March 20, 2018

Chicago Sun-Times, Jon Lester’s new security blanket puts Cub pitcher’s yips, base runners to sleep https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/jon-lesters-new-security-blanket-puts-cub-pitchers-yips-base-runners-to-sleep/

Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs reliever Pedro Strop makes spring debut, says he’ll be ready for season https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-reliever-pedro-strop-makes-spring-debut-says-hell-be-ready-for-season/

Chicago Sun-Times, Jon Lester pitches into seventh in spring win, looks ready for opener https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/jon-lester-pitches-into-seventh-in-spring-win-looks-ready-for-opener/

Daily Herald, Chicago Cubs have their closer, but rest of bullpen will continue evolving http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20180319/chicago-cubs-have-their-closer-but-rest-of-bullpen-will-continue-evolving

The Athletic, Where things stand with decision time fast approaching at Cubs camp https://theathletic.com/280866/2018/03/19/where-things-stand-with-decision-time-fast-approaching-at-cubs-camp/

Cubs.com, Lester shines in Opening Day tuneup https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/jon-lester-pitches-into-7th-inning-vs-reds/c-269163312

Cubs.com, Bourjos' fate may depend on bullpen's size https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/peter-bourjos-is-on-cubs-roster-bubble/c-269161530

Cubs.com, Zobrist, Dillard bring laughs, insight on podcast https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/ben-zobrist-tim-dillard-show-and-go-podcast/c-269096922

Chicago Tribune, Plenty of hype for Ian Happ's defense in center field http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-ian-happ-center-field-20180320-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Jon Lester on Cubs' outlook as spring training winds down: 'I like where we're at' http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-jon-lester-20180320-story.html

Chicago Tribune, On his 41st birthday, David Ross upstaged at Cubs spring training by his 8-year-old son http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-david-ross-birthday-20180319-story.html

Chicago Tribune, This could be Willson Contreras' season to clean up as Cubs' No. 4 hitter http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-batting-order-willson-contreras-20180319-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Cubs opening roster could come down to minor-league options http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-roster-options-notes-20180319-story.html

-- Chicago Sun-Times Jon Lester’s new security blanket puts Cub pitcher’s yips, base runners to sleep By Gordon Wittenmyer MESA, Ariz. — Is this the year everybody finally stops writing about Jon Lester’s inability to hold runners and teams using the running game against him? Probably not (see first sentence). But it might be the year teams finally recognize that even without personal catcher/pacifier David Ross behind the plate, Lester’s Achilles’ heel can’t be exploited the way it used to be. Willson Contreras, who took the Lester reins when Ross retired after the 2016 World Series, might provide even more cover for Lester than Ross if his first year with Lester was any indication. “This spring training is much easier,” Lester said earlier in camp. “I would imagine especially for Willy, as well. Nobody’s making a big deal about who he’s catching, that David Ross isn’t here, yada, yada, all that other stuff. “As far as working with him and the way he goes about it, I love everything he does back there.” Contereras made the transition from Ross work from the start by heeding Ross’ advice to work with first baseman Anthony Rizzo on pickoff signs and learn Lester’s tendencies. He helped nab 12 of the 31 runners who tried to steal against Lester last year. He also tied for the major-league lead in catcher pickoffs with six. (He and Ross combined for nine catcher pickoffs, ranking 1-2 the year before in fewer than 60 games each.) The 31 runners were down from 41 in 2016 and 55 in 2015, Lester’s first season in the National League — when he surrendered a major-league-high 44 steals. “Jon had the security blanket in Rossy. They had a great relationship,” said general manager Jed Hoyer, who signed Ross to a two-year contract at Lester’s request when Lester agreed to his six-year, $155 million deal before the 2015 season. “I think last year was definitely the year [Lester] had some trepidation going into spring training, with a new catcher, a young catcher. I thought it went great.” Contreras took command working with Lester from early in the season, including what he described as a stern conversation on the mound one June afternoon at Wrigley Field when the Cardinals’ Tommy Pham was dancing close to 20 feet off first between pitches.

