[NOTE: We are having problems with our commenting system right now, and I’m working to get it back up and running. Sorry about that.]
Cubs Convention is in its final day, and although it has been light on any truly groundbreaking news, I think the biggest takeaway is going to be the overall vibe, which was much lighter and more positive than many were expecting. To be sure, the fans who pay to come to a fan convention (through the snow) are necessarily more likely, as a group, to skew positive. Still, I was a heartening feeling. Don’t get me wrong, the energy wasn’t quite what it was a few years ago, but it certainly was far from funereal.
Also: the players, themselves, are a pretty clearly feeling good. That may not mean everything when the bell rings, but the positivity, readiness, and high expectations have been very clear. As much as we may not like to hear in January about “internal improvements” being the most important way for the Cubs to succeed in 2019, it’s undoubtedly true. And the Cubs have a heckuva lot of talent.
Watch "Cubs in Cooperstown" with #Cubs Hall of Famers! #CubsCon https://t.co/hOtdPEnrMM
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 19, 2019
https://twitter.com/advocatehealth/status/1086791004869574656
IT’S NOT AS EASY AS IT LOOKS, OKAY? pic.twitter.com/am5k1VTkF7
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 19, 2019
Watch "In the Batter's Box" with @javy23baez, @KrisBryant_23, @WContreras40 and @benzobrist18! #CubsCon https://t.co/uZlmyiugD3
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 19, 2019
.@ARizzo44 made an appearance at #CubsCon after all…via @KrisBryant_23’s FaceTime.
(Turn ⬆ the sound) pic.twitter.com/BAf1goQ9BS
— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) January 20, 2019
#Cubs fans missed their 1st baseman at the Kids Only Press Conference, presented by @advocatehealth. @ARizzo44 “I just got off a 16.5hr flight, just walked in the door.” @KrisBryant_23 “Yea, you look it. You look awful.” “Just kidding, you look handsome buddy.” #CubsCon2019 pic.twitter.com/Nj6B5ndGRJ
— Kelly Crull (@Kelly_Crull) January 20, 2019
First @Cubs player panel of the day is @javy23baez @WContreras40 @KrisBryant_23 and @benzobrist18 #cubsconvention pic.twitter.com/6yltDGdS80
— MBDChicago (@MBDChicago) January 19, 2019
Good morning, @Cubs Convention! #CubsCon @KrisBryant_23 @kschwarb12 @javy23baez @DavidBote13 @ClarktheCub #EverybodyIn @BleacherNation @realcubsinsider pic.twitter.com/N2cp8ianVW
— MBDChicago (@MBDChicago) January 20, 2019
Kris Bryant admits it has been difficult to answer for #Cubs teammate Addison Russell after Russell's personal wrongdoing. Bryant believes Russell needs to address the topic soon. "The only person that should answer those questions is him," Bryant says.https://t.co/bgNUth5Mlz pic.twitter.com/A79YfyxYde
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) January 19, 2019
AZ Phil has some details on the Cubs’ instructs program here. Love to hear this about Hoerner and especially Jared Young. https://t.co/AUO0I5SPDy pic.twitter.com/KCt35iObXk
— Brad (@ballskwok) January 19, 2019
It’s kinda cool that Instructs has been moved from Sept to Jan. Cooler weather and an early start to #SpringTraining. #cubs 2018 No.1 pick @nico_hoerner pic.twitter.com/BB4oOu0YHm
— John Antonoff (@baseballinfocus) January 20, 2019
Local AZ product and #cubs 2018 2nd rd pick (62 overall) @brennen7777 pic.twitter.com/8cAeVpgomQ
— John Antonoff (@baseballinfocus) January 20, 2019
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs28QqLgV8Q/