Pitchers and catchers report tomorrow, which means, as far as I’m concerned, when you wake up tomorrow, it’ll officially be “Spring Training.” It’s almost entirely artificial distinction, because some guys have long been in Arizona getting work, other guys still won’t arrive for nearly a week, and Cactus League play doesn’t start for another 11 days. But you have to draw the “this is Spring Training now” line somewhere, and I always draw it at pitchers and catchers reporting day. There you go.
But since I mentioned that guys were already in Arizona getting work, I’ll add that it includes the many excellent beat writers who cover the team. It’s a great time of year to make sure you’re following them on Twitter (see their handles below), because they often share small, quick, visual updates to give that feel of being in the laid-back atmosphere of Spring Training.
And to that end, a few things from today that I think are enjoyable for ending your Monday, and smiling about what’s to come. For example, two of the sweetest sounds known to humankind:
A little Kyle Schwarber BP to satiate our baseball thirst pic.twitter.com/Yd2K2yPJoW
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) February 12, 2018
http://twitter.com/Cubs/status/963088359626346496
Lotta guys rockin’ the USA shorts again this year, and some other looks:
#Cubs Rizzo and Schwarber pic.twitter.com/fJgyyn0HxR
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 12, 2018
Sights and scenes from Arizona: Spring baseball is (almost!) here.
Several #Cubs participated in pre-training camp workout Monday pic.twitter.com/s6otKviWd8
— Sun-Times Sports (@suntimes_sports) February 12, 2018
Kyle Schwarber and Jason Heyward sharing wisdom: pic.twitter.com/RQ7NRDY2US
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 12, 2018
Some Cubs getting in a pre camp workout as Yu Darvish takes his physical. A press conference with him is expected in the next day or two. First official workout for the Cubs is Wed. https://t.co/LHiplEU7JR pic.twitter.com/jV3Bnw6SVa
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) February 12, 2018
The Cubs will soon be filming those spots you see at the ballpark between innings:
https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/963166571307962368
The important question is whether he brought his scooter:
#Cubs can get started now. @D_Ross3 arrived today
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 12, 2018
That’s dangerous, man:
Anthony Rizzo's brother told Anthony Rizzo the Cubs signed Yu Darvish mid-golf swing.
Then, Anthony Rizzo shanked it.
Here, let Anthony Rizzo tell you the tale https://t.co/MI2zhTqAff pic.twitter.com/Xcz5WrSEgw
— Amanda Kaschube (@amandakaschube) February 12, 2018