March 27, Daily Herald, Why Chicago Cubs coaching staff fits perfectly with Maddon

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1 March 27, 2017 CSNChicago.com, From When It Happens To Where It Happens, Cubs Mining Next Generation Of Talent CSNChicago.com, Joe Maddon Doesn t Have Any Concerns About New Cubs Closer Wade Davis CSNChicago.com, Cubs Expect Ben Zobrist And Addison Russell To Be Ready For Opening Night Chicago Tribune, Cubs not worried about Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell for opening night Chicago Tribune, Depth on Cubs' minds as they brace for closer games, injuries story.html#nt=related-content Chicago Tribune, Sunday's recap: Cubs 22, Reds 4; Padres 9, Cubs 4 Chicago Tribune, Wade Davis' history comforts Cubs manager Joe Maddon Chicago Sun-Times, Albert Almora Jr. homers twice, Cubs split against Reds, Padres Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs Matt Szczur: Joe Maddon sending message with praise Chicago Sun-Times, Unmanageable neck improves, so Cubs Ben Zobrist eyes return Daily Herald, Why Chicago Cubs coaching staff fits perfectly with Maddon Cubs.com, Cubs hit 5 jacks, don't stop at 21 in Vegas Cubs.com, Mills, Cubs struggle to contain Padres Cubs.com, With Bryant back home, dad talks prep work

2 Cubs.com, Zobrist likely back from injury in next day or two CSNChicago.com From When It Happens To Where It Happens, Cubs Mining Next Generation Of Talent By Patrick Mooney MESA, Ariz. The Cubs turned Theo Epstein s Baseball is Better speech from his first Wrigley Field press conference into a marketing pitch that might distract fans for a moment from an awful big-league product. The 2017 That s Cub ad campaign actually uses what started organically years ago within the farm system, two words that recognized a great at-bat or a heads-up play or a defensive stop. Business vs. baseball is no longer the dominant storyline it had been during the early phases of the Wrigleyvile rebuild. Business and baseball are booming for what s become Major League Baseball s version of the Golden State Warriors. It s just interesting that a franchise valued at north of $2 billion has found so much inspiration on the back fields of this spring-training complex, where staffers you wouldn t recognize get to work before dawn and players you ve never heard of dream about their big break. It s not just drafting Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber. And trading for Anthony Rizzo, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and Addison Russell. And hiring a manager obsessed with T-shirts. Baseball operations became a marketing department, selling prospects to Cub fans, the Chicago media and the gurus putting together the rankings and trying to get buy-in from players who all think they belong in The Show. Minor-league field coordinator Tim Cossins gets credit for When It Happens, a theme that didn t simply revolve around 1908 and the championship drought. Jason McLeod, the senior vice president who oversees scouting and player development, suggested pairing the W flag with that phrase, and it became this ubiquitous idea around the team. We tied everything into it, McLeod said Sunday at Sloan Park. When that time comes, when it happens, can you lay the bunt down? When it happens, can you execute a pitch? Can you go in and pinch-run, steal the base when the time comes? The big When It Happens is when we win, of course, but for us in (player development), it was about everything that we re going to be asked to do in that moment: Are you going to be ready when it happens? Now what? The defending World Series champs are going with: Where It Happens. A bullet point from Epstein s bio in this year s media guide references how his first three first-round draft picks with the Cubs combined to set up the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th inning of Game 7 of the 2016 World Series when Schwarber singled and (Albert) Almora pinch-ran, moved to second on Bryant s deep fly to center, and scored on Ben Zobrist s double. We re never going to forget about the importance of young players, Epstein said. There s definitely a lot of talented, interesting prospects still in the system and sometimes they get a little overshadowed because of the star young players we have at the big-league level and how quickly some of those guys moved through the system. But there s a lot of talent there. We re going to lean on young players beyond our prospects, not just in trades, but also to provide organizational depth and also to serve as the next generation, the next infusion of talent at the appropriate time.

