Spring Training Miscellany: Cubs Beat Old Friends, Willson is Ready, Hamels is Ageless, More
The Cubs took down the Rangers today, including beating up on old friend, Jesse Chavez. And it was Cole Hamels, himself a former Ranger, of course, who started against his old mates:
Cubs win!
Final: #Cubs 9, Rangers 5.
Box: https://t.co/sPbXuR790k pic.twitter.com/RiRRApZZgu— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 27, 2019
- Cole Hamels had a very boring two-inning debut, much like Jon Lester did, which is precisely what you want to see from your mid-30s veteran starting pitcher in his first Spring Training start.
- I didn’t see anything out there on his velo readings today, but he is clearly feeling good and fresh:
Asked if he might retire after the 2019 season, Cole Hamels emphatically said "Hell no!" Said his goal is to pitch until he's 45. "I played with Jamie Moyer."
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 27, 2019
- David Bote had a couple hits in his return to action following the weekend beaning, so I’d say he’s doing just fine physically.
- In addition to his MONSTER shot, Willson Contreras had a caught stealing and a pick-off today. He’s … ready for the season.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuZtO7jl_vs/
- Cubs outfield prospect Mark Zagunis also homered in this one. There’s so much to love about Zagunis – especially his discipline – but he hasn’t quite shown enough power to project at a corner outfield spot in the big leagues, and he’s not a center fielder. So that’s a pretty tough carry as a bench player when you’ve only got three non-catchers on the bench. He’s on the 40-man roster for now, though, so he’ll be among the call-up options this year if there’s a need in the outfield.
- We’ll have more on Jason Heyward’s absence in a bit, but just to get an early explanation in front of you tonight:
#Cubs 9, #Rangers 5: Jason Heyward timeline uncertain, Cole Hamels' spring debut https://t.co/J5vGuZS75G via @suntimes
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) February 27, 2019
- Good and fair point here by Joe Maddon:
Spring stats don't mean anything but Joe Maddon likes his guys taking walks when they're there: "The plate discipline side, it's always good to see that…You can get into a bad habit (of chasing)." The Cubs are 2nd in free passes this spring. 26 BB in 5 games
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) February 27, 2019
- How Len Kasper put in the work today:
My vantage point and my “scorebook”… pic.twitter.com/l3QgwodVKF
— Len Kasper (@LenKasper) February 27, 2019
- Missed you, Mike Trout:
brb going to watch this Mike Trout shot on loop for the next hour
(via @MLB) pic.twitter.com/BuOMHGgDFF
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 27, 2019
