Morning Marquee: Tough market for Castillo; Kris Bryant to see time in OF

With three catchers still in tow, the Chicago Cubs ability to move one could be even tougher. With rumors out of Toronto that last year’s start Dioner Navarro is looking for a trade, moving Welington Castillo could become more difficult. Navarro had reportedly begin searching for other opportunities when the Jays signed Russell Martin. So the catcher the Cubs DIDN’T get, is chasing out they DID have, keeping them from being able to move one that they DO have. Glad that isn’t my job.

In what was somewhat expected, Cubs’ phenom Kris Bryant was told in his player meetings that he would see some time in the outfield this spring. This will be a continuing practice with the Cubs as they try to identify playing spots for the numerous infielders they have knocking on Wrigley’s door. Mike Olt would appear to be the frontrunner for the third base job, but for how long is the question.

The Cubs added Kevin Youkilis and Manny Ramirez, continuing to draw from Theo Epstein’s Boston background. Ramirez joins as a  hitting consultant, while Youkilis will be a part-time player and scouting development consultant. Ramirez joined the Iowa Cubs last season as a player/coach, and received high reviews for his help of developing the young hitters in the system.

These stories and more from around the league:

‘Castillo trade market weaker after recent rumors’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs hire Manny, Youkilis as consultants’ – MLB.com

‘Cubs’ Bryant will see time in outfield this spring’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Wainwright experiences abdominal soreness during workout’– Redbird Rants

‘Stanton healthy, not afraid after beaning’ – ESPN.com

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