. We've got a few new guys and they've got the same mindset, so I anticipate more of the same."

Injuries are one variable that prevents Maddon from getting too stressed out about dividing the playing time over 162 games while the NCAA tournament is still going. Zobrist's stiff neck felt good enough to hit leadoff and play right field in Tuesday afternoon's 10-7 loss to the , seeing his first Cactus League action since March 19.

Zobrist plans to play again on Wednesday in Mesa and catch up with more at-bats on the minor-league side of the complex. Assuming Zobrist and All-Star shortstop Addison Russell (stiff back) are ready for Opening Night, Baez will be an NLCS MVP, all-WBC talent waiting for the right matchup or break in the schedule or to sub in as a defensive replacement.

"It's pretty impressive, looking around at the young talent in this clubhouse," Zobrist said. "All throughout spring training, we've seen there's definitely other talent coming, so this team is poised to have a good, long run of success. If everybody stays healthy and we stay together, this is a very good team.

"The biggest thing that I go into the season with this year is we have to be healthy and we have to make sure that we don't relax too much. That's the temptation for teams that just won, to go: OK, well, we're tired, because we had a long season last year and you kind of just assume things are going to go as well as they did.

"You can't assume anything. No matter how good this team is, we have to still go out and execute and perform – and that's going to determine where we are in the standings."

In real time, as the Cubs experienced their lowest moments during last year's regular season, Zobrist correctly pointed out the exhaustion factor while the team played 24 days in a row, losing 15 of their last 21 games before the All-Star break.

What looks like overwhelming depth on paper should help the 2017 Cubs survive and advance into October.

"It's huge," Zobrist said. "It's up and down the lineup on offense. It's all throughout the pitching staff and on the defensive side. It's so deep that you can absorb a little bit of injury here and there.

"With that being said, there are certain guys that you just don't want to lose. So we got to protect everybody. We got to protect our horses – both on the mound and in the lineup – and just make sure that we have our key cogs in there. And if we do, we're as good, if not better, than anybody out there."

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CSNChicago.com Cubs Return Rule 5 Lefty Caleb Smith To Yankees As Roster Comes Into Focus By Patrick Mooney

MESA, Ariz. - Matt Szczur vs. Tommy La Stella - and a combination of right/left, outfield/infield and contractual considerations - appears to be the final decision as the Cubs shape their Opening Night roster.

The Cubs returned Rule 5 lefty Caleb Smith to the on Tuesday and assigned injured non-roster players Jemile Weeks and Chris Dominguez to minor-league camp. That left 27 players still technically in the mix, though depth catcher Carlos Corporan isn't really part of that conversation.

The projected eight-man bullpen would look like this: Wade Davis; Koji Uehara; ; Hector Rondon; Carl Edwards Jr.; ; and lefties Mike Montgomery and .

Szczur, who is out of minor-league options, could be a good fourth outfielder on a team that didn't have so much depth and World Series expectations, making him a potential trade chip for pitching. La Stella offers infield insurance and a left-handed bat off the bench.

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CSNChicago.com Is Addison Russell Still On Track For Opening Night? By Patrick Mooney

MESA, Ariz. – Addison Russell believes he will be ready for Opening Night. Right now, Cubs manager Joe Maddon says his All-Star shortstop starting the season on the disabled list is an option that "I'm not considering."

But Russell hasn't played in a Cactus League game since March 22 and the Cubs have only three exhibitions left before facing the St. Louis Cardinals on national TV. The new 10-day disabled list would also allow the Cubs to backdate Russell's injury (stiff back) to March 30 and create a degree of roster flexibility.

"We're trying to start the season out on a good note and definitely in St. Louis," Russell said Tuesday. "That's kind of the goal, but if the back doesn't feel well until then, maybe that's something that we'll have to do. With the way that I'm feeling, I don't think that's necessary."