“I went out there and said, ‘Hey, [expletive], throw the ball to first,’ ” Contreras told a ballroom of young fans during Cubs Convention in January. “And then he threw to first, and he got him out.” Lester remembers the pickoff heard ’round the league. He disputed the exact language but didn’t dispute Contreras’ general demeanor. “He’s not afraid,” Lester said. “As a young guy, he calls people out when he needs to. He’s obviously not scared to get in an umpire’s face, which I think is great.” The Cubs are trying to get Contreras to tone down that last part. But with three years left on Lester’s contract, the Cubs apparently have more than survived the first threat of adversity with Lester, who will make his third opening-day start for them March 29 against the Marlins. “The bond he had with Rossy is going to be very hard to replicate no matter how long [Lester and Contreras] play together,” Hoyer said, “but we were really happy with the way they transitioned.” Now maybe all those questions and media stories about Lester’s problems holding runners can finally be put to rest. “I’m excited just to do away with all the hoopla and all the nonsense,” Lester said. “And now we can just get to work and play.” -- Chicago Sun-Times Cubs reliever Pedro Strop makes spring debut, says he’ll be ready for season By Gordon Wittenmyer MESA, Ariz. — Two openings in the bullpen the final week of Cubs camp? Not if Pedro Strop can help it. Strop, a late-inning mainstay for the team, hadn’t pitched all spring because of a calf injury before making his spring debut against minor-leaguers Monday. “They say he threw great. The ball’s coming out really good,” manager Joe Maddon said. “Stropy stopped by to see me, and he said he felt awesome.” In fact, Strop said he’s sure he can open the season on time despite there being only a week of exhibition games left on the schedule. That’s based on him pitching an inning Thursday against the Giants, then facing the Royals on Sunday and the Red Sox on Tuesday in the final spring exhibition in Fort Myers, Florida. “I’ve got plenty of time,” Strop said. “I’m ready.” If he can’t go, that opens another short-term roster spot in addition to the bullpen job vacated with the release of Justin Grimm last week.

“Everything’s based on how he feels, how the ball’s coming out, where he thinks he’s at in conjunction with what the trainers are thinking,” Maddon said, adding that the Cubs might not have to take the decision down to the final day or two even if the decision is to clear Strop. “Even though he’s had an injury, his arm has not been shut down. He’s been throwing the whole time. That’s the good part about all this.” Bat or arm? The Cubs have said from the start of spring that their plan was to take an eight-man bullpen into the season. But now they aren’t ruling out the possibility of using the Grimm slot on a bench player. “It’s not out of the question,” said Maddon, who has raved about veteran outfielder Peter Bourjos, a non-roster player, much of camp. “Love him. Absolutely love him. I’ve admired him from a distance for a while.” But the decision isn’t just about whether to keep Bourjos or an eighth reliever. Maddon also mentioned the big spring that infielders Mike Freeman and Ryan Court are having. “There’s a lot of guys that have been playing well,” he said. “Do you go with three catchers? “For me, it’s always about the eight versus the extra guy on the bench. Who’s going to help you win more? But then, again, it’s also about maybe, possibly losing somebody you don’t want to lose.” Right-hander Eddie Butler, one of the favorites for final bullpen consideration, is out of options and would be waived if he doesn’t make the big-league club. The fact that the Cubs have only one day off in the first 11 days of the season could work in favor of keeping the extra pitcher — though Maddon noted he expects all five starters to be stretched out to 100 pitches by then. And he has long reliever Mike Montgomery at his disposal. -- Chicago Sun-Times Jon Lester pitches into seventh in spring win, looks ready for opener By Gordon Wittenmyer GOODYEAR, Ariz. — In his second-to-last start of the spring, opening-day starter Jon Lester – working with a 100-pitch limit – pitched the longest outing of the spring for a Cubs starter in a 5-4 victory over the Reds on Monday night at Goodyear Ballpark. He retired the first two batters of the seventh before running out of pitches, left with a 5-3 lead and earned the win. Lester (3-1, 2.81 ERA this spring) struck out six in the game and retired nine of the first 12 before three consecutive one-out hits in the fourth produced two runs. “I feel good physically,” he said. He has one tapered start Saturday before the March 29 opener. Ian on the spot

Ian Happ continued to impress in the leadoff spot, leading off the game with a single (and scoring the game’s first run), then drawing a walk in the second. Monday night’s center fielder also made a pair of long-running catches, both near the wall in right-center, one to end the bottom of the third, the other for the second out of the fifth. In 14 games this spring, all batting leadoff, Happ s 13-for-38 (.342) with five walks (.419 on-base percentage) and nine extra-base hits (.868 slugging) after the walk. With Morrow than a week to spare Closer Brandon Morrow pitched an inning in a minor-league game Monday, his fifth appearance of the spring, and appears ready for the start of the season next week. “He looks fine to me – looks great, actually,” manager Joe Maddon said. “I’m not worried about the results. Physically, health-wise, it’s there. The pitches are there. The velocity’s there, the break is there. Everything’s there. He just has to get out there and compete in a big-league game.” Morrow is expected to pitch twice more before the opener. Who’s on first? Ben Zobrist. Eventually. Maddon said Monday he still plans to get the versatile veteran some time there before the end of camp to be ready for Anthony Rizzo backup duty. Strep club Kyle Hendricks is supposed to start a minor-league game on Tuesday’s off day to get his scheduled work in. But a case of strep throat has cast that in doubt. Either way, his status for his March 30 season debut was not expected to be impacted. On deck: Cubs are off Tuesday. -- Daily Herald Chicago Cubs have their closer, but rest of bullpen will continue evolving By Bruce Miles Any discussion of a baseball team's bullpen should always begin with this disclaimer: Bullpens are the most fickle and finicky part of any team, and the bullpen a team has to begin the season is never the one it has to end the season. So now we can move forward in talking about the Cubs' relief corps -- or at least as it stands now. The biggest move of the off-season was the signing of Brandon Morrow to a free-agent contract. Morrow will serve as the team's closer, replacing Wade Davis, who took his steady presence to the Colorado Rockies.

