[adinserter block=”2″]The big story at today’s Cubs camp was Kyle Schwarber playing the part of Javier Baez and breaking a windshield with a batting practice home run ball (including a couple updates from a helpful Schwarber). No word yet on how the ball will be memorialized, but the car had to be put down.
Actually, it probably just needs a new windshield.
Speaking of Baez, the Cubs’ burgeoning super utility man has been spending a lot of time already in the outfield. He worked with the outfielders yesterday, together with minor league instructor Doug Dascenzo (Cubs.com). When asked whether he was an outfielder now, Baez played it a little coy with Cubs.com, but said that he thinks he’ll probably be moving around.
Obviously that’s what we’re expecting, too. And, if it takes, Baez could be an incredibly valuable player on the roster, not only because he could cover so many spots, but because his versatile presence allows the Cubs to make other choices with the roster and better cover other areas. For one example: if Baez can really play well all over, it probably makes the Cubs all the more comfortable starting the season with eight relievers (which, in turn, helps protect the starting pitchers).
Tim Sheridan got tape on a nice Baez catch in the outfield:
Other interesting things from around Cubs camp today include the arrival (or appearance, if he’d already arrived) of John Lackey:
John Lackey makes his point: pic.twitter.com/0N1NCSDKAb
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 17, 2016
Addison Russell is also already in the house:
Addison Russell performs a fielding drill: pic.twitter.com/yRrWyITFpD
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 17, 2016
As is Willson Contreras:
@noslliw19 PRIMO!! pic.twitter.com/G8kNO4XrQ4
— Kim Contreras (@Cu_As) February 17, 2016
John Arguello grabbed his usual set of great shots, including these:
Addison Russell and Albert Almora pic.twitter.com/PjwdxSs07m
— John Arguello (@CubsDen) February 17, 2016
Pierce Johnson with 80 grade flow pic.twitter.com/PqpXmbxfPb
— John Arguello (@CubsDen) February 17, 2016
Arguello has more shots here, including one of Trevor Cahill, another early reporter, who looks like he’s in really good shape.
Al Yellon from BleedCubbieBlue was also there grabbing shots, including this one of Chris Coghlan (who, broken record, is also now in camp):
Chrus Coghlan taking BP #Cubs pic.twitter.com/OJRwCw8fdJ
— Al Yellon (@bleedcubbieblue) February 17, 2016
And a couple batting practice videos for your enjoyment. First Anthony Rizzo doing Rizzo things:
Anthony Rizzo batting practice pic.twitter.com/p0eRX4ctDv
— Cain Cobain (@cainwhos) February 17, 2016
Then a short but magnificent slow-mo Kris Bryant crush:
Kris Bryant obliterates this ball slow mo pic.twitter.com/7UaM8QDJxs
— Cain Cobain (@cainwhos) February 17, 2016
(Obligatory reminder of the best Kris Bryant slow-mo homer crush video.)
Not at Cubs camp, mind you, but Cardinals righty Carlos Martinez is throwing – fastballs only, right now – and I’ll have some more on he and the Cardinals in the Bullets tomorrow. Recall, Martinez was shut down late last year with shoulder soreness:
Carlos Martinez, throwing. pic.twitter.com/BWHTWroB2O
— Jenifer Langosch (@LangoschMLB) February 17, 2016