The Cubs did get Ben Zobrist (stiff neck) back into the lineup that afternoon against the San Francisco Giants at Sloan Park. Russell estimated he's around "95 percent" and hoped to play Wednesday before the Cubs leave Arizona and fly out for two exhibition games against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.

"We're not trying to take it too quick," Russell said. "Missing a few games here in the spring is a lot better than a few games in the season. I've talked to Joe and there's no hurry back."

Five days out from what should be an electric atmosphere at Busch Stadium, Maddon said athletic trainer PJ Mainville didn't sound concerned about Russell's back issue.

"PJ felt very strongly that he's going to be fine over the next couple days," Maddon said. "From Addison's perspective, knowing baseball players who've been doing so well, you take a couple days off, you're concerned that you're going to lose it.

"I'm certain he's going to be fine. Actually, I'm OK with him getting some rest right now. The biggest thing is: Medically, is he going to be fine? Everybody thinks that he is, so I'm not concerned."

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CSNChicago.com Cubs Release Munenori Kawasaki And Keep The Door Open For His Return By Patrick Mooney

MESA, Ariz. – The Cubs released Munenori Kawasaki on Tuesday, allowing the popular, high-energy Japanese infielder to see what's out there while still keeping the door open for his return.

The timing would also allow the Cubs to avoid paying the $100,000 retention bonus to Kawasaki, who's played parts of five big-league seasons with the , and last year's World Series team.

"Hopefully, we get a chance to sign him back," manager Joe Maddon said at the Sloan Park complex. "A guy like him needs to take advantage of how well he's playing and possibly see if there's a chance to get a major-league job."

With that move, the Cubs cut the roster to 30 players on their second-to-last day in the Cactus League this spring. Between Addison Russell, Ben Zobrist and Javier Baez – and prospects like Ian Happ and Chesny Young – the Cubs would appear to be covered up the middle for now.

"You can never have enough middle infielders," Maddon said. "I'd love to have him, no question. Hopefully, he's going to be back. Again, this is one of those things where the word 'release' is a very harsh word, but I think it can be rectified possibly. I hope he comes back to us."

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Chicago Tribune Kris Bryant signs deal as mobile game endorser By Phil Thompson

Kris Bryant signed a three-year deal to become the face of "MLB Tap Sports Baseball 2017," a mobile app video game.

Glu Mobile tested the waters with the Cubs last season and made a long-term commitment to him as the company pushes out a redesigned game that also features teams, uniforms and logos under several new licensing agreements.

"Coming off an incredible season last year with the World Series win, Kris was absolutely our No. 1 choice for 'MLB Tap Sports Baseball 2017,'" Chris Akhavan, chief revenue officer of Glu Mobile, said via email.

"He has had such an amazing career, and it's just getting started. Kris really stood out as a unique All-Star player that gamers will all want to have as part of their MLB Tap Sports Baseball teams."

Bryant, the 2016 National League MVP, is featured on the game's app icon, screenshots, videos and in-game screens. He also shot a commercial for the app during spring training in Arizona.

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Chicago Tribune Jake Arrieta likes Cubs' progressive spring plan By Mark Gonzales

Kris wasn't your typical spring training, with the Chicago Cubs coming off a short offseason due to their World Series title and an early start caused by the World Baseball Classic.

But Jake Arrieta was thrilled by the handling of the pitching staff, thanks to creative planning by pitching coach and other members of the Cubs' staff.

"I think they did a great job," Arrieta said after allowing three runs in four innings but striking out seven and not allowing a walk. "They gave us the rest they needed. We’re able to go through our throwing progression in a fashion that let us take it at our own pace.

"I was able to play long toss a few days in a row and take couple days off. I was able to throw a side session. I had two days off in preparation for a spring outing. It allowed us some flexibility to do things a little differently, but I think it worked out well for all of us."

Arrieta was especially pleased with the way their routine was mixed up that might pay dividends at the end of the season.