3 But it s a process. There s going to be a lot of ups and downs in development for all these guys. And we have a ton of faith in our player development operation to help these guys along the way. So Ian Happ will start the season one phone call away at Triple-A Iowa and see if some combination of injuries and his switch-hitting skills and defensive versatility gets him to the North Side at some point. Or used as a trade chip for pitching, the way third baseman Jeimer Candelario and catcher Victor Caratini appear to be blocked. Joe Maddon already compared Eloy Jimenez who can t legally buy a beer in Wrigleyville yet to a young Miguel Cabrera or Edgar Martinez. The Cubs are practically begging for someone like Eddie Butler to pitch his way into the 2018 rotation. By Monday morning, when the full squad reconvenes after a weekend trip to Las Vegas, the Cubs could start making cuts and shaping their Opening Night roster. But the Cubs are going to need so much more than the 25 players who will be introduced next Sunday at Busch Stadium. Maddon used 26 pitchers and 149 different lineups last season. This is Where It Happens. If this particular group of youngsters were in a different organization that had a greater need right now, you d probably hear a lot more about these guys, Maddon said. But the fact that they re stuck behind a Bryant and a Russell and a Javy (Baez) and a Rizzo and a (Willson) Contreras and a Schwarber, et cetera, et cetera, it becomes more difficult to really push or project upon these guys. But I think these young guys have gone about their business really well. If it s bothering them or if they re concerned about that, they re not showing that. I think they ve put their best foot forward. CSNChicago.com Joe Maddon Doesn t Have Any Concerns About New Cubs Closer Wade Davis By Patrick Mooney MESA, Ariz. The Cubs studied all the MRIs and analyzed every pitch Wade Davis threw last season, poring over the information on the All-Star closer. During the winter meetings, Kansas City Royals general manager Dayton Moore even took the unusual step of allowing the Cubs to give Davis a physical exam. The Jorge Soler trade wouldn t be announced until athletic trainer PJ Mainville met with Davis at his home in New York s Hudson Valley. The Cubs got another read on the flexor strain in his right forearm that twice put Davis on the disabled list last season. Davis now has a ERA through five Cactus League appearances and the complete confidence of a manager who isn t connecting those dots. The injury s really not an issue, Joe Maddon said Sunday at the Sloan Park complex. He feels really good right now. He kind of thought that whole thing was a little bit overblown last year, according to (what he told) me. Because even in talking to him in the offseason: I m fine. I m good. I feel really good. Maddon managed the Tampa Bay Rays while Davis broke into the big leagues as a starter and began the transition to reliever. Everything clicked in Kansas City s bullpen, with Davis blowing away hitters and notching the last out of the 2015 World Series. I m watching him, Maddon said. He s throwing the ball really well easily. That s what s really encouraging to me. From the side, there s no bumping and grinding and Maddon made a grunting noise to illustrate his point: There s none of that. It s easy. I look up at the gun and I m seeing 94, 95 and sometimes 96 (mph). It s like: Wow, I have never seen him do that in camp.

4 Across the last three seasons, Davis allowed three home runs while piling up 234 strikeouts in almost 183 innings. This spring, he has twice gotten only one out, like Saturday s 29-pitch, four-run appearance against the Colorado Rockies. Overall in March, he s given up eight earned runs, nine hits and five walks in 3.2 innings. Honestly, I ve known him long enough that it s not a concern, Maddon said. You re not going to believe this, but he s actually throwing better than he normally does in spring training. The biggest problem he s having right now is command. Velocity looks good. The break on the breaking ball looks good. He s just not throwing the ball where he wants it. And this guy is normally the kind of pitcher that can dot it up really well. But everything else looks really good to me, (because) I had him back with the Rays and in spring training you always saw him throwing like 86, 87, 88 (mph). I m seeing easy I m seeing sharp break on some breaking stuff. It s just bad counts and bad command right now. This isn t the Cubs saying Carlos Marmol or Jose Veras is our closer. A guy with a 0.84 ERA in 23 career playoff appearances doesn t care about Cactus League stats. As long as Davis is healthy, there should be no doubts about the ninth inning. Check back next week amid the sea of red at Busch Stadium. A lot of it s just an adrenaline rush sometimes, Maddon said. A lot it s just a moment that you can t recreate here. You can t do it. It s impossible. CSNChicago.com Cubs Expect Ben Zobrist And Addison Russell To Be Ready For Opening Night By Patrick Mooney MESA, Ariz. The Cubs expect Ben Zobrist and Addison Russell to be ready for Opening Night, downplaying any health concerns about their All-Star middle infielders. One week out from facing the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, manager Joe Maddon spent part of Sunday's media session saying how he had no concerns with his World Series MVP's stiff neck and his franchise shortstop's stiff back. "You can tell with 'Zo,'" Maddon said at the Sloan Park complex. "He'll come around and let me know specifically if he feels it's going to be anything longer than that. He's talking either tomorrow night or the next day." Zobrist, who spent nine seasons with Maddon's Tampa Bay Rays, hasn't appeared in a Cactus League game since March 19. Maddon also signaled Russell is close to returning to action after being a late scratch from Friday's lineup. Not like this, but the Cubs already planned to schedule extra rest for Zobrist, given his age (36 in May), the playoff stress on his body from back-to-back World Series titles and emerging options like Javier Baez on a mix-and-match team. All along, Maddon hasn't worried about finding enough at-bats for Baez, knowing that injuries are inevitable and the Cubs have insurance policies up and down the roster that should pay off across a 162-game season. But in this case, it doesn't sound like the Cubs are testing that theory with Zobrist and Russell. "None of this stuff is really threatening," Maddon said. "The trainers have no real strong issues with anything. It's almost like you'll be overly cautious right now. And that's all we're doing."

