Morning Marquee: Pace-of-play; Cubs’ battle for third base and more

Major League Baseball will initiate new rules in 2015 geared at helping the pace-of-play. After the pitch clock experiment got most of the press in the off-season, MLB officials have decided to start by increasing efficiency on time between innings, as well as instituting a batter’s box rule. Instant replay has also had a few changes for the upcoming season. Read more about all the new changes.

With Kris Bryant likely to be a month away, the battle for third base will be one of the hotly contested in Cubs camp. Mike Olt will once again get his chance, as well as newly acquired Tommy La Stella. Others may factor in, including Arismendy Alcantara and even Javier Baez; but Olt and La Stella look to be the top candidates.

There was a time when not every player the Cubs drafted seemed to be the gold standard. Call to the Pen took a look at the biggest winners from the 2005 MLB Draft. Ten years later, we can see who made the right picks, who was wrong and who have just gotten lucky.

The hiring of Dave Martinez seemed to fall through the cracks with the off-season boom of action the Cubs had. But what can’t be lost is this is a man who the Cubs interviewed for the job before Rick Renteria was hired. They hired one of the best in the game in Joe Maddon, and essentially got another in Martinez.

These stories and more you might have missed:

‘MLB initiates pace-of-play rules for 2015’ – Cubbies Crib

‘The Cubs battle for third base’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Pirates possible bullpen backup plans’ – Rum Bunter

‘Dave Martinez will help impact young Cubs team’ – Cubbies Crib

‘2005 MLB Draft revisited: 5 biggest winners’ – Call to the Pen

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