David Ross Speaks: Pitchers Already Up to 3 Innings, Being Responsible, Intrasquad Coming, More
The Chicago Cubs are now at Summer Camp, and the first workout is coming. That also means it’s finally time for (still new!) manager David Ross to get back in front of the mic to discuss the daily comings and goings of the Cubs. His first media session just concluded, and I wanted to share much of what he discussed. (To that end, if you’re on Twitter, you’re reminded to make sure to follow the beat writers down below so you can keep up with the latest.)
First Summer Camp Zoom session with manager David Ross in the books. He was set up in empty interview room at Wrigley, with a large TV in front of him with grid of Chicago media. pic.twitter.com/p4x9RYeguY
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 3, 2020
The biggest note at the top from Ross is that, as of the moment of this writing, he is not aware of any Cubs player not coming today for any reason:
Ross: "I expect everybody to be here." Hasn't heard of anyone not reporting today for any reason.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 3, 2020
The implication there is that the Cubs are not expecting any opt-outs OR positive COVID-19 tests from the last few days, but I should preach caution on that last one. It could simply be that Ross hasn’t heard yet. It would be mathematically very surprising if no Cubs tested positive at this time.
From here, obviously, the goal is to prevent risk of spread at the Cubs facilities, and to trust the players and those around them to take every precaution they can:
Ross: players' temperature checked twice at parking lot, different entrance to clubhouse, food served on concourse, lockers spread out. "just a lot of extra space, no couches in lounge."
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) July 3, 2020
Ross: "You can't hold these guys' hands. They're grown men." It would be "a selfish move" for players to go out and go against protocols when not at ballpark or with the team. A lot of trust, accountability and self-policing involved in protecting everyone and their families.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 3, 2020
Ross says going out to bars "would be an extremely selfish move" and he will address team about importance of following protocol for safety of team and their families.
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) July 3, 2020
That last note right there is a reminder of Ross’s mentality with respect to how he works with these players. He’s an extremely team-oriented guy, and, having been so close with so many of these players in the recent past – and having already been part of the Cubs organization for several years – will probably help that sense of trust and reliance on each other.
Ross speaking to what the workouts will look like initially, and how far along the pitchers already are:
Ross said daily workouts will include non-throwing pitchers in first, catchers in next for bullpens/BP, then position players for their workout. Planning on 3 IP "scrimmage" between two intrasquad teams on Saturday. Wants to get into live looks swiftly.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 3, 2020
The Cubs plan to have a "controlled intersquad" scrimmage tomorrow.
David Ross: "Our pitchers are ready to throw live. They’re up to three innings. … There’s no substitute for live looks."
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) July 3, 2020
Ross: "Our pitchers are ready to throw live." Says it's really impressive that they've put themselves in that position. Starters already able to throw 3+ innings.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 3, 2020
I mean, if the starters are already throwing three LIVE innings this weekend, that would suggest they should have no problem – in terms of arm readiness – going 5+ innings by Opening Day (three weeks). It sounds like the Cubs are very pleased by how the arms have stayed fresh, and I have to admit, I am kind of blown away that they’re ready to go right into live simulations.
Oh also … can we get that intrasquad game on TV tomorrow, or … ?
As for the Jose Quintana injury and fallout, Ross mentioned a few pitchers by name (though note that Adbert Alzolay is, for now, set to be in South Bend, so that’s why he likely wasn’t mentioned):
Ross: "Q's a big loss," but "I've got some confidence" in Alec Mills. Has received good feedback on Colin Rea and Jharel Cotton, too.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 3, 2020
