Spring Training Miscellany: Work Underway, Bote at Short, De La Cruz, No Bouncy House, More

Feb 11, 2019

We’re just a day away from the unofficial start of 2019 Spring Training. But with so many players and media already out in Arizona getting going, there’s a variety of fun bits to share this evening. This will be a semi-daily thing as we go through Spring Training, and it’ll range from news items to analysis to game activity to funny-but-notable stuff to completely stupid stuff.

Enjoy …

The Tribune’s Mark Gonzales is in Arizona, and he shared quite a bit on Twitter today, so you’ll want to give him a follow.

All eyes on ⁦@kschwarb12⁩ pic.twitter.com/ji5Ztazfu6

— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 11, 2019

James Norwood performing agility drills: pic.twitter.com/vdUm6IOjYv

— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 11, 2019

Bote fields a grounder at shortstop: pic.twitter.com/sXU6NJh44u

— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 11, 2019

David Bote did show up in 15 games at shortstop last year at AAA Iowa, so he has at least some experience there. It goes without saying (and then I say it) that his value as a super utility man skyrockets if he can play passably at shortstop. Given how good he looks at third base, and how solid (average, at least) he looks at second base, it would seem he should at least be able to be a below-average shortstop (the kind you can play a little if necessary). If everyone is healthy, Bote still probably starts the year at AAA Iowa, though.

More video from the Tribune here, with a whole lot of pitchers already throwing off the mound, and Kyle Schwarber taking swings in the cage. I do believe I spotted Oscar De La Cruz throwing off the mound. The 23-year-old long-time prospect pitched only a half-season at AA last year (with shaky results) thanks to a PED suspension that’ll keep him out into May. Fortunately he can simply stay at extended Spring Training and keep working before his debut, and, if the Cubs plan to keep him starting, then it actually kinda helps, given the massive glut of minor league starting pitching at AA and AAA. De La Cruz has always looked the part of a mid-or-front rotation starter, but at some point, he’ll have to start missing bats consistently AND stay healthy. Without those things very quickly, he could find himself converted to the bullpen to see if he can make an impact while he’s taking up a 40-man spot and using up options.

AtCubs is off to Mesa:

https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1095010587765919744

… where there’s promo work to be done:

https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1095043775154380800

It’s 3am, Jesse must be lonely:

No bouncy house. pic.twitter.com/7lNINMYLNE

— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) February 11, 2019

Having a particular affinity for, and bond with, Tommy La Stella, Jesse Rogers is probably bumming a bit right now that La Stella was traded to the Angels, and won’t be pranking the front office with any bounce houses this year.

The Spring Training stories you won’t read:

"Nick Markakis is in the Worst Shape of His Life, and He's Out to Prove Nothing" https://t.co/qzruoI19PY

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) February 11, 2019

Tomorrow it is … (also, follow us on Instagram):

View this post on Instagram

One. More. Day. #SpringTraining #Cubs

A post shared by Bleacher Nation (@bleachernation) on Feb 11, 2019 at 7:34am PST

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.

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Now We Know Why Ian Happ Was Removed Mid-game

In the top of the seventh inning of today's 8-3 win over the Miami Marlins, Alexander Canario trotted out to left field in place of Ian Happ. At first, we thought (or maybe just hoped) that Craig Counsell was giving...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 8, Marlins 3 – April 19, 2024

And just like that the Chicago Cubs are the first team in the NL Central to reach 12 wins! They're not technically in first place yet because the Brewers (11-6) have played fewer games, but we're talking about a matter...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson with Back-to-Back Slick Defensive Plays

With a lefty Marlins starter on the mound this afternoon, Nico Hoerner lead off today's game for the Chicago Cubs. And he did it in style, ripping a leadoff double to the left-center field wall, before coming into score a...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Marlins at Cubs – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

*The Cubs were rained out yesterday, but today? Today, we've got a Friday 1:20 start at Wrigley Field, and that means all is right in the world. Before you take a look at the Cubs lineup against Miami, check out...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: The White Sox Might be the Worst Team Ever, What Games I’m Watching this Weekend, More

Happy Friday! Well, for everyone except for the pilots who were supposed to be manning the Colorado Rockies flight last week but instead allowed a member of the Rockies coaching staff to hop in the pilot's seat for a fun...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Can I Interest You in a Positive Injury-Update on Justin Steele?

