Today was the first official workout day for pitchers and catchers at Spring Training, and the Cubs got after it, with an array of side sessions and fielding drills. You will never be more excited for practice in your life.
It’s also a time for fun questions and responses like this:
Who will lead off for #Cubs? Almora: "We were sitting right here and I was like, 'Hey, I may lead off this year. You have to teach me.' [Rizzo] goes, 'I am the best leadoff hitter in the world.' I said, 'All right, you do it then.'"
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 14, 2018
All joking aside, there is no perfect and obvious leadoff option for the Cubs this year, and the guy who might make the most sense on paper – Kyle Schwarber – is probably not a guy you want to put in that position again this year right off the bat. If Albert Almora starts against all lefties, as he should, I’d be fine with him leading off in those games. And hey, if you put Anthony Rizzo up there against righties because whatever, I’d say that’s just fine, too. It’s not like I’m arguing for those things to happen … it’s more just a reflection of the reality that there’s no obvious fit, and I’d rather not give the most plate appearances to one of the Cubs’ non-top-hitters just so that the top guys can be “in the middle.”
Heck, if it’s all equal anyway, might as well get some guys up there who’ll have fun with it …
Joe Maddon holding 1st official meeting w/pitchers & catchers. Unveiling pics from two easels and referencing the Statue of David. #Cubs pic.twitter.com/KBOMatGZdx
— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) February 14, 2018
Signs of spring. pic.twitter.com/eIFF7rS7yN
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 14, 2018
#Cubs pic.twitter.com/2l2yesjIRh
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 14, 2018
Justin Wilson now with Contreras…#Cubs of course would love to see this guy regain his dominant form. Another bullpen weapon⚾️⚾️ pic.twitter.com/kJ6YHx5Egq
— Kelly Crull (@Kelly_Crull) February 14, 2018
#Cubs Montgomery working with Gimenez…Hickey, Strode, Borzello, Ross all watching pic.twitter.com/3T6wmVU8XF
— Kelly Crull (@Kelly_Crull) February 14, 2018
David Ross, Mike Borzello observe Willson Contreras: pic.twitter.com/IpcaEK69mg
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 14, 2018
Anthony Rizzo out here taking ground balls by himself. Ended last season on a 130 game+ errorless streak. David Ross catching for him at the plate! pic.twitter.com/Iw5rV6E5Q1
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) February 14, 2018
Darvish, Quintana, Duensing doing drills on the back field & #Cubs Pitchers/Catchers go to work! pic.twitter.com/150i8YjM2a
— Kelly Crull (@Kelly_Crull) February 14, 2018
you'll NEVER guess who was at Cubs spring training today … https://t.co/SvEQ05bUuV pic.twitter.com/i8IJx17tSX
— Amanda Kaschube (@amandakaschube) February 14, 2018
Cubs 👏 spring 👏 training 👏 photos 👏 https://t.co/SvEQ05bUuV
📷: @mandophotos pic.twitter.com/PEBdV8fqFW
— Amanda Kaschube (@amandakaschube) February 14, 2018
#Cubs Maddon commissioned a Tampa artist to do these paintings. We should get an explanation today pic.twitter.com/EhLXoatlKm
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 14, 2018