The Cubs have had remarkable stability at the closer's spot over the past few years. Hector Rondon did steady work until losing the job to Aroldis Chapman in the middle of the 2016 season. Rondon, who signed with Houston after not being tendered a contract, ranks sixth on Cubs' all-time saves with 77. Davis provided a calm presence last year in his only season with the Cubs, saving 32 games in 33 opportunities. For his career, Morrow has only 18 saves, but high-leverage situations are not new to him. After all, he appeared in 14 games for the Dodgers last postseason, including all seven World Series games. During the 2017 regular season, Morrow was 6-0 with a 2.06 ERA and a WHIP of 0.92. "I was really very comfortable coming out of the bullpen last year," he told cubs.com. "Obviously, to get all the experience in the pressure innings in the playoffs, which I hadn't been in before, and pitching innings that mattered (helped)." The Cubs recently released right-hander Justin Grimm, who has signed with the Kansas City Royals. That opens a possible spot, depending on whether they go with a 12-man or a 13-man pitching staff. The right-handed setup men are holdovers Carl Edwards Jr., Pedro Strop and sidearmer Steve Cishek, who was signed in the off-season. Strop has been slowed by a calf injury and illness during spring training, but he is expected to be ready by Opening Day. It is possible that righty Eddie Butler, who made 11 starts in 13 games last year for the Cubs, could win a bullpen job. The lefties include swing man Mike Montgomery, Brian Duensing and Justin Wilson. After a bad first month last year, Duensing went on to have a solid season for the Cubs, and he re-signed in the off-season. The Cubs were expecting big things from Wilson after obtaining him from Detroit in a July 31 trade last year, but he struggled with his new team, going 1-0 with a 5.09 ERA and a WHIP of 2.09. Both Wilson and the Cubs are hopeful a reset will help. From Day 1 of the off-season, Cubs president Theo Epstein has talked of need to throw more strikes out of the bullpen. Last year, Cubs relievers waked 264 batters in 559 inning, contributing to a WHIP of 1.30 for the pen. "We were 30th out of 30 (last) year in walk rate, the only team over 10 percent unintentional walk rate, and that's not acceptable," Epstein said at the time. "None of us feel good about that. We managed to have the third-lowest bullpen ERA in the National League, but we did it in a way we're not really comfortable getting there. We have to get better. We have to throw more strikes. "We didn't peak at the right time: October. We kind of peaked in September, the last three weeks of the regular season. Our pen was a huge factor in that pennant push. Our pen in the last three weeks of the season was really lights-out and helped get us there. But we didn't deliver in October, including some guys who are going to be big parts of our future and we really believe in. So we just have to figure out a way to help develop those guys and get them more consistent and throw more strikes across the board in the bullpen." --

The Athletic Where things stand with decision time fast approaching at Cubs camp By Patrick Mooney GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Cubs aren’t making any decisions that will draw as much scrutiny as Kris Bryant’s service-time manipulation. There’s no will-they-or-won’t-they uncertainty about sending an uber-prospect like Javier Baez to Triple-A Iowa for more seasoning. The Cubs are — knock on wood — relatively healthy. There’s no Brett Anderson vs. Mike Montgomery debate. The 1-through-5 rotation on paper might be the best since Joe Maddon offered to buy everyone a shot and a beer at The Cubby Bear. “I can only really speak for myself, but I feel good physically,” Jon Lester said after pitching into the seventh inning of Monday night’s 5-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. The $155 million lefty allowed three runs and finished with six strikeouts against one walk, ramping up to prepare for March 29 at Marlins Park. “It’s been a great camp, run very smoothly, very crisp. I know that’s the word I’ve been saying every time I’ve pitched, but it’s just been great. Minimal stuff has come up for us. I know Javy’s been dealing with some stuff and (so has) Stropy (Pedro Strop), but hopefully they’re good to go here in another week. “I like where we’re at. Knowing these young guys and how they operate, they’ll be amped up and ready to go for opening day.” But for a team that reported to Arizona without any high-profile job battles — and had a very clear idea of the 25-man roster at that point — the Cubs will still have to make some interesting decisions during the final week of spring training. • Peter Bourjos is pushing to make the team as a Gold Glove-caliber extra outfielder who can pinch-run and be a late-game defensive replacement for Kyle Schwarber. Bourjos — who would earn $1.45 million in the majors — is seen as a good clubhouse influence and has made an impression by hitting .342 (13-for-38) in the Cactus League. Ben Zobrist will be 37 in May. Jason Heyward and Albert Almora Jr. play with crash-into-the-wall intensity. At some point this season — remember Quintin Berry and Leonys Martin — the Cubs are going to need someone like Bourjos. “Love him, absolutely love him,” Maddon said. “I really like Peter a lot. I had a lot of really good conversations with him. I’ve admired his work from a distance for a while. I was straight-up with him and told him all that stuff. I’ve spent a lot of time with him specifically this camp, just talking about things that I’ve noticed that I wanted him to know from me. The conversation’s easy. He’s a pro. I’m really enjoying the way he’s playing.” • Strop is upbeat by nature, but the right-handed reliever didn’t sound worried about being ready for the season opener: “I have plenty of time.” Strop — who has been delayed by a calf injury — took his first step by throwing in a minor league game Monday in Mesa. The plan is for Strop to appear in his first Cactus League game on Thursday, throw again on Sunday and get a final tune-up inning during the team’s last exhibition next week at the Boston Red Sox facility in Florida.