Justin Steele, arguably the single most irreplaceable player on the Chicago Cubs 2024 roster, went down with a hamstring injury just 4.2 innings into his Opening Day start against the Rangers on March 28. In his place, the Cubs sixth...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

FAA Reportedly Investigating How a Passenger on Colorado Rockies Team Flight Was Seen Accessing the Cockpit

If you do this job long enough, it's really wild to see the range of topics that can somehow become attached to sports. That is to say, I did not envision myself at some point writing about flight safety, cockpit...

Brett Taylor

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 19, 2024: Kevin Alcántara is Heating Up!

The Iowa Cubs were rained out, but the rest of the farm was in action, and so was Kevin Alcántara, who picked up four hits and now has seven in his last three games as he breaks out of an...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

It’s Not Kyle Hendricks Last Chance (But…), Ben Brown, Jameson Taillon, and Other Cubs Bullets

Well, the rain stole one from us yesterday, which is a blessing and a curse. On the bright side, the bullpen gets an extra day of rest (on top of the day Hayden Wesneski bought them). But on the flip...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs Are Not Stealing Bases So Far This Year

The Chicago Cubs are against theft. Of bases: https://twitter.com/codifybaseball/status/1781046629103231339 The Chicago Cubs this year have stolen just three bases, the fewest in all of baseball. Dansby Swanson has stolen two bases, Nick Madrigal has stolen one. That's it. I don't...

Brett Taylor

Apr 19, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Astros vs. Nationals Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Washington Nationals (8-11) play at home against the Houston Astros (7-14) at Nationals Park. The game is set to start at 4:05 PM ET on Saturday.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Astros will send Ronel Blanco (2-0)...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Diamondbacks vs. Giants Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Arizona Diamondbacks (10-11) and the San Francisco Giants (9-12) match up on Saturday at 4:05 PM ET. The contest will take place at Oracle Park.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Diamondbacks will send Zac Gallen (3-0) to...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Dodgers vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The New York Mets (11-8) take on the Los Angeles Dodgers (12-10) on the road at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, with first pitch at 4:05 PM ET. The Mets enter the game with a five-game winning streak.This contest's pitching matchup...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Pirates vs. Red Sox Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Pittsburgh Pirates (11-9) look to end to a four-game skid as they host the Boston Red Sox (11-10) on Saturday at 4:05 PM ET.The probable pitchers are Mitch Keller (2-1) for the Pirates and Kutter Crawford for the Red...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

Picks

Cubs vs. Marlins Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Saturday, April 20, 2024

Bryan De La Cruz leads the Miami Marlins (4-16) into Saturday's matchup with the Chicago Cubs (12-7) on a two-game homer streak. His Marlins are underdogs for the contest, however, with oddsmakers naming the Cubs as -158 moneyline favorites. The...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

Picks

Twins vs. Tigers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Saturday, April 20, 2024

The Detroit Tigers (11-9) will look to Kerry Carpenter, after his four-hit game last time out, to lead them in a matchup with the Minnesota Twins (6-12) on Saturday at 2:10 PM ET on BSN. The Tigers are +114 underdogs...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

Picks

Cardinals vs. Brewers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Saturday, April 20, 2024

Willson Contreras (12 games) will look to add to his hitting streak when the St. Louis Cardinals (9-11) and Milwaukee Brewers (12-6) meet Saturday at 2:15 PM ET, live on BSWI from Busch Stadium. Contreras and the Cardinals are favored...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Best MLB Prop Bets Today, April 20, 2024

The MLB's 16-game slate today is not one to miss. The contests include the Baltimore Orioles taking on the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.If you're looking for MLB prop bets for today's games, we're here to help. Scroll down...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

Picks

Yankees vs. Rays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Saturday, April 20, 2024

The New York Yankees (14-6), led by Juan Soto on a two-game home run streak, are -137 favorites on the moneyline to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays (11-10). First pitch is set for 1:05 PM ET Saturday, live from Yankee...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Yankees vs. Rays Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Tampa Bay Rays (11-10) go on the road at Yankee Stadium against the New York Yankees (14-6) at 1:05 PM ET on Saturday.The Yankees will give the ball to Nestor Cortes Jr. (1-1, 4.50 ERA), who is eyeing win...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

Spring Training Miscellany: Work Underway, Bote at Short, De La Cruz, No Bouncy House, More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular