Edwin Jackson Throws Other Pitches and Other Bullets

edwin jackson cubsIn case anyone makes the Bullets their first stop, you may have missed a few things over night: the Cubs made their first round of Spring cuts, including most of the bigger prospects; the Cubs lost to the Mariners in a night game; and Javier Baez and Mike Olt went off in the game (with video highlights).

  • The Edwin Jackson fastball thing – he threw only fastballs in his previous Spring start, which he said was his decision – is probably at a close, but not after getting more attention than it probably deserved. Rick Renteria apparently acted surprised about Jackson’s decision, and said he’d be talking to Jackson about it, but Jackson says there hasn’t really been a conversation. (Cubs.com) Further, Jackson doesn’t really see the big deal (he says he did tell Chris Bosio before the game), and I still don’t either. Readying yourself for the season by working on what you need to improve or prepare is the very point of Spring Training, particularly for established veterans. Jackson threw in a minor league game yesterday, mixed up his pitches, and everyone is happy again. Moving right along.
  • On his two-homer, three-hit night, Mike Olt told Carrie Muskat more lovely things: “Last year, I had a couple nights like this, but I felt almost like I got lucky last year. This year is definitely a whole different feeling. I’m feeling way more comfortable at hte plate. It definitely does help me go forward and know I’m in the clear.”
  • Rick Renteria says the Cubs’ top prospects have comported themselves like professionals so far in Spring Training, but it’s time for a lot of them to get regular at bats at minor league camp so they can get ready for the season. (Cubs.com)
  • Speaking of the prospects, Tony Andracki on how they continue to adjust to life off the diamond.
  • No Cactus League game today for the Cubs, but Jason Hammel and Eric Jokisch will pitch in a minor league game.
  • Pitching coach Chris Bosio has been out for a few days dealing with a foot/leg issue. (ESPNChicago)
  • I was on a couple podcasts recently: Midway Madness, discussing the hopefulness of the 2014 season, and Disciples of Uecker, discussing all things Cubs.
  • BP’s Jason Parks was on the Wrigleyville Nation podcast talking Cubs prospects.
  • Jeff Sullivan on how to be “speedy” without having any speed.
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    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

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