Chicago Cubs: Thoughts on first week of spring

We are one week into the Chicago Cubs’ spring training and even though the win/loss record isn’t good – there are some good things developing.  With a new manager and a lot of new young players – you are going to have growing pains – unfortunately some of those growing pains can turn into big headaches.

Most people will tell you that it’s only spring training and the win/loss record isn’t important but getting the work in and staying healthy is all that matters.  I’m not disagree with that notion but with a young team, you really have to get them in the mindset that they are winner’s and that is what is expect.

Joe Maddon has said that he expects this team to win and to put the work in to do so.  He puts a good deal of focus on the fundamentals of the game and learning from the mistakes.  Problem is right now the Cubs are making too many mistakes that shouldn’t be made.

"“We’re not doing the fundamentals of the game. We’re making too many mental mistakes. If you’re going to change the culture here, you can’t worry about surviving. It’s about winning.” Joe Maddon ~ via Jon Heyman-cbssports.com"

So far early impressions are mixed.  Some players are standing out and proving their worth – while other players are not off to a great start.  Mike Olt thus far has shown that he’s put his 2014 behind him and is going to be an impact player.  He’s swinging the bat with a lot of confidence and coming up with very good results.

Other hitter’s who have stood out have been Kris Bryant, Jorge Soler, Albert Almora, Wellington Castillo, and Matt Szczur.  Both Bryant and Soler have been showing off their power by hitting some tape-measure home runs.

Castillo also has been doing well at the plate – hitting a home run while batting .300.  But maybe more impressive has been his work behind the plate – throwing out a pair of runners in a game against Cleveland.  He’s proving his worth – whether that is playing for the Cubs or as a trading chip for the team.

Almora has been getting good contact hits while batting over .400 in his six games so far.  Szczur has hit for the cycle in the first week and also playing solid in the outfield.

Jon Lester also has been as advertised.  In his two appearances, he’s been outstanding – allowing four hits over his five innings of work, while striking out five batters.  C.J. Edwards in his brief appearance did look very sharp striking out a pair.

Travis Wood while very good in his first start was knocked around some in his second start.  To his defense, his defense didn’t do him any favors by committing three errors.

The team as a whole has hit well but that wasn’t really going to be a concern.  Cutting down on