Spring Training Miscellany: Bryant Flexible, Montero and Maddon, Arrieta’s Tattoo, and Much More

Feb 15, 2017

Chicago Cubs players continue to arrive in Mesa, Arizona for Spring Training, and pitchers and catchers got down (officially) to work today.

Let’s check in on the day, in addition to our earlier discussions of Jason Heyward’s swing and Kyle Schwarber’s catching …

Among the day’s discussion topics was catcher Miguel Montero, who is transitioning into his backup role after contributing greatly to the Cubs’ World Series run, but ultimately feeling marginalized in the process – and not being shy about sharing that feeling. It sounds like he and Joe Maddon haven’t specifically spoken about things yet, and might not have a deep discussion:

Miguel Montero says he has not spoken to Joe Maddon. Says he wants to turn the page.

— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) February 15, 2017

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Maddon on Montero: "I have nothing to clear the air about (with him) personally. We do not win the ring without him."

— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) February 15, 2017

All right then. It does sound like the two have talked at least some, though, and will talk again (Wittenmyer). Montero remains a very important part of the Cubs’ 2017 team, and is also a compelling bounce-back candidate at the plate.

You’ll notice something about Cubs Spring Training jerseys this year:

This year's spring training jersey. #Cubs pic.twitter.com/lfOfD1RBzs

— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) February 15, 2017

Did you catch it? It’s so obvious that it’s hidden: the name is on the jersey. If you’re a baseball nerd, then you recall in recent years how difficult it could be at times to identify obscure youngsters and non-roster invitees (although it did make for kind of a fun, dorky side game).

Speaking of lesser-discussed guys, a couple minor injury notes today from Carrie Muskat, as relievers Conor Mullee (hand) and Francisco Rodriguez (lat) are on separate throwing programs while they rehab. Given what the Cardinals were hit with on day one, well, I don’t even want to finish that sentence until I can find the biggest block of wood ever on which to pound.

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Together again:

Reunited and it feels so gooooood!

A post shared by Anthony Rizzo (@arizz_44) on Feb 15, 2017 at 9:16am PST

Juuuuuust a few guys in camp:

1st pitchers and catchers meeting #Cubs pic.twitter.com/lCHMZhiiUs

— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 15, 2017

Muni!

He's back! pic.twitter.com/9WWxRrKqb9

— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) February 15, 2017

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That would be fine:

Kris Bryant says he expects to be better this season than last. pic.twitter.com/jLlWlIUqPf

— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) February 15, 2017

Also, Kris Bryant is awesome in his team-first, flexible attitude, even after winning the MVP:

Kris Bryant on if he wants to be "settled" at 3B more in 2017 instead of moving around: "I don't care. I don't care at all." #Cubs
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) February 15, 2017

Hey, just take it step by step, man (watch out for that rock!):

I made it through my first bullpen unscathed…small victory.

— Brett Anderson (@BAnderson3737) February 15, 2017

You can watch Anderson’s bullpen session here at the Tribune. Also from the Tribune, lots more pictures:

Photos from Cubs spring training https://t.co/7bgId5ZZaO pic.twitter.com/xTez0f7dnu

— ChicagoSports (@ChicagoSports) February 15, 2017

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New Cubs reliever Koji Uehara threw a bullpen:

Uehara throws for #Cubs pic.twitter.com/cDwgRgIJNS

— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) February 15, 2017

Tommy La Stella is among the early positional arrivers, here chatting with recently-promoted coordinator of the mental skills program (and old friend) John Baker:

Tommy La Stella and @manbearwolf pic.twitter.com/Zpuyg3MSMT

— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 15, 2017

Speaking of La Stella, a little bit of #SensualBaseball:

Cubs Camp, Day 2: Jake Arrieta shows media the Coastal Carolina tattoo on his butt after losing College World Series bet to Tommy La Stella.

— Patrick Mooney (@CSNMooney) February 15, 2017

Jake Arrieta Pays Up on His College World Series Tattoo Bet

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Are people going to grumble about Jon Lester not working on his pickoff throws again this year? Only to be confronted by evidence that, yes, he works on it regularly:

There's always interest when Jon Lester works on his pick off moves. Watch him here as… https://t.co/kizznknGaC pic.twitter.com/qFDw7ZB9In
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) February 15, 2017

Young pitchers getting in work, and it’s good to see 2015’s breakout pitcher Ryan Williams back out there, after he missed most of 2016 with a shoulder injury:

Iowa pitching coach Rod Nichols had Cubs pitchers Ryan Williams, Seth Frankoff, and Jhondaniel Medina laughing today. Walks off on high note pic.twitter.com/GAHg39AXpK
— John Arguello (@CubsDen) February 15, 2017

Javy looking as good as ever:

Time for Javy's close-up. #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/xG3MKynPQ2

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 15, 2017

Javier Baez looks in great shape. That arm. pic.twitter.com/wDQ80PZlAQ

— John Arguello (@CubsDen) February 15, 2017

Here’s hoping the Cubs have no injuries at all, but if they have to have one short-term injury, could it be like this:

This isn't just the early favorite for injury of the spring. It's the favorite for injury of the year! https://t.co/MLrmzCBCQb
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) February 15, 2017

Meanwhile, at Padres Spring Training, the controversial delivery returns:

Carter Capps is Back, Sporting His Uniquely Incredible (Illegal?) Delivery https://t.co/Eqdu7NL9WL pic.twitter.com/w3TjzLbYuy

— Baseball is Fun (@flippingbats) February 15, 2017

Teams were griping about Anthony Rizzo’s glove when he charges home plate … are they really not going to complain about Capps essentially pitching from 59 feet? Then again, the Padres probably aren’t going to be very good, so maybe the league will just give them this one.

written by

Brett Taylor

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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