Spring Training Miscellany: Pitchers Pop the Mitts, Alzolay Behind, BP Vids, Won Tinwo, More
Today was, in a weird way, the first day of Spring Training, but also not really the first official day of Spring Training. Pitchers and catchers officially reported today, but their first official workout is tomorrow. So, then, today is nominally the start of Spring Training, but tomorrow is the first day of Spring Training. Or something.
But the real reason you know Spring Training has started? A pitcher of note “felt something,” and is a little “behind”:
Cubs taking an abundance of caution with Alzolay who felt something in his side about a week ago while throwing. He'll be about two weeks behind now.
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) February 12, 2019
- It is not critically important that Alzolay, who missed most of last season with a lat injury, starts this season on time at AAA Iowa, but it is rather important that he has a chance to continue his development. Stuff-wise, the dude could be a big league starter in the next year or two. But, as the Cubs manage his innings this year – maybe even moreso now – it’s possible they’ll just look to get him a half-season of starts at Iowa, and then find an opportunity for him to work into the big league bullpen at some point. For now: take your time getting 100%, obviously. Side injuries, even mild ones, can linger and re-aggravate easily in baseball.
- Other pitcher injury notes, none are unexpected:
Morrow, Graveman, Rea will be on restricted schedule; Barnette fine
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 12, 2019
- Yes. Yes. Throw those baseballs. CATCH those baseballs. GOD YES:
Cubs pitchers starting to play catch. Missed hearing the pop of baseballs in gloves. Lester and Hamels on far right in gray pullovers. pic.twitter.com/QTAV7p7MM5
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 12, 2019
- Willson Contreras, whose bat could be in store for a big bounce-back this year (please and thanks), took some hacks today:
https://twitter.com/realcubsinsider/status/1095372165258461185
- Kyle Schwarber was working on some opposite field goodness:
Schwarber in cage, going oppo consistently in this round. pic.twitter.com/csYei9QDkZ
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 12, 2019
- Jason Heyward, new Cubs third baseman:
https://twitter.com/realcubsinsider/status/1095377878680666112
- Addison Russell, who can participate in the Spring despite his suspension, is in camp getting in work:
Addison Russell in early-camp workouts Tuesday. (John Antonoff photos) pic.twitter.com/MLGo18QyMd
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) February 12, 2019
- Kyle Hendricks, still a part-time hitter, full-time baller:
Hendricks said he was paying a little attention to the universal DH talk, but said he and other players mostly just take changes like that in stride as they come.
"I guess I have to keep working on my hitting still," he quipped.
— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) February 12, 2019
Kyle Hendricks holds court with media. pic.twitter.com/71692p4cwP
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 12, 2019
- We’ll have much more from the opening press conference soon, but Michael is quite right:
The actual biggest news of the press conference is Joe Maddon has gone back to the white hair – a much better look, IMO. pic.twitter.com/ltxHQ5Kxqy
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) February 12, 2019
- Maddon offered this year’s slogan: Own It Now.
Joe Maddon’s big theme/T-shirt concept for the 2019 Cubs: “Own It Now.”
“A big part of our success this year is going to be the fact that we own each moment,” Maddon said. “And if you take the word ‘now’ and turn it around, it becomes ‘won.’”
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) February 12, 2019
- And if you turn the whole thing around, it’s Won Tinwo! Makes you think.
- Lots more Spring Training visuals:
the Cubs spring training photos from @briancassella, they've landed.
shorts on shorts on shorts on shorts.https://t.co/k3YxZoxcN0 pic.twitter.com/VqwiF2l56h
— Amanda Kaschube (@amandakaschube) February 12, 2019