"Thy’re progressive in the sense that they’re willing to go outside the box and do things that haven’t been done before," Arrieta said. "And it’s going to bode well for us. We’re able to ease into things, focus on a few other different things, whether it’s some guys doing dry work mechanically or just getting their bodies in shape, moving some heavy weight, and staying on top of conditioning, as we’ve all done.

"It’s nice to see that. It's not the same mandating throwing programs for everybody. Everyone is different. Being able to utilize that and do things a little different I think will work out well for us."

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Chicago Tribune Cubs can count on Javier Baez if Addison Russell's back problems persist By Mark Gonzales

The Cubs and Addison Russell are confident that the All-Star shortstop's stiff lower back will be better in time for Sunday night's season opener in St. Louis.

Their optimism was expressed at the same time the Cubs released versatile infielder Munenori Kawasaki. Kawasaki, 35, wasn't expected to make the 25-man roster, which must be finalized nine hours before the opener, but his departure raises plenty of middle infield questions that may arise if Russell's back problems resurface.

First, the implementation of the 10-day disabled list as part of the new collective bargaining agreement reduces the minimum time required to be sidelined by five days. Manager Joe Maddon, after consulting with trainer PJ Mainville, said that a DL stint hasn't been mentioned as a consideration for Russell.

Javier Baez, who spent most of the 2016 season shuttling between second and third base, started Tuesday's game against the Giants at shortstop — his original position.

While there wouldn't be a significant drop-off with Baez at short, it could limit some of Maddon's in-game moves if Russell is sidelined.

Baez draws plenty of praise from Cubs for his ability to hold his ground taking throws from second on steal attempts, and his left shoulder absorbed a hard slide by Denard Span on a steal in the second inning, causing him to get to his feet slowly.

With Maddon planning to give second baseman Ben Zobrist more rest, Baez could play fewer games at third if Russell's back issues linger.

So far, there are no plans to give third baseman Kris Bryant playing in the outfield before the season starts.

"It could happen if something were to occur," Maddon said. "I have no problem with him going out there. He's very comfortable in the outfield. It would just take a couple flies."

The Cubs still hope to re-sign Kawasaki to a minor-league deal. In releasing him, they declined to pay him a $100,000 retention bonus. Their minor-league options include spring standout Chesny Young, a second baseman. Young played shortstop in high school but made a couple of loopy throws Monday against the Indians.

"You can never have enough middle infielders," Maddon said.

The encouraging reports on Russell, who hopes to play in Wednesday's Cactus League finale against the Athletics, occurred on the same day that Zobrist returned to play after missing eight days because of a stiff neck.

Zobrist, 35, remains prepared to receive more rest after his pre-spring training meeting with Maddon about the benefits of remaining sharp.

"I think his words were, 'Really think rest is the next improvement in player performance, learning what rest means, what good rest is for players and what kind of rest certain players need versus otherwise,'" Zobrist said. "That doesn't necessarily mean just because you're 35. If could mean you're 25.

"You've got to take care of yourself and make sure you're getting the proper rest."

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Chicago Tribune Cubs' final roster spot coming down to Matt Szczur or Tommy La Stella By Mark Gonzales

The truck transporting the Cubs equipment and personal belongings to Wrigley Field arrived Tuesday in front of their complex.

But it wasn't certain if every player on the 25-man roster had been allowed to place property on the truck.

"There are still some items to be thought through," manager Joe Maddon said. "I don't think it's absolutely been nailed down yet. But it's really close."

A handful of moves Tuesday left the roster at 27, with the final decision between outfielder Matt Szczur and infielder Tommy La Stella as catcher Carlos Corporan is expected to start the season at Triple-A Iowa.

Szczur, who is out of options, entered Tuesday's game against the Giants as a defensive replacement in the sixth. Szczur has attracted attention from several teams, but they could wait to see if the Cubs place him on waivers.

The Cubs returned left-hander Caleb Smith, a Rule 5 selection, to the Yankees.

Infielders Jemile Weeks and Chris Dominguez, both injured, were assigned to minor-league camp.

Major-league impression: Pitcher Kyle Hendricks and hitting consultant Kevin Youkilis made passionate speeches to Cubs minor-league players at the request of former Cubs great Rick Sutcliffe, a spring training instructor.

Hendricks emphasized to pitchers the importance of command, preparation and being a good teammate. Youkilis advised hitters to take command of the strike zone and counts.

Sutcliffe invited pitcher Jon Lester and catcher David Ross to talk to the minor leaguers last spring.

Rooting for Ross: Arrieta was among the Cubs players who said they were impressed with Ross' latest performance on "Dancing With the Stars."

"I liked it," Arrieta said. "I thought his first one was really good. I thought the second one was better. He moved around a little bit more."

Sutcliffe is scheduled to tape a DWTS segment Wednesday with Ross in which Sutcliffe will play the role of a bartender but won't dance.

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Chicago Tribune Cubs hope to re-sign Munenori Kawasaki to minor league deal By Mark Gonzales

The Chicago Cubs' decision to release infielder Munenori Kawasaki allowed him to seek a better deal with another team.

The Cubs also avoided paying Kawasaki a $100,000 retention bonus by releasing him by Tuesday, although they hope to re-sign the popular switch-hitting infielder to a minor league contract.

"Hopefully we get a chance to sign him back," Maddon said. "A guy like him needs to take advantage of how well he’s playing and possibly see if there’s a chance to get a major league job. That’s all that is. But we’d love to get him back."

The Cubs could use a player of Kawasaki's caliber at shortstop at Triple-A Iowa as insurance, although Chesny Young played shortstop in high school and played short on Monday against the Cleveland Indians.

At the major league level, Javier Baez and Ben Zobrist can play short and second.

"You can never have enough middle infielders," Maddon said. "I’d love to have (Kawasaki). Hopefully he’s going to be back.

"The word ‘release’ is a very harsh word. But I think it can be rectified possibly. I hope he comes back to us."

The released former Cubs outfielder-infielder under similar financial considerations, and the Cubs did the same with outfielder Shane Victorino last March.

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Chicago Tribune Joe Maddon: DL not a consideration for Addison Russell By Mark Gonzales

Shortstop Addison Russell believes his back has improved to the point where he could return to the Cubs lineup as soon as Wednesday.

Russell will need to show some progress soon as the Cubs move closer to finalizing their 25-man roster by Sunday night's season opener at St. Louis, but manager Joe Maddon doesn't believe Russell could be placed on the 10-day disabled list.

“Not considering it right now," Maddon said Tuesday. "I talked to (trainer) PJ Mainville, and he said (Russell) is going to be fine."

Russell showed no signs of discomfort as he leaned over to unpack some cleats while expressing his optimism.

“We’re trying to start the season on a good note and definitely in St. Louis," Russell said. "That’s kind of goal. But if the back doesn’t feel well by then, maybe that (going on the disabled list) is something we have to do. But the way I’m feeling, I don’t think it’s necessary.”

Russell, who hasn't played since Wednesday, plans to get the bulk of work in games at Houston on Thursday and Friday.

“I feel like it’s 95 percent better," Russell said before walking around with a heat pack behind his back. "We’re not trying to take it too quick. I think missing a few games here in the spring are a lot better than a few games in the season.

"I’ve talked to Joe, and there’s no hurry back. I think in Houston I’ll get the most reps before I play again. We’ll go from there. But as far as tightness, it’s getting a lot better.”

Russell said he felt discomfort the morning after a night game against the Reds last Wednesday.

"I was aware of it coming here and trying to get it loose, (but) it wasn’t doing what it was supposed to do," Russell said. "I went into the cage, tried to take my time, and there just wasn’t a swing or anything. I just felt it and said,

'hey, I’m going to go into the training room. It’s better that I analyze my body and make sure I’m aware of what’s going on there.'

"If I wasn’t, I could take free hacks and be out even longer. It’s not really bad of an injury and looking forward to getting back in the lineup."

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