Spring Training Miscellany: Ross Takes the Mic, Chatwood’s Mechanics, Rizzo’s Ankle, Lester’s Physique, More

Feb 12, 2020

Today marked the first official practice day for Cubs pitchers and catchers, so a lot of guys threw off the mound, and a lot of other guys caught baseballs with gloves. Baseball! Kinda!

Winkler, Mills, Lester: pic.twitter.com/Zl8qexhAMG

— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 12, 2020

This will give every single Cubs fan absolutely irrational nightmare flashbacks of the dreaded Towel Drills. https://t.co/vhMyWLBnZ6

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) February 12, 2020

Tyler Chatwood threw yesterday, and says he’s feeling as good as ever mechanically (Cubs.com): “I feel like this is the best spot I’ve ever been in – mechanics, throwing and everything. I’m just excited to get going and show people what I can actually do, my full arsenal that I have, and it’ll be fun. I’m enjoying it.” It’s worth noting that it was work with Tommy Hottovy, among other things, that really did dramatically improve Chatwood’s mechanics from 2018 to 2019, so it’s not so crazy that he could see more improvement heading into 2020. The stuff has always been legit. Chatwood is the presumptive fifth starter at this point, but obviously a lot can change before Opening Day.

The manager on the mic:

Ross on message to players first day. pic.twitter.com/Le3PXAZFhe

— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubMLB) February 12, 2020

https://twitter.com/MLBastian/status/1227710834731864064

A couple position players were also in the house to get things rolling:

First question of spring to Rizzo: “Excited to be the leadoff hitter this year?” (after Ross floated his name for a piece of that role Tuesday) pic.twitter.com/8fiFfRKHQH
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubMLB) February 12, 2020

pic.twitter.com/4oS63HM5aK

— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubMLB) February 12, 2020

Rizzo’s ankle is feeling good, by the way, and he doesn’t expect any restrictions this Spring.

Early best-shape-of-his-life candidate? Jon Lester:

Jon Lester back on the mound (photo cred: @ScottyChags) pic.twitter.com/Ykk8o5Gila

— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) February 12, 2020

Yeah, Ross said this afternoon Lester showed up to Cubs camp looking "lean" and "fresh." https://t.co/KPe2EmKpS3

— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) February 12, 2020

Ross on Lester pic.twitter.com/Itkw7jnRhV

— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 12, 2020

Spring Training for managers:

Tyler Chatwood said David Ross came out to the spring training mound yesterday to grab the ball from him, simulating a pitching change.

"He needs to work on his jog out there a little bit," Chatwood joked.

— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) February 12, 2020

This is actually just a good life attitude if you can pull it off:

When asked about his future, 2 yrs away from free agency, Kyle Schwarber quipped:

"Do I look like a guy that thinks about his future? I live day by day. I'm just happy I showed up today."

— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) February 12, 2020

The Cubs’ new outfielder is thankful to be back in action:

So thankful to be back out on the field again! Never take things for granted. #2020 #ComebackSZN pic.twitter.com/AQnBE9FEc3

— Steven Souza (@SouzaJr) February 12, 2020

The best part of Spring Training:

Moments like these. 💙⚾️ pic.twitter.com/bLUGXRsDZD

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 12, 2020

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.

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