“Everything’s based on how he feels,” Maddon said, “how the ball’s coming out, where does he think he’s at in conjunction with what the trainers are thinking. Of course, he could get four in, but we could make up our mind before that also — yes or no. “He feels really good about it. He’s been throwing the whole time. Even though he’s had an injury, his arm has not been shut down, so that’s the good part about all this. We’ll wait and see.” • Maddon didn’t completely rule out the idea of carrying three catchers, but it’s obvious that the Cubs would prefer a veteran like Chris Gimenez to back up Willson Contreras, so Victor Caratini can play every day at Iowa, where last year he put up a .951 OPS in the Pacific Coast League. In a quieter camp — or at a different point in franchise history — Caratini would be a big spring-training story as a 24-year-old switch-hitting catcher. It’s also worth noting that the Cubs give their catchers a lot of responsibilities within their game-planning system. “He’s only been catching full-time for four years,” farm director Jaron Madison said. “He’s moved up quickly through the system. People forget that he was a third baseman when he was drafted. It’s just continuing to develop behind the plate, learning how to call games and then just getting at-bats. It’s just making sure he’s completely ready.” • The Cubs have softened on the idea of carrying eight relievers, which sounded like an automatic in mid-February and could open a spot for someone like Bourjos or Caratini (who can also back up Anthony Rizzo at first base). “It’s not out of the question,” Maddon said. “It’s not impossible. We want to look at everything. When it gets down to the very end, man, there might be some guys you don’t want to lose. If you [go] seven- or eight-man [bullpen], what does that mean position player-wise? Who don’t you want to lose over there also? How do you want to work that? Who’s going to help you win more? “That’s why the conversation gets really interesting this time of the year.” • As the Cubs discuss their bullpen options, it sounds like Maddon will be lobbying for Justin Hancock, a 6-foot-4 right-hander acquired from the San Diego Padres in last year’s Matt Szczur deal: “He’s got A-lister stuff.” Hancock has struck out six of the 16 Cactus League batters he’s faced — including White Sox slugger Jose Abreu — and allowed one run in 4.1 innings. “He’s got a lightning bolt for an arm,” Maddon said. “This guy is really intriguing to me. I didn’t know him from anybody when he came into camp. And first pitch he threw, I said, ‘Whoa, who is that?’ And then I looked more deeply and I’ve been studying it more deeply. He’s very, very interesting.” • How does Justin Wilson get into the circle of trust? Not to overreact to small sample sizes or overrate performances in spring training, but Wilson bombed as a Cub (5.09 ERA, 19 walks in 17.2 innings) after last summer’s trade-deadline deal with the Detroit Tigers. The talk went from potential future closer to why he got left off the NLCS roster. The fresh-start angle worked during Wilson’s first three scoreless appearances in the Cactus League. Since then, the Cubs revealed the lefty had a minor blister. He’s had one clean inning in his last four outings. He got zero outs on Sunday against the Kansas City Royals, giving up a three-run homer to Mike Moustakas, the free-agent holdout trying to get his timing back.

“It was just pitch selection,” Maddon said. “I think his stuff’s been really good. I know the other day the results weren’t good. I don’t worry about stuff like that. He’s healthy. He’s well. The ball’s coming out good. To me, that was a pitch-selection moment. That wasn’t stuff. I’d like to believe in-season he would have chosen a different pitch in some of those moments. I think that’s got him in trouble more than anything – what he’s throwing and not how he was throwing it.” -- Cubs.com Lester shines in Opening Day tuneup By Carrie Muskat GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- It didn't matter to Jon Lester, the Cubs' Opening Day starter, that he faced a National League Central rival on Monday. His goal was to throw 100 pitches or go seven innings, work on his fastball command and come out of the outing healthy, and the lefty did all that. Lester tuned up for the season by striking out six over 6 2/3 innings in the Cubs' 5-4 victory over the Reds. Making his fourth spring start, Lester scattered nine hits and walked one. He has 15 strikeouts in 16 innings this spring. "I feel good physically, and tonight I felt was a good step with fastball command and being able to do some of the things we talked about after last game," Lester said. He got some help, as center fielder Ian Happ made a nice running catch of Phil Gosselin's fly ball to end the third inning and catcher Willson Contreras threw out two potential basestealers. "I love our defense," Lester said. "It's just a matter of us not allowing the ball to go over the fence." Lester most likely will face the Reds on April 3 in his second regular-season start. Seeing them now doesn't really help him. "In spring, you get into a start like this and you start asking for information from [coach Mike Borzello], and we're not there yet," Lester said. "We're, more or less, 'Let's get the ball down, let's move it strike one.' It's the basics of pitching, and when we get into the season and can execute to the side of the plate we want to, then you worry about game plans. Right now, it's about being healthy and getting through it." Lester helped himself in the second inning with an RBI single, but he took the safe route in the sixth inning against the Reds' hard-throwing Tanner Rainey, who struck out Lester looking. "That guy was throwing too hard for me," Lester said of Rainey. "For the third at-bat of spring, I didn't want to mess around with 100 [mph]. I turned to [Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco] after the first pitch and said something that I can't say on camera. [Mesoraco] goes, 'Yeah, it's 100,' and I said, 'OK,' and just took the rest. I'm good with that." Lester will make one more exhibition start on Saturday before his Opening Day assignment March 29 against the Marlins.

"It's been a great camp, run very smoothly, very crisp," Lester said. "I like where we're at. These guys, knowing these young guys [on the Cubs] and how they operate, they'll be amped up and ready for Opening Day." -- Cubs.com Bourjos' fate may depend on bullpen's size By Carrie Muskat GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- As the Cubs head into the final week of games in Arizona, they're still debating roster decisions, such as whether to carry seven or eight relievers. What they do could affect the status of someone like outfielder Peter Bourjos, who has been impressive in camp. Bourjos, 30, a non-roster invitee who has played for the Angels, Cardinals, Phillies and Rays, was batting .342 (13-for-38) in 14 games with the Cubs heading into Monday night's matchup with the Reds. "Love him -- absolutely love him," manager Joe Maddon said. "I've had a lot of good conversations with him, and I've admired his work from a distance for a while. I told him all of that stuff. I spent a lot of time talking with him in this camp about things I've noticed. The conversation is easy, he's a pro. I see him coming out of his shell -- meaning he's getting more comfortable here. The dialogue is real easy, and I enjoy the way he's playing." But the Cubs have other considerations. They could go with three catchers. What if they favor versatile Ryan Court, who has played infield and the outfield? Shortstop Mike Freeman has had a good camp, too. "Everybody is making it difficult," Maddon said. "It's a combination of skill, guys who have done it before and how they fit in. It's really important to fit in here now, and they all fit." The Cubs appear to be set with seven relievers, including closer Brandon Morrow, Pedro Strop, Justin Wilson, Mike Montgomery, Steve Cishek, Brian Duensing, and Carl Edwards Jr. The candidates for the potential eighth spot include Justin Hancock, Anthony Bass, Kyle Ryan and Eddie Butler. "Eddie provides length, which could be important to us, but so do some of the other guys," Maddon said. "I don't have any answers yet." After an off-day Tuesday, the Cubs have six more games in Arizona, then two exhibition games against the Red Sox in Fort Myers, Fla., next week. "We want to look at everything," Maddon said. Injury update Strop, who has been sidelined with a sore left calf, threw one inning in a Minor League game on Monday. He was expected to appear in three more exhibition games. "I have plenty of time," Strop said. "Everything's based on how he feels, how the ball is coming out, where he thinks he's at," Maddon said. "Of course, you could get four [appearances] in, but we could make up our minds before that, yes or no. He's been throwing the whole time. Even though he had an injury, his arm was not shut down. We'll