5 Chicago Tribune Cubs not worried about Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell for opening night By Mark Gonzales MESA, Ariz. Second baseman Ben Zobrist will try to play Monday night after missing the past week because of neck stiffness. And shortstop Addison Russell hasn't played since Thursday because of stiffness in his lower back. Yet Cubs manager Joe Maddon didn't seem concerned about their extended layoffs or being ready for Sunday night's opener in St. Louis. Maddon said Zobrist has downplayed the severity of his ailment. As for Russell, "he's getting better," Maddon said Sunday. "He's very close to getting back. None of this stuff is threatening. Trainers have no real strong issues with anything. It's almost like being overly cautious, but that's what we're doing." Maddon talked to Zobrist, 35, at the start of spring training about potentially reducing his playing time at second base. Giving Zobrist regular rest would open more playing time at second for Javier Baez. But after Baez returned from the World Baseball Classic as an All-WBC selection on Saturday, Maddon said he thought it might be wise to move Baez to other infield positions before the end of spring training. No worries with Wade: Maddon downplayed the need for closer Wade Davis, who has a ERA, to have an impressive outing before the season starts. "I can't emphasize enough there is no comparison between spring training and the regular-season game," Maddon said, adding he would be concerned if Davis wasn't healthy. "A lot of it is an adrenaline rush sometimes. A lot of it is the moments. You can't recreate here. You just can't do it. It's impossible. The schedule, sleep patterns are different. Just get back in the routines and get him back to where the lights are brighter and adrenaline is stronger. I think you'll see just fine. I really do." Extra innings: The Braves are among the teams taking a close look at outfielder Matt Szczur, who is out of minorleague options.... According to Cubs historian Ed Hartig, April 2 will mark the first time in 16,945 games that the Cubs will start a season as defending World Series champions since April 14, 1909, when they beat the Cardinals at the West Side Grounds.... The Cubs will open a season against the Cardinals for the 32nd time. Only the Reds (36) have played the Cubs more times in a season opener. Chicago Tribune Depth on Cubs' minds as they brace for closer games, injuries By Mark Gonzales As the toughest cuts of spring training loom, manager Joe Maddon and his staff have played the "what if" game regarding potential injuries and lack of production. The Cubs were able to withstand Kyle Schwarber's season-long knee injury in the third game of the 2016 season. One major contributor was Willson Contreras, who made an impression with a strong spring that led to his call-up in June. The Cubs cruised to a 25-6 start last season, allowing them to pace closer Hector Rondon and give extended rest to other players. They know they may not have that luxury this year as they evaluate their options outside their projected 25-man roster.

6 "We boat-raced a lot of games," Maddon said of last season, when the Cubs outscored their opponents by a major league-leading 252 runs. "We won a lot of games by many runs and didn't have to necessarily push anybody at the end of a game, but you don't know how it's going to break this year." The Cubs have Koji Uehara and Rondon capable of pitching in save situations if new closer Wade Davis is unavailable. It's unclear how often Maddon can use Davis on consecutive days. Davis told Maddon that his right forearm injuries that sidelined him for six weeks last season with the Royals were overblown and that he feels healthy. Davis, 31, pitched in four consecutive games (sandwiched around a day off) in late September and in three consecutive games once. Maddon would like to use Davis no more than three games in a row and insists he's healthy, based on radar gun readings. "When I look at the gun, and I'm seeing 94, 95, 96 (mph), wow," said Maddon, who managed Davis with the Rays. "I've never seen him (throw that hard) in camp. We'll be careful with him." Maddon said he believes the Cubs are in better position with their starting pitching depth with Eddie Butler stretched out, as opposed to last season when they didn't use a sixth starter, reliever Adam Warren, until the 84th game. The Cubs again possess plenty of versatility. But their depth was tested in late June last year when Dexter Fowler, Jorge Soler and Schwarber were all sidelined with injuries, causing Albert Almora Jr. and Contreras to make their major-league debuts and Chris Coghlan to be reacquired from the Athletics. Third baseman Kris Bryant's versatility helped compensate for the loss of Schwarber in left, and Bryant played first base Saturday in place of Anthony Rizzo, who has played 155 games or more in three of the last four seasons. Switch hitter Jeimer Candelario, whose path to the majors is blocked by Bryant and Rizzo, could fill in at first in the event of an injury with Javier Baez likely to get more playing time at second, third base and shortstop. "I feel good about the group that's going back to Triple A," Maddon said. "If something were to happen, we'd still be in good shape." Chicago Tribune Sunday's recap: Cubs 22, Reds 4; Padres 9, Cubs 4 By Mark Gonzales Mesa, Ariz., Brett Wallace, Jabari Blash and Collin Cowgill each hit a home run to lift the Padres to a 9-4 victory over the Cubs on Sunday before a sellout crowd of 15,411 at Sloan Park. In Las Vegas, Albert Almora went 3-for-4 with a home run and five RBIs to pace a 21-hit attack in leading the Cubs to a 22-4 victory over the Reds. At the plate Jason Heyward, under the microscope for his revamped stance and swing, showed his batting eye by drawing three walks. In Las Vegas, Anthony Rizzo led off the bottom of the first with a home run. Kyle Schwarber, playing in his third consecutive game, was lifted after drawing a walk in the first. On the mound Alec Mills settled down after a rocky first inning and retired seven of the final eight batters he faced. In Vegas, Eddie Butler allowed seven hits in 4 2/3 innings but induced seven ground-ball outs. Left-hander Brian Duensing

