Spring Training Miscellany: Sox Beat Cubs, Lester’s Weak Contact, Almora Finally Slows Down, Miller’s Useful Speed, More

Mar 06, 2020

According to Len Kasper, today’s spring contest against the Chicago White Sox was the Cubs Cactus League record for attendance at Sloan Park (apparently, their exhibition game against the Red Sox drew more fans last spring, but it wasn’t technically a Cactus League game).

Unfortunately, the Cubs lost.

Worse, it was one of those nightmare modern games, with a combined 11 walks and 25(!) strikeouts. Which, fun. Indeed, the Cubs ultimately managed just six hits all day, only one of which went for extra bases (an Alfonso Rivas double). Like I said, a total snooze fest.

Getting specific, Albert Almora Jr. (0-3, 2Ks) had his first real slow day at the plate this spring, but again, with the exception of Kyle Schwarber, who was on base three times (1-1, BB, HBP), and David Bote (1-2, BB) no one in blue was making much noise offensively. Almora still has an OPS over 1.000 for the spring, so you Almora-stans still have your talking point, don’t worry.

The White Sox, by contrast, logged 12 hits to go along with their 6 walks and 15 strikeouts, including two doubles and two homers, plus a 3-4 day from newly extended Yoan Moncada.

With that said, today’s starter, Jon Lester, did just fine: 2.2 IP, 4H, 1ER, 2BB, 6Ks.

.@JLester34 struck out 6 over 2.2 innings today.

Will he be the Opening Day starter? https://t.co/FmHRW3Qch7 pic.twitter.com/W9qUfD9Jin

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 6, 2020

That’s a lot of strikeouts for a short outing, and after the game he took time to point out the amount of weak contact he was getting throughout his start. Lester is not going to be depended on to lead the rotation this season – at least, not the way he has the last five years – but if he’s serviceable most of the time with a few vintage-Lester starts sprinkled in, you’ll feel disproportionately better about this Cubs rotation.

A fist bump for Jon Lester, who struck out Abreu (called), Grandal (swinging) and Encarnacion (swinging) after giving up a pair of singles in the first inning. Threw 20 pitches (14 strikes). pic.twitter.com/55SG9llm31
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 6, 2020

One other thing from today’s loss that I want to point out: Ian Miller’s bottom of the 8th. Miller came to the plate with no outs to lead off the Cubs half of the inning and bunted for a single before stealing second, taking third on the throw, and scoring on a wild pitch. With the exception of looking back at the ball on his way to third base – and doing all this with a four-run deficit in a Spring Training game – I actually thought that was a huge performance for him. As recently as this morning, David Ross mentioned making special use of that newly added 26th roster spot for someone that compliments the rest of the roster or brings a unique skill (i.e. not just another utility man). If Miller can show off his ability to create runs with his legs enough, he may just earn some extended time on the Cubs this season.

Yu Darvish was scratched from his start yesterday because he was sick, but he was able to get out there for a simulated start today:

Darvish threw 47 pitches, 31 for strikes. Faced 12 batters, retired nine, allowed one walk, one hit (solo shot to Souza) and an error.

— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) March 6, 2020

Yu Darvish ends an 18-pitch, 11-strike first with a K of Phegley. Three K’s and one walk. pic.twitter.com/7Q4S5RAEYi

— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 6, 2020

Yu Darvish: Not haver of Corona.

Darvish on not having coronavirus pic.twitter.com/D2oqCMRZUe

— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) March 6, 2020

Sometimes, translations are just not close enough.

Yu Darvish clarified that he went to a doctor’s office — not a hospital. That part of his tweet was lost in translation. Still has a cough, but feeling much better. pic.twitter.com/hU7467R5kD
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 6, 2020

Next one’s going in his back:

Steven Souza Jr. belted a first-pitch homer off Yu Darvish in this morning's sim game.

BUT, Souza rounded third and jogged off the field, so no run! Clearly still using the spring to build up to a full 360-foot trot. pic.twitter.com/an0JEpbMWP

— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 6, 2020

Deals, deals, deals:

FOLKS. I just discovered that the @obvious_shirts Mystery Box is part of the big BASEBALL20 sale, except it's actually even more than 20% off. By my math, you're getting three Cubs shirts for basically half price. And free shipping.
You're welcome: https://t.co/Y7CGfzFSZJ pic.twitter.com/4jyCRAhMsK

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) March 6, 2020

written by

Michael Cerami

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

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