Spring Training Miscellany: Watch Willson Do It All, Lots on Relievers, Dunk Tank, and More

Mar 10, 2019

The Cubs dropped today’s game to the Brewers in Maryvale, which is fine because they’re saving their Brewers wins for the regular season. Duh. Clearly. Obviously.

Final: Brewers 7, Cubs 5. #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/MOr7ZAYLOT

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 10, 2019

Today just seemed like it was all about Willson Contreras. Not only did he hit another double, he did it by absolutely SMOKING the ball, which he’s done all Spring:

Your browser does not support iframes.

He also had some fun behind the plate. Do not run on Willy, fool:

What leadoff double? pic.twitter.com/fDophB1K5b

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 10, 2019

Do not run on Willy, fool x2:

Don't try to steal anything with Willson Contreras around.
He'll catch you. #Cubs on @WGNTV pic.twitter.com/xbKRTS20Gy

— WGN TV News (@WGNNews) March 10, 2019

He also showed off some nice receiving skills on a low and outside strike (the second one):

Kyle Hendricks, Filthy Sinker movement. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/3DJRyQxnlT

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 10, 2019

I love the way Contreras presented that second one. He made sure the ump could see Hendricks hit his spot and his spot was a strike. Just making sure you get those strikes is 75% of framing.

Hendricks, by the way, got hit plenty in this one, but you know well by now that, for established starting pitchers, there’s really nothing to the results (unless they’re so wild they can’t find the plate) at this time of the year. Get your innings, get your pitches, work on some situational stuff, and stay healthy.

Ian Happ continues to see time at second base this Spring, and whether you see him as able to handle second base or not, it sure is quite a mental disconnect to go from Javy to Happ out there. To be fair, the same is true for Happ and Daniel Murphy. Happ looks considerably more able out there than Murphy did, but that’s a low bar.

We got to watch Brad Brach today, and although we didn’t see radar readings, he did not look obviously unhealthy. He did look like his command was all over the place, though.

Brian Duensing, who’d being great in the *results* column this Spring, gave up a couple long homers in this one. You never know if a guy was determined to work on a particular pitch in a particular spot or whatever, but, in general, you don’t want to see a fringe roster guy getting dong’d.

Speaking of dong’d, Dakota Mekkes allowed his first run of the Spring with a homer by Orlando Arcia – but giving up an inexplicable homer to Arcia is a Cubs right of passage.

In other young arm-age, Dillon Maples gave up his first walk of the Spring, and then another. Interestingly, it happened when he came into the middle of an inning (Junichi Tazawa got the first two outs of the 8th and then departed). Maples went walk, walk, strikeout.

Ugh, Nico Hoerner made an out today, so now the Cubs have to release him.

Among the Cubs’ middle infield depth at AAA:

An under-the-radar spring training for the @Cubs: INF Cristhian Adames. 12-for-25 (.480), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 1.300 OPS. Former top-10 prospect with COL. Spent 2018 in AAA w/@cakesbaseball. Only 27 years old with 166 career MLB games.
May be a name to watch.

— Alex Cohen (@voiceofcohen) March 10, 2019

Your browser does not support iframes.

I would not bet on the Spring numbers meaning much of anything, and Adames hasn’t even hit well at AAA the last couple years. But if he can play quality defense at short, then the Cubs are gonna have to hang onto him for as long as they can this year, because you never know when you might need him. David Bote can probably be passable depth at shortstop, ditto Trent Giambrone and Zack Short, but the latter two might not be ready for real big league time just yet.

Heads up to clearance at the MLB Shop TONIGHT ONLY, plus free shipping:

HEADS UP to clearance tonight only at the MLB Shop, plus free shipping: https://t.co/R0Q0oZL5K7 pic.twitter.com/q3aUvBIpvk
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) March 10, 2019

Hey, there was some FUN at Cubs camp again today, with a dunk tank showing up:

Maddon on water dunking machine: ‘I thought it was outstanding’ pic.twitter.com/KUc7pcs1lK

— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) March 10, 2019

It’s a splash for Cubs clubhouse assistant Dan Mueller: pic.twitter.com/JFAUqaMAUp

— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) March 10, 2019

The shirts the Cubs are wearing:

View this post on Instagram

R.I.P. Brody Stevens.