7 relieved Butler and issued a walk to Joey Votto before retiring Eugenio Suarez on a grounder with runners at first and second to end the fifth. In the field Heyward took a curious route on a fly that hit the base of the right-field fence for a single by Blash in the first. A fielding error by shortstop Munenori Kawasaki paved the way for Blash's grand slam in the fourth. In Vegas, Tommy La Stella started at his natural second base position. Up next Vs. Indians, 8:10 p.m. Monday at Goodyear Ballpark. LH Jon Lester vs. LH Tyler Olson. Chicago Tribune Wade Davis' history comforts Cubs manager Joe Maddon By Mark Gonzales It was only three springs ago that Jose Veras went from being the Cubs' closer to being released only two months into the 2014 season. That scenario doesn't exist this spring with Wade Davis and his ERA, based largely on manager Joe Maddon's history with Davis dating to their days with the Tampa Bay Rays. "Honestly, I ve known him long enough to where it s not (a concern)," Maddon said Sunday, one day after Davis allowed four runs in only one-third of an inning. "You re not going to believe this, but he s throwing better than he normally does in spring training. The biggest problem he s having now is command." Maddon believes Davis' velocity, in the mid-90 mph range, is nearly 10 mph faster than his springs with the Rays. "He s just not throwing the ball where he wants to, and this guy is normally the pitcher who can dot it up very well," Maddon said. I m actually encouraged by the way he s throwing the ball. I know that sounds crazy, but he does physically look very good to me." Maddon said Davis, who missed most of the second half in 2016 with the Kansas City Royals due to a forearm injury, is healthy. Maddon added that Davis' breaking ball is sharp and downplayed the importance of Davis needing a strong outing before the regular season. "If you re finding an issue physically, and the results aren t there, to me that would be a larger concern," Maddon said. "But if you are physically well and the results aren t quite there, I m OK." In 2016, Davis appeared in 45 games, allowing 33 hits and 16 walks over 43-plus innings for a WHIP of The year before, he allowed the same number of hits 33 over 67-plus innings. Coupled with 20 walks, his WHIP in 2015 was a career-best Davis has only allowed three home runs over the past three seasons, all of them in He did not give up a homer in 2014 or Chicago Sun-Times Albert Almora Jr. homers twice, Cubs split against Reds, Padres By Gordon Wittenmyer

8 CUBS 22, REDS 4 PADRES 9, CUBS 4 Big numbers in Vegas Alec Mills gave up a big first inning and was tagged with the loss Sunday in Mesa, Arizona, and Albert Almora hit two home runs and drove in five runs in the Cubs rout of the Reds in Las Vegas. The Cubs scored 33 runs in 16 innings in their two games against the Reds in Vegas. Albert Almora Jr., shown here making a catch Saturday, shrugged off Friday's sore neck to go 4-for-8 against the Reds the last two days including two homers and a double Sunday. Bryzzo Souvenir Co. After switching spots with Kyle Schwarber so he could bat leadoff, Anthony Rizzo who didn t play Saturday hit the first pitch he saw in Vegas over the right-field wall to open the Cubs six-run first inning. Kris Bryant, his partner in the Bryzzo Co., gave his hometown crowd more to cheer about with a double in the first, two walks and a charging play on a slow roller for an out. Signs of life? Jason Heyward s months-long swing-resurrection process produced a home run Saturday, and he walked three times against the Padres. That suggests a comfort level as the season approaches. A few days earlier, manager Joe Maddon said he liked Heyward s approach a lot, not a little bit, despite his lack of results this spring. The results are going to eventually show up; I absolutely believe that, Maddon said. I could see it all coming together for him. 90 feet and done Schwarber, who caught in a game Friday for the first time in a year and started Saturday, made only one trip to the plate against the Reds. He drew a walk in the first before departing for a pinch runner, but it wasn t health-related. In fact, Maddon said he hopes to get his emergency catcher behind the plate once more, probably in a minorleague game again, before camp breaks. On deck Cubs at Indians, Goodyear, 8:10 p.m., 670-AM, Jon Lester vs. Tyler Olson. Gordon Wittenmyer Chicago Sun-Times Cubs Matt Szczur: Joe Maddon sending message with praise By Patrick Finley MESA, Ariz. Outfielder Matt Szczur heard manager Joe Maddon s public praise of him. What it means, though, is another question. I feel like Joe puts a lot of messages in the media, and he lets us know that, Szczur said Sunday. So it s up in the air to me. I know he likes me. Apparently he loves me. So it s a good feeling to be wanted. But by whom? Because he s out of minor-league options, Szczur could be traded if the Cubs decide he won t fit on the opening night roster Sunday against the Cardinals.