wait and see the next time and then the next time, and each time we'll evaluate and hopefully make our best call." Morrow is right on track Morrow also pitched in the Minor League game on Monday, his fifth spring appearance. He'll get at least three more outings, including back-to-back games at the end of camp. "That will be plenty," Morrow said. "I feel like I'm ready to go now." Last year, Morrow appeared in 13 spring games with the Dodgers, but that was a different scenario. The right-hander had signed a Minor League contract. "I was trying to make a team, so I was a guy who they were running out there," Morrow said. Maddon has seen enough. "I think he is [ready], just talking to him after the previous [outings]," Maddon said. "He looks fine to me, he looks great. Physically, it's there, the pitches are there, the velocity is there, the break is there. He just has to get out and compete in a big league game." One thing Morrow hasn't done is pick his entrance music. "I've got some suggestions from different people that I'm sorting through," he said. "Nothing stands out yet." Gimenez enjoying Nevada's NCAA run When Chris Gimenez returned to Phoenix from the Cubs' split-squad games in Las Vegas, he caught the end of the NCAA men's basketball game between his alma mater, Nevada, and outfielder Ian Happ's Cincinnati team, which was a No. 2 seed. Nevada, a No. 7 seed, posted an upset win, 75-73, to advance. "I may have gotten [Happ] a Sweet 16 shirt," Gimenez said with a smirk. "From what I saw on Twitter, [Cincinnati] had put them out -- 'Hey, buy these shirts now because we're going.' I think it's fair to get him one, right?" Next up for the Wolf Pack in the tourney is Loyola Chicago, an 11 seed that also advanced via an upset. "I'm extremely excited and happy for the program," Gimenez said of the Nevada team. "The kids, they busted their butts, and they deserved it. They have a very tough opponent with Loyola Chicago, and I have to be careful with the words I say. I wish both teams well. "I guess you're in a win-win situation if you're a guy like me, although my alma mater, I'd be happy for them. Either way, someone is going to the Elite Eight who hasn't been there in a while." Zo working at first base Ben Zobrist will get some playing time at first base this spring. He's been working with infield coach Brian Butterfield. The versatile Zobrist has played all over, but only 23 games at first. "Zo wants to feel good about it," Maddon said. "It's about the road map. Where do I go? Where do I go on cutoffs and relays? Where do I go on bunt defense? That's the uncomfortable part." Up next

Tuesday is an off-day for the Cubs, although right-hander Kyle Hendricks will stay on schedule and pitch in a Minor League game at the team complex in Mesa. On Wednesday, the Cubs travel to Surprise to face the Rangers, and Yu Darvish is slated to start against his former team. In three starts this spring, Darvish has struck out 13 over 10 1/3 innings. -- Cubs.com Zobrist, Dillard bring laughs, insight on podcast By Adam McCalvy and Carrie Muskat PHOENIX -- It sounds like the setup to a joke: A World Series MVP, a Minor League lifer, a college coach and a strength guy walk into a podcast studio ... What you get is "Show and Go," the brainchild of the Cubs' Ben Zobrist and pitcher, filmmaker and funnyman Tim Dillard, who is entering his 16th season in professional baseball with the Brewers. With Trevecca Nazarene University head baseball coach Ryan Schmalz and Zobrist's personal trainer, Josh Costello, they have been producing podcasts aimed at young ballplayers interested in learning about "the game behind the game." "It's not professional in any sense of the imagination," said Zobrist, "but it's conversation." That's the point. "It's what I do in the bullpen, anyway," Dillard said. "Something happens and I'm like, 'Hey, that reminds me of this one time …'" Dillard, who does all of the editing himself, has posted three podcasts so far on the group's website, theshowandgo.com. They cover how to be a good teammate, preparation and player-coach communication. Another episode on mental skills is in the works, and more topics await courtesy of Schmalz, whom Dillard says brainstormed 100 or more topics in 30 minutes. "It's endless," Dillard said. "That's what we love about baseball." "The goal is we're not trying to make it rote or something too thought out," Zobrist said. "That's why it's called 'The Show and Go' -- we're just showing up and talking about it. We know what the topic is going in, but we don't know what each other is going to say or what we're trying to lead into. It's a fun way to facilitate the discussion." Dillard and Zobrist met by coincidence in 2007 during Dillard's first season playing Triple-A ball in Nashville, Tenn., Zobrist's hometown. Tim and Erin Dillard loved the city so much they made it their offseason home, and while they did not know a soul in town, they found a church they liked. When Erin Dillard mentioned to the first parishioner she met that her husband played professional baseball, she was introduced to Julianna Zobrist. A friendship flourished.

"Ever since then, we started doing life together," Dillard said. "We had our first kids, like, one day apart. We had our second kids a few months apart. We live seven minutes from each other. I don't know, I'm waiting for him to build a big house so we can all live together." Ben Zobrist might enjoy that. He's a big fan of and sometimes co-stars in Dillard's comedic short films, which he produces with limited equipment and extremely cooperative teammates. If you stumble across one of those videos on Dillard's Twitter feed -- he's @DimTillard -- you're likely to be there a while. "I'm trying to get him an entertainment agent," Zobrist said. "He needs a baseball agent and an entertainment agent -- he's that talented." Zobrist is pretty good on the podcasts, too. "I think his microphone is deeper, because he's got that real -- he's just well-spoken," Dillard said. "Me, I have way too much coffee before going into it, so I come across as a nervous squirrel." The quartet is figuring out future plans as they go along. "We love talking about it," said Zobrist. "If there's a way we can communicate via podcast and get some of the information out ahead of time, hopefully we can do that while we're still playing and doing other things." Said Dillard: "We think we're doing it as good as anybody else is doing it right now. I see us living in the same area for the foreseeable future, and it doesn't take but a couple hours. It's what we do anyway -- we talk baseball. Now we just happen to record it." -- Chicago Tribune Plenty of hype for Ian Happ's defense in center field By Mark Gonzales Manager Joe Maddon was criticized nearly seven months ago for allowing Ian Happ to play center field in the eighth inning of a game where he couldn’t get to a deep double by Jose Peraza that cost the Cubs a 4-2 loss at Cincinnati. But Happ’s defense in center has come a long way in a short time, as evidenced by two impressive catches he made Monday night on two deep drives by Phil Gosselin that helped the Cubs preserve a 5-4 win at Goodyear Ballpark. Happ was drafted in 2015 out of the University of Cincinnati and preferred to play second base but had played the outfield. Since the start of spring training, Happ has displayed remarkable improvement since the first game and has sold veteran left-hander Jon Lester on his defensive skills. “He’s done a great job,” Lester said. “I don’t know his background as a kid if he played the outfield. If he did, then he’s done a great job. If he didn’t, it’s even more impressive in what he’s been able to do. I always thought when you heard about him before he got called up, he was an infielder.

“We throw him in center field, and he’s made a seamless transition. That speaks to his athleticism. And coachability and having a guy like Al (Almora) as another center field, another outfielder, and then J-Hey (Gold Glove right fielder Jason Heyward) in the mix, I like our outfield. “I love our defense, regardless. It’s a matter of us not allowing the ball to go over the fence, and I think we have a chance of our guys running it down.” -- Chicago Tribune Jon Lester on Cubs' outlook as spring training winds down: 'I like where we're at' By Mark Gonzales With six days of games left in Arizona, Cubs left-hander Jon Lester summed up the state of spring affairs. “It’s been a great camp,” Lester said Monday night after pitching 6 1/3 innings in a 5-4 win over the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. “It’s run very smoothly, very crisp. It’s been great. It really has. Minimal stuff that has come up for us. I know Javy (Baez) has been dealing with stuff, (Pedro) Strop, too. Hopefully they’ll be good to go in another week.” For now, the Cubs’ projected rotation remains on schedule leading up to the March 29 opener at Miami. Kyle Hendricks is scheduled to pitch a minor-league game Tuesday at the Cubs’ complex. “I like where we’re at,” Lester said. “Knowing these young guys and how they operate, they will be amped up and ready to go from opening day. It will be fun, especially for position players. You get to this point in spring training, it’s like I’m over it. Let’s play for real. So I think guys are ready, and this last week will be fun to enjoy the last bit of warmth we’ll have for a month or two and get it going.” Lester likely will be limited to around four innings and 60 pitches in his final spring appearance Saturday, which will occur in either of the two split-squad games or a minor league game. “We’ll figure it out,” Lester said. Lester concurred with manager Joe Maddon’s observation that it wasn’t a big concern that Lester faced the Reds two weeks before a scheduled matchup on April 3 at Great American Ball Park. “There’s always that one or two times a year you face that team, and turn around in five days and face them again,” Lester said after allowing three runs on nine hits. Lester was encouraged that he allowed only one home run in 15 2/3 innings this spring and took note that Scooter Ginnett and Devin Mesoraco collected consecutive opposite field hits in the fourth. “I’ll take opposite field power,” Lester said. “That means I got to my spot, and they still put a good swing on it.” --

Chicago Tribune On his 41st birthday, David Ross upstaged at Cubs spring training by his 8-year-old son By Mark Gonzales David Ross gained plenty of attention for his cult hero status on the Cubs’ 2016 World Series title run, and he expanded his fame by performing on “Dancing With the Stars” shortly after his retirement. But Ross, a special assistant with the Cubs, isn’t the only member of his family with entertainment skills. Ross’ 8-year-old son, Cole, seized the moment Monday prior to the Cubs’ pregame workout. “I’m going to become his agent,” manager Joe Maddon quipped. “I just ask him to remain humble as he becomes a superstar.” Cole Ross led the Cubs in a rendition of “Happy Birthday” on his father’s 41st birthday — with players, coaches and staff members surrounding him. The younger Ross also sprung a surprise quip at the expense of minor-league pitcher David Garner. “(Garner) doesn’t know the difference between Ted Williams … and Billy Williams,” said Cole Ross, who received a large round of laughter. Maddon added that the younger Ross has performed a comedy routine in front of the student body at his Tallahassee, Fla., elementary school. “We got to promote little Cole,” Maddon said. “Maybe not on ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ but maybe on a ride in a car with (Jerry) Seinfeld.” -- Chicago Tribune This could be Willson Contreras' season to clean up as Cubs' No. 4 hitter By Mark Gonzales Ian Happ downplayed the significance of his contributions this spring as manager Joe Maddon assesses various lineup options. “It’s not important who is going to be the leadoff guy,” Happ said. “It’s just the guys we have in the lineup. How deep we are is impressive. There’s no bad spot to hit in the lineup.” The Cubs invested nearly all of their available money for this season in pitching, partly because they produced 822 runs — second most in the National League — despite a lack of consistent production at the top of the order and a strikeout total that climbed from 1,339 to 1,401 in 2017. The expectation is the growing pains of their young hitters will subside and the offense will improve on its .239 batting average with runners in scoring position and two outs. “We did have some big numbers and then some small numbers,” said Maddon, who noted the Cubs followed a double-digit output by scoring one run or fewer in the next game on five occasions. “That was a bit deceptive in regard to runs scored. We need to be more consistent putting a number up on a nightly basis and against better guys. We really have to ascend against the better-stuff guys (such as Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Clayton Kershaw).