A post shared by Patrick Mooney (@patrick.j.mooney) on Mar 10, 2019 at 1:15pm PDT

Tribute to memory of friend of team Brody Stevens. #enjoyit #pushandbelieve #YouGotIt pic.twitter.com/kzqtRZ7Tmw

— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) March 10, 2019

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

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

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Moves: Wisdom and Taillon Are Back, Wesneski and Mastrobuoni Are Out

Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Tonight’s Cubs-Marlins Game Has Been Postponed

The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Paul Skenes Could Make His MLB Debut Any Day (But Probably Won’t), Red-Hot Orioles, Houck’s Maddux, More

If you're into tracking young pitchers with star potential like I am—as I watch Jack Leiter's debut while typing this column—then you're probably itching to see Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes make his way to Pittsburgh sooner than later. While...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Back to Wrigley: Cubs vs Marlins – Series Preview

Cubs vs Marlins — Whew! The Cubs got through their first West Coast road trip of the year, and did so with a winning record (5-4) against the Padres, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. They definitely let a couple games slip out...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Taillon Coming Back, Busch’s Integrity and Success, Bad News for the White Sox, Wicks, Hendricks, and Other Cubs Bullets

As the father of a toddler who was sick for an entire week — the same week Brett was out from his back surgery and the Cubs were playing almost exclusively late-night ballgames on the West Coast — I was...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 18, 2024: Caissie, Alcántara Go Yard, South Bend and Myrtle Beach Smoked, More

Kevin Alcántara hit his first home run of the season for the Tennessee Smokies last night, and Owen Caissie hit his first Triple-A home run for the Iowa Cubs as Iowa and Tennessee secured victories. The same can't be said...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cody Bellinger Sticking With Scott Boras

Given the way the offseason played out for super agent Scott Boras's top available clients - Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, and Jordan Montgomery - you wouldn't be shocked to see some unhappiness behind the scenes. Did Boras overplay...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

You’ll Be Even More Impressed with Hayden Wesneski, When You Hear What it Took to Get Him to Arizona

Hayden Wesneski was the hero of yesterday's finale and series-win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming in to clean up Jordan Wicks' (little) mess in the 5th ... and then tossing 4 shutout innings to save an over-used bullpen and help...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Offseason Cubs Target Robert Stephenson Now Out for the Year

Hand up, I really wanted the Cubs to sign reliever Robert Stephenson this offseason. I felt like they could use one more impact arm (accurate), and I felt like Stephenson was one of the best available (about that ... )....

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Betting

DraftKings Promo Code: Bet $5, Gets $200 with Latest New User Offer

Are you eager to dive into the exhilarating world of sports betting? Look no further than the brand new DraftKings promo code offer, designed specifically to welcome new users. DraftKings, a powerhouse in the United States online sportsbook industry, is...

Matt Rooney

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs Are Not Stealing Bases So Far This Year

Brett Taylor

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Cubs vs. Marlins Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Chicago Cubs (11-7) host the Miami Marlins (4-15) on Friday to start a four-game series, with the first pitch at 2:20 PM ET from Wrigley Field. The Cubs are listed as -173 favorites, while the underdog Marlins have +144...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Best MLB Prop Bets Today, April 19, 2024

There are 15 matchups on today's MLB schedule, including the Baltimore Orioles playing the Kansas City Royals.One of the best ways to wager on baseball is via MLB player prop bets. There are props for each of today's matchups, and...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Cubs vs. Marlins Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

The Miami Marlins (4-15) begin a four-game series against the Chicago Cubs (11-7) on Friday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is at 2:20 PM.The Cubs will give the nod to Jameson Taillon and the Marlins will turn to Andrew Jacob...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Reds vs. Angels: Live Stream or on TV

Nick Lodolo will take the mound for the Cincinnati Reds (9-9) when they host starter Tyler Anderson and the Los Angeles Angels (9-10) on Friday, with first pitch at 6:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find out how to watch the...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

NBA Picks

Kings vs. Pelicans Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans take the court to start the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. The Kings are favored by 1.5 points in the contest, which airs on TNT at 9:30 PM ET. The over/under...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Nick Foligno Calls Out Blackhawks Teammates, Says Changes Are Needed

The Blackhawks put the worst regular season of more than 70 games in the history of the franchise to bed on Thursday night in a manner that sums up the season fairly well. Connor Murphy was banged up and Nikita...

Tab Bamford

Apr 19, 2024

NBA Playoffs Odds - Mavs vs. Clippers 1st Round

NBA

2024 NBA Playoffs Odds: Mavs vs Clippers Odds to Win Series, Spreads, Lines

It's a first-round matchup with a history of fireworks! The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers lock horns once again in the NBA Playoffs. This year marks the third time in five years these two teams meet in the opening...

Brian Twining

Apr 19, 2024

NBA

2024 NBA Playoffs Odds: Pacers vs Bucks Odds to Win Series, Spreads, Lines

The NBA Playoffs are here, and the Eastern Conference first-round ignites with a clash of styles. The Indiana Pacers, boasting the league's top-scoring offense, bring their high-octane attack to Milwaukee to face the experienced Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo's status adds further...

Brian Twining

Apr 18, 2024

Spring Training Miscellany: Watch Willson Do It All, Lots on Relievers, Dunk Tank, and More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular