March 19, 2017 CSNChicago.com, Ian Happ Will Be In The Conversation For 2017 Cubs http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/ian-happ-will-be-conversation-2017-cubs CSNChicago.com, How John Lackey Could Come Back To Cubs And Strengthen 2018 Rotation: ‘Never Say Never’ http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/how-john-lackey-could-come-back-cubs-and-strengthen-2018- rotation-never-say-never CSNChicago.com, Top Cubs Prospect Eloy Jimenez Undergoes Shoulder Exam http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/top-cubs-prospect-eloy-jimenez-undergoes-shoulder-exam Chicago Tribune, Veteran John Lackey leaning toward pitching in 2018 http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-john-lackey-future-cubs-spt-0319-20170318- story.html Chicago Tribune, Saturday's split-squad recap: Cubs 6, Japan 4; Brewers 13, Cubs 7 http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-spring-recap-spt-0319-20170318-story.html Chicago Tribune, Cubs' Ian Happ could hop to majors in 2017 http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-ian-happ-majors-20170318-story.html Chicago Tribune, Cubs' Joe Maddon to Team Japan: Enjoy a Dodger dog http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-joe-maddon-japan-dodger-dog-20170318- story.html Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs optimistic Eloy Jimenez’ shoulder injury not serious http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-optimistic-eloy-jimenez-shoulder-injury-not-serious/ Chicago Sun-Times, John Lackey to return to Cubs in 2018? ‘Never say never’ http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/john-lackey-to-return-to-cubs-in-2018-never-say-never/ Chicago Sun-Times, Split-squad split for Cubs, who beat Team Japan, fall to Brewers http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/split-squad-split-for-cubs-who-beat-team-japan-fall-to-brewers/ Daily Herald, How Kyle Schwarber's blue-collar roots keep him grounded in Chicago http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170318/sports/170318828/ Daily Herald, Kyle Schwarber hometown connection to Babe Ruth http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170318/sports/170318826/ Cubs.com, Rizzo, Russell among 4 Cubs to HR vs. Crew http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/219867232/brewers-manny-pina-kyle-wren-hit-3-run-hrs/ Cubs.com, Maddon wants to face Classic champions http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/219933730/joe-maddon-wants-cubs-to-face-classic-champs/ Cubs.com, Heyward, Kawasaki contribute in Japan tuneup http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/219870178/cubs-jason-heyward-drives-in-2-vs-team-japan/ Cubs.com, Cubs well aware of challenge facing champs http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/219953696/cubs-know-repeating-as-champs-not-easy/ Cubs.com, Schwarber adjusting to new spot in right field http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/219878694/cubs-kyle-schwarber-adjusts-to-right-field/ -- CSNChicago.com Ian Happ Will Be In The Conversation For 2017 Cubs By Patrick Mooney MESA, Ariz. – Ian Happ doesn't necessarily have to be a trade chip to impact a pennant race this summer. The Cubs believe his Wrigley Field ETA could be as soon as 2017. The Opening Day roster is out of the question. Javier Baez is one of the most electrifying players in the game — a human highlight film in October and the World Baseball Classic — and even he doesn't have an everyday spot in this lineup. That critical mass of hitters means Happ's name will be in trade rumors if/when the Cubs need to deal for pitching at the deadline. But this franchise also watched first-round picks from the 2012, 2013 and 2014 drafts help spark a 10th-inning, Game 7 rally in the 2016 World Series. There are enough signs to think Happ — the ninth overall pick in the 2015 draft out of the University of Cincinnati — could join Albert Almora Jr., Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber in The Show at some point this season. "Yes, he is in the conversation," manager Joe Maddon said. "Now it's up to him to go out there and perform at a level that indicates that he's ready right now. Spring training and the regular season — even in the minor leagues — is entirely different." Happ's Cactus League performance —.417 batting average and 1.239 OPS through 18 games — obviously doesn't mean all that much in isolation. But Theo Epstein's front office knows how to identify college hitters and Maddon is willing to move players around and trust rookies on a contending team. Happ started in left field against Team Japan during Saturday afternoon's exhibition at Sloan Park, moving off second base and demonstrating the defensive versatility and switch-hitting skills that could put him on a faster track. "It's up to him," Maddon said. "Right now, he looks great. He's going to have to go out and play. Listen, I think he's really good. He's a major-league player, absolutely. Right now, he's kicking it pretty good. "But you don't know what's going to happen during the season. You don't know how he's going to react to the beginning part of the year. For me – with guys like that – let them go play and they'll let you know when they're ready." Happ isn't on the 40-man roster yet and he's only played 65 games above the A-ball level. The flexibility might reflect a so-so defender without an obvious spot more than a super-utility guy in the Ben Zobrist mold. But the guy can hit, Maddon's philosophy has created a trickle-down effect in the farm system and the Cubs aren't afraid to push young talent. "He's very self-confident," Maddon said. "Not in an arrogant way, but in an ‘I can do this, I belong here' kind of a way. And I think that's going to get him here sooner. "You look at what gets him here sooner: Where's the need going to arise? If you just slot him at second base only – and that's the only position you feel comfortable with and you need a left fielder or whatever – (it becomes): ‘Oh, we can't bring him up because he doesn't play that position.' That's why I think the versatility is so important. But I like what I've seen." -- CSNChicago.com How John Lackey Could Come Back To Cubs And Strengthen 2018 Rotation: ‘Never Say Never’ By Patrick Mooney MESA, Ariz. – There's always been an obvious difference between how John Lackey is perceived by the outside world and inside the clubhouse. "Really?" Jon Lester said sarcastically. Yeah, that's breaking Cubs news, but Lackey has seemed a little goofy this spring, or at least more eager to fire off one-liners at the media, zinging David Ross for saying 'yes' to everything in retirement and slamming the idea of a Grandpa-style farewell tour, saying he just won't show up the next year. "That's a fact," Lackey said with a laugh after looking sharp during Saturday afternoon's 6-4 win over Team Japan at Sloan Park. "I promise you." This might only last until the first time the best-in-baseball defense doesn't turn what Lackey thinks is a double play. It shouldn't be interpreted as Lackey turning soft after getting sized for his third World Series ring. But between the Lester bromance, a talented, professional young core that lives up to his old-school code and a Cubs rotation that could be in tatters after this season, Lackey is going to keep his options open. "At this point, I think I'm more likely to pitch next year than not pitch," Lackey said. "But we'll see at the end of the season." In front of 14,204 in Mesa, Lackey gave up one run across five innings against a Japanese team heading to the World Baseball Classic semifinals at Dodger Stadium. Between the command, experience and velocity, Jake Arrieta predicted Lackey could pitch another three years if he wanted. "A couple years might be a stretch," Lackey said. "But we'll see. I'm just going to pitch this season (first)." After that, the Cubs could be looking at replacing at least 40 percent of their rotation, the assumption being super- agent Scott Boras will negotiate a megadeal for Arrieta somewhere else. As for Lackey, he will be 39 on Opening Day 2018, more than six years removed from Tommy John surgery at that point. "Never say never," general manager Jed Hoyer said. "This guy's been defying Father Time for a while." Lackey recovered from the procedure on his right elbow and rehabbed his image around Fenway Park, helping the Boston Red Sox win the 2013 World Series. Since getting traded to the St. Louis Cardinals and signing a two-year, $32 million deal with the Cubs, Lackey has thrived in the National League, going 27-21 with a 3.20 ERA in 72 starts. "The way his career's been set up, it almost feels like two different careers," Hoyer said. "He had the great run before he got hurt. He had some struggles in Boston when he was hurt, but he had the surgery, and he's been a really good pitcher ever since. His work ethic is fantastic. "It's not a decision that you make right now. But certainly we love having him. I think his edge, his swagger is fantastic for our team. And we're certainly glad that we signed him last winter." Like Lackey famously said, he didn't come here for a haircut.