9 Maddon was effusive in his appreciation for Szczur on Saturday I love Matt, he said but was sending a message. Asked if Maddon was stumping for his inclusion on the roster or advertising his services to other teams, Szczur smiled. He was doing a little bit of both, Szczur said before the Cubs lost a split-squad game to the Padres 9-4. I don t think anything he said was false. I think that he s honest, and I appreciate his honesty. I try to do everything for the team, and all I want to do is win, whether it s coming off the bench or starting. For me, I m trying to help this team that I m on win. An American League source said the Cubs are listening to proposals for Szczur. The Twins and Braves are interested and are among the many teams that could give him more at-bats than the Cubs, who have Jason Heyward, Kyle Schwarber, John Jay and Albert Almora slated for the outfield. Infielders Ben Zobrist and Kris Bryant can man the corner-outfield spots, too, but the sheer number of part-time outfielders doesn t necessarily equate to quality depth. Increased playing time on another team has its appeal, Szczur said. Obviously it would be enticing, he said. But I m trying to win the day right here. I put myself in a good position for this team or whatever team I m on. Perhaps the Giants could be a good fit, but it s doubtful the Cubs would deal him to another National League contender. Maddon was clear that he views Szczur as a big-league player. He ll be just that next week, whether it s with the Cubs or someone else. It forces their hand to kind of make a move, Szczur said of being out of minor-league options. Whether they want me on the roster or want to make a move otherwise. Maddon said the Cubs hadn t yet decided between Szczur and left-handed-hitting infielder Tommy La Stella, who went 1-for-3 with an RBI in the Cubs 22-4 win over the Reds in Las Vegas and is hitting.273 with two homers and three RBI this spring. La Stella has options left, and the Cubs won t let his three-week holdout after last year s minor-league demotion dissuade them from sending him down. Szczur went 0-for-4 in Mesa, but he s hitting.301 with one home run and seven RBI during Cactus League play. Listen, this guy as a teammate, you re not going to get a better one, and nobody s going to get a better one on any team, for any reason, Maddon said of Szczur. The outfielder was flattered, even as he tried to parse what message, if any, was being sent. That s great praise from a manager who s very established, he said. It definitely felt good. Chicago Sun-Times Unmanageable neck improves, so Cubs Ben Zobrist eyes return By Patrick Finley MESA, Ariz. After missing a week of Cactus League games because of neck soreness, second baseman Ben Zobrist said he thinks he can return to the Cubs lineup Monday or Tuesday. At the beginning of [last] week, it was unmanageable, Zobrist said Sunday. But now I m out on the field doing stuff [before the game]. So I ll probably play in the game [Monday]. If not, Tuesday. And I ll have at least three or four exhibition games before we start the season.

10 Zobrist is confident that will give him enough time to be prepared to start the season. Privately, though, the Cubs wonder whether the condition might linger. If so, that might create early-season starts at second base for Javy Baez. The Cubs also have been without shortstop Addison Russell since Friday, when he was scratched because of back soreness. Manager Joe Maddon said Russell is very close to getting back. None of this stuff is really threatening, in a sense, Maddon said. The trainers have no real strong issues with anything. It s almost like you ll be overly cautious right now, and that s all we re doing. Zobrist said soft-tissue work, rest and posture improvements have helped his neck in recent days. He called the time away precautious. Maddon not worried about Davis One day after closer Wade Davis allowed four earned runs, two hits and two walks in a third of an inning to send his spring ERA soaring to 19.64, Maddon said he wasn t concerned. Davis has yielded nine hits and five walks to go with the 11 outs he has recorded. You re not going to believe this, but he s actually throwing better than he normally does in spring training, Maddon said. The biggest problem he s having right now is command. Velocity looks good. The break on the breaking ball looks good. He s just not throwing the ball where he wants. When Davis pitched for Maddon with the Rays from 2008 to 2012, mostly as a starter, he topped out around 88 mph during the spring. This year, Maddon said he has reached 95 mph and has had sharp break, too. It s just bad counts and bad command right now, he said. If he was physically unable, then I d be more concerned. I think he looks really good physically right now. What s next for Butler? Eddie Butler, the right-hander acquired from the Rockies during the offseason, pitched 4⅔ innings against the Reds in Las Vegas, likely concluding his impressive spring (3.07 ERA, seven strikeouts, three walks in 14⅔ innings). He said he will understand if the Cubs send him to join the rotation at Class AAA Iowa as starting depth. If I end up down there, I m going to do everything I can to be back up as quick as possible, he said. Go out there and dominate as much as I can and continue to show them I should have made the team out of spring. Daily Herald Why Chicago Cubs coaching staff fits perfectly with Maddon By Bruce Miles Joe Maddon took his lumps with his managing last fall in the World Series, especially in Game 7. But Maddon has been fitted for a championship ring, and the question to Cubs fans is this: Would you rather Maddon be the manager or not? Thought so. Maddon did some things during the Series that were, shall we say, maddening. That includes taking Kyle Hendricks out after only 4 ⅔ innings of Game 7 after the Cleveland Indians put a runner aboard. Then Maddon was criticized for taking out starter-turned-reliever Jon Lester in favor of Aroldis Chapman.

11 But things worked out in the end, and the Cubs won their first World Series since In the early days of spring training, Maddon joked that his Game 7 decision-making which he said was preplanned was still a topic of conversation. "It's coming up again right now," he said on Valentine's Day. No manager is perfect, not even Maddon, who should never have to buy a drink again in Chicago. But here are some things that make him the almost-perfect man for the job: Like Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville, Maddon knows when to let up on the gas. Baseball is a game played almost every day, and Maddon keeps his players fresh by canceling batting practice on many days and giving veterans their rest. Maddon has turned the clubhouse over to the players over the past two years, and leaders such as Anthony Rizzo, Jon Lester, Jason Heyward and now-retired David Ross have kept the troops in line. Maddon has not been afraid to throw convention out the window, including batting the pitcher eighth many times in 2015 a possibility again this year and by his preference for batting Kyle Schwarber first. The 63-year-old Maddon seems to like being a Chicago celebrity, but he also paid his dues in baseball, coming up through the coaching ranks of the Angels system. If you ask him about towns such as Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he's certain to have a story or two about such places. Maddon came to Chicago in the fall of 2014 as a big-name manager, having already been to a World Series with the Tampa Bay Rays. But unlike other big-name managers, he was open-minded enough to keep the coaching staff he inherited. Maddon was allowed to bring his bench coach, former Cubs player Dave Martinez, with him when he took the job. But Maddon retained the rest of the staff he inherited from previous managers Rick Renteria and Dale Sveum. That includes pitching coach Chris Bosio, who was part of the ground-floor rebuilding crew in the fall of Bosio, a former major-league pitcher, is a baseball lifer who is extremely thoughtful when it comes to his charges. He has been instrumental in the development of starter Kyle Hendricks. He also took a Rule 5 draft pick in Hector Rondon and turned him into a bona fide closer before the Cubs went last July with Chapman and then with veteran Wade Davis this winter. Cubs president Theo Epstein once likened the hitting-coach position to that of the drummer in Spinal Tap. That is, a job with a new man in the chair seemingly every month. Chicago guy John Mallee has stabilized that job the past two seasons. His biggest job this winter has been rebuilding the swing of right fielder Heyward. His assistant is former big-leaguer Eric Hinske. If you haven't heard of first-base coach Brandon Hyde and third-base coach Gary Jones, that's probably a good thing. It means they haven't been involved in many controversial decisions on the bases. Bullpen coach Lester Strode begins his 29th year in the Cubs organization. He has survived several baseball regimes and is a trusted voice among Cubs pitcher and catchers. Catching/strategy coach Mike Borzello is one of the unsung heroes on staff. Before and after games, Borzello can be found going over videos with pitchers and catchers. He's a big part of game plans. Henry Blanco, a former Cubs backup catcher, returns for a third season as quality assurance coach. He's as respected now as he was as a player. Staff assistant Franklin Font, a former Cubs minor-leaguer, enters his 23rd season in the organization and his sixth at the major-league level.

12 Cubs.com Cubs hit 5 jacks, don't stop at 21 in Vegas By Carrie Muskat LAS VEGAS Anthony Rizzo hit a home run on the first pitch he saw and Albert Almora Jr. smacked a pair of homers and an RBI double to finish with five RBIs and power the Cubs to a 22-4 victory on Sunday over the Reds in a split-squad game for both teams at Cashman Field. Cubs prospect Bijan Rademacher added a grand slam in an eight-run sixth, and Victor Caratini drove in three runs for the game. Charcer Burks hit Chicago's fifth homer of the game, a three-run shot in the eighth, and Yasiel Balaguert capped the Cubs' scoring with a two-run double in the ninth. The Cubs sent 11 batters to the plate in the first against Tim Adleman. Rizzo, who lobbied to lead off to get more at-bats, justified the switch and launched the first pitch from Adleman over the right-field wall for his third spring homer. Kris Bryant doubled to right, Kyle Schwarber walked and Almora followed with a three-run homer for a 4-0 lead. One out later, Chesny Young and Caratini hit back-to-back doubles to put the Cubs ahead, 5-0. Pitcher Eddie Butler added an RBI single. Adleman, who is in contention for either the Reds' rotation or the bullpen, settled down and did not give up another hit over the next 2 1/3 innings. Jesse Winker led off the Reds' second with a home run, one of seven hits off Butler, who will likely open the season at Triple-A Iowa. Winker also doubled to lead off the fourth and reached third on a groundout. Winker tried to score on Phillip Ervin's fly ball to right, but third-base umpire Dana DeMuth ruled Winker left third base early. Chicago added three more runs in the fourth against Nick Routt on an RBI double by Almora, an RBI single by Tommy La Stella and an RBI double by Caratini. For Butler, this may have been his last chance to impress the Cubs. "I've been able to throw a lot of strikes and let the guys play behind me and they've been putting up runs every time I'm out there," said the right-hander, who threw his curveball more on Sunday to work on it. The Reds' Joey Votto did get two singles off Butler, who wasn't surprised. "He's a tough out," Butler said of the Reds' first baseman. "He has one of the best two-strike approaches. He shortens down, gets on top of the plate and he's just battling. Today, he flicked a couple balls to left field and got a couple knocks off me." Butler is projected to open the season at Triple-A Iowa. "I understand there's business behind it," Butler said. "I'm trying to make that decision as hard as I can. If I end up down there, I'll do everything I can to be back up as quick as possible. I'll go out and dominate as much as I can and show them I should've made the team out of spring." Schwarber was lifted for a pinch-runner in the first. He had played Friday and Saturday and just wanted one at-bat on Sunday. This spring, he's played back-to-back games and gotten the third off as he comes back from knee surgery last April. Reds Up Next: Following two days of split-squad games, the Reds will be one bunch again Monday when facing the Giants at 4:05 p.m. ET in Scottsdale, Ariz. Cody Reed will get his last opportunity to make a bid for the rotation. The left-handed Reed has a 3.24 ERA through his five games, including three starts.

13 Cubs Up Next: Opening Day starter Jon Lester will have his final tuneup on Monday when the Cubs face the Indians in a night game in Goodyear, Ariz. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. CT. This will be Lester's third Cactus League start he's made two starts in Minor League games, as well. Lester faced the Tribe three times in the 2016 World Series, including three innings in relief in Game 7. Cubs.com Mills, Cubs struggle to contain Padres By Jesse Sanchez MESA, Ariz. Brett Wallace and Jabari Blash powered the offense and Trevor Cahill shut down his former team for five innings to lead the Padres to a 9-4 victory against the Cubs on Sunday afternoon at Sloan Park. Blash's fourth-inning grand slam off Jonathan Martinez gave the Padres an 8-2 lead. Wallace's three-run home run off Cubs starter Alec Mills capped off a four-run first inning that gave San Diego an advantage it would never relinquish. Colin Cowgill also hit a solo home run for San Diego's ninth run in the fifth. As for Cahill, he was part of Chicago's World Series championship team last season and has pitched well enough this spring to earn a spot on San Diego's roster. However, it's unclear if he will be in the rotation behind Jhoulys Chacin, Clayton Richard and Jered Weaver or in the bullpen. Cahill is competing with Luis Perdomo and Jarred Cosart for one of the two remaining spots in the rotation. The veteran right-handed pitcher gave up a hit to Cubs center fielder Jon Jay in the bottom of the first and did not give up another hit until an RBI single by Jeimer Candelario in the bottom of the third to cut San Diego's lead to 4-1. Right fielder Jason Heyward scored Chicago's second run of the inning on a ground ball by Munenori Kawasaki to cut the lead in half. Overall, Cahill gave up only two hits, struck out eight batters and walked four. Both of the runs charged to him were unearned. Mills, who was sent to Minor League camp last week and will be counted on to provide organizational depth, needed to impress. Instead, he gave up four runs on five hits, including the three-run home run by Wallace, in the top of the first inning. Mills fared much better in the second, striking out two batters on his way to retiring the side in order, and did not allow a run in the third. In all, Mills was charged with four runs on six hits in three innings. He walked one batter and struck out three and was eventually replaced by Martinez to start the fourth inning with the Padres up, 4-2. Blash's home run was his sixth of Cactus League play. Padres Up Next: Matt Magill, Brandon Maurer, Ryan Buchter, Brad Hand and Carter Capps are all scheduled to pitch against the Mariners at 1:05 p.m. PT on Monday. Capps is scheduled to make his spring debut. Cubs Up Next: Opening Day starter Jon Lester will have his final tuneup on Monday when the Cubs face the Indians in a night game in Goodyear, Ariz. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. CT. This will be Lester's third Cactus League start he's made two starts in Minor League games, as well. Lester faced the Tribe three times in the 2016 World Series, including three innings in relief in Game 7. Cubs.com With Bryant back home, dad talks prep work By Carrie Muskat

14 LAS VEGAS When Kris Bryant got back to work on his swing this offseason, his father, Mike, wanted him to remember how he was pitched to in the Minor Leagues, and that's what they worked on. His mother, Susie, was busy handling all the wedding gifts. Bryant returned home this weekend to play two games with the Cubs against the Reds at Cashman Field, and he hit a home run and a double on Saturday and added another double on Sunday. The best part for the reigning National League Most Valuable Player Award winner was that he could spend a couple of days at his new home here. Mike didn't make his son hit in the cage during the weekend visit. They started that six weeks after the World Series ended. Kris said he wants to hit the ball to the opposite field more this year, which is something he did in 2014, when he belted 43 homers and won Minor League Player of the Year honors. "We've always talked about it, but it was more or less a game plan to prepare for this season," Mike said of their offseason work. "Because his batting average was so high on inside fastballs, we thought they'd try to work on the outer half of the plate. We tried to perfect that swing." Meanwhile, Kris' mom was dealing with all the gifts Cubs fans sent. On one day, 86 boxes were delivered to Kris' parents' home. "One day, me and Kris were playing catch in the cul de sac," Mike said. "The UPS guy gets off the truck and he goes, 'Is that Kris Bryant?' I said, 'Yeah.' We were playing catch in the cul de sac like we used to." And Kris' adjustments at the plate? "He's kind of focused on trying to be ready when they miss on the outer half," Mike said. "His success was a product of necessity because of the way they were pitching. In the Minors, that's all they did was stay away from him. They never pitched in to him. He learned to do damage in the Minor Leagues because they were pounding the outer half of the plate. I wanted to get him more familiar with it again." Both Mike and Susie said all the success their son has had winning the World Series, MVP Award hasn't changed him. However, there is a minor issue at home. Mike wants to wear Kris' World Series ring when he gets it. "I said, 'Kris, c'mon, bucket list I just want to wear it for a year, that's all,'" Mike said, laughing. Anthony Rizzo's father did send Mike a replica ring, although it's not a replica of the real World Series ring, since that design has been kept a secret. Mike and Susie will be at Wrigley Field for Opening Day April 10 and the ring ceremony on April 12. Kris may have to hide the ring. Cubs.com Zobrist likely back from injury in next day or two By Jesse Sanchez MESA, Ariz. Veteran Ben Zobrist, who has not appeared in a game in a week because of a stiff neck, expects to return to Cactus League action for the Cubs on Monday night against the Indians or Tuesday afternoon against the Giants. The Cubs wrap up Cactus League play Wednesday against the A's at Sloan Park. "I'm doing good. They are just being cautious," the 35-year-old Zobrist said. "I could probably play [Sunday], but I'm going to go out there and do everything BP-wise and stuff. I'm just trying to make sure it's totally loose before I get in a game situation." Zobrist was scratched from the lineup last Wednesday because of the stiff neck, and he has not appeared in a game since March 19 against the Royals. On Sunday, he joined shortstop Addison Russell (stiff back), third

15 baseman Chris Dominguez (right hamstring), along with infielder Javier Baez and catcher Willson Contreras, who were given the day off, on the "Non Game Players" list for the game against the Padres. "The trainers have no real strong issues with anything," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "It's almost like you can be overly cautious right now, and that's what we are doing." Zobrist, who won the 2016 World Series Most Valuable Player Award, is 6-for-30 in 12 Cactus League games this spring. The Cubs will play exhibitions in Houston on Thursday and Friday, and after an off-day Saturday, they will open the regular season against the Cardinals in St. Louis next Sunday. Worth noting Carl Edwards Jr. was dancing in the clubhouse before his outing on Sunday. He's from Prosperity, S.C., and picked the South Carolina men's basketball team to reach the Final Four, which they did. "I'm happy they just made the [NCAA] Tournament," Edwards said. "This is perfect." As for pitching, Edwards faced two batters in the Cubs' 22-4 win over the Reds at Cashman Field. The right-hander had been scheduled to pitch longer, but threw enough pitches in the bullpen. This has been a good spring for Edwards. "I feel real good, better than I thought I would coming off the long season," he said. Even though Edwards could look back on Game 7 and his postseason experience as being key in building his confidence, he said it was his first appearance of 2016 on June 28 against the Reds that was the difference. He entered in the 11th inning and got Joey Votto to fly out to right field, and then struck out Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce. "I was facing guys who can hurt you," Edwards said. "That was my first test." He tries to keep his approach simple and remembers a message his father gave him: "Hit the mitt." "I always try to keep everything the same," Edwards said. "I always go back to where I started from." Cubs catcher Miguel Montero and his wife, Vanessa, have launched the Miguel and Vanessa Montero Foundation to provide medical assistance to seriously ill children of Venezuela. "We thank God for giving us the opportunity to create this wonderful project that will offer humanitarian aid to the kids of our country," Miguel Montero said. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein took part in the announcement of the foundation.