Let's start with some spring training fun.
The Cubs beat the Mariners 7-3 on Sunday, as Albert Almora Jr. and Javier Báez started the scoring with solo home runs. Almora smoked one to left, while Báez crushed a homer to center field.
Beautiful.
Jon Lester pitched three scoreless innings and was a lot sharper than his spring debut. Threw more strikes on the edges of the plate and that's what he has to do to be successful in 2020.
Lester also got some help from Willson Contreras, who threw out two runners trying to steal second base. That included this play, where El Mago showed off those magic tagging skills.
By the way, I've seen half of the Cubs spring training games so far and I'd say 90% of the time that there's a close call at a base the umpire will always say out. There's no replay in spring training, so no calls can be overturned. It's kind of obvious they just want to get these games over with ASAP.
Quickly back to Báez. We know that he's never going to be a walk machine, recording a career high in 2017 with only 30, but he says he is trying to be more patient. After one week of Cactus League games, Báez has drawn four walks in 14 plate appearances.
Hey, obviously I'm all for it, but I'll be skeptical until I see it during the regular season. That said, if Báez does improve his plate discipline, then OH MY GOD! Fingers crossed.
Some spring training giggles from the Mariners.
The only down note from Sunday's game was Cubs prospect Manuel Rodriguez suffering an arm injury, taken out because of biceps discomfort.
David Ross says Jason Heyward isn't going to be moving from right field in 2020. Last year, out of necessity and lack of production from other players, Heyward played a decent amount in center, where he was fine, but he's obviously a lot better defensively in right field.
Via the Chicago Tribune.
“I’m trying to keep him out of center,” Ross said of Heyward. “He’s most comfortable out there (in right). He’s one of best right fielders in the game. He’s got the hardware to prove that when he’s right. He reads the ball extremely well out of right field. I’m not saying I’m not going to put him in center. But I’m trying to keep him out of there as much as possible."
And speaking of not moving guys as much, Ross also said that although Kris Bryant will get some reps in the outfield, he'll remain the every day third baseman for the Cubs.
Since making his debut in 2015, Bryant has started 113 games in the outfield compared to 564 at third base.