“You can talk about data and this and that, but you know what you’re thinking in the box or not thinking in the box, if it makes sense. Have an approach. How am I going to attack this guy? Then the thoughts aren’t on you, but (rather on) what am I seeing, and how am I going to beat this guy just like you did in Little League?” The biggest measuring stick for Cubs improvement may be the efficiency in front and behind Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Willson Contreras in the heart of the batting order. For his part, Contreras seems suited best at cleanup, though he didn’t bat there until June 5. After then, he took off with a .307 batting average, 13 home runs, 39 RBIs and 25 walks in 44 games from the spot. “It’s almost those three guys in the middle who set the tone, and then the younger guys are figuring it out,” said Maddon, referring to the need for Javier Baez, Addison Russell and Happ to gain better strike zone discipline as Albert Almora Jr. has displayed. “It’s more about strike zone control, knowing what to swing at and what to lay off. That’s where their real success is going to occur. If you thinking about Rizzo and (Bryant), they’re good at that. So is Willson.” Part of Maddon’s belief the club’s hitting will improve stems partly from the hiring of hitting coach Chili Davis and Davis’ reputation for helping batters prepare for various situations. “The hitters will feel he’s with them every pitch once they step in the batter’s box,” Athletics manager Bob Melvin told the Tribune in January. Maddon stressed the “ability to teach in the moment, that’s the tough part to teach.” The message of adjusting to each situation has resonated with Contreras. “Baseball is a little complicated to say I’m going to drive in 100 runs,” Contreras said. “I don’t think about hitting 30 homers or driving in 100 runs. I’m thinking about good at-bats every single at-bat and not giving up any at-bats and do the best for my team. “I don’t know if I’m hitting fourth or fifth, but I’ll do whatever’s best to help the team win. With runners in scoring position, I’ll try to put the ball in play and see what happens.” -- Chicago Tribune Cubs opening roster could come down to minor-league options By Mark Gonzales Finalizing the opening day roster might not be as urgent for the Cubs as the need for insurance during the season. That’s what manager Joe Maddon conveyed Monday as the Cubs try to finalize their roster by their final Cactus League game Sunday.

“When it gets down to the very end, there might be some guys you don’t want to lose,” Maddon said. “It’s always about the eighth (reliever) versus the extra guy on the bench. Who is going to help you win more games? But then again, it’s about possibly losing somebody.” Reliever Eddie Butler is out of minor-league options, and the Cubs would risk losing him to waivers if he doesn’t make the opening day roster. Meanwhile, relievers Anthony Bass and Justin Hancock are on minor-league contracts and left-hander Randy Rosario has options. If Butler makes the team, he could serve as a second long reliever. Maddon said Butler hasn’t been ruled out as a future starter. Maddon covered all the scenarios, from carrying seven instead of eight relievers to carrying three catchers. The Cubs are scheduled to play 10 games in 11 days, eight in domed ballparks, before their home opener. That situation could affect their likely decision to carry eight relievers. “You don’t want to blow anyone out early,” Maddon said. Reliever Pedro Strop threw 16 of 18 pitches for strikes in a minor-league game Monday against the Athletics and tentatively is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Thursday. There are signs Strop, who has been nagged by a left calf injury and flu-like symptoms, will be ready for the regular season. The struggles of left-hander Justin Wilson resurfaced Sunday, but Maddon said those woes were exclusively due to pitch selection and shouldn’t suggest Wilson is in any trouble. In the battle for backup catcher, Chris Gimenez is signed to a minor-league contract, while Victor Caratini has options but can switch-hit and play first and third base. Infielders Mike Freeman, Ryan Court and outfielder Peter Bourjos — all on minor-league deals — have played well enough for Maddon to delay decisions on them. Tuesday tuneup: Kyle Hendricks will pitch in a minor-league game at the Cubs’ minor-league complex. Hendricks has walked none and struck out 21 in 15 innings while holding opponents to a .207 batting average. He is scheduled to pitch the second game of the season against the Marlins in Miami on March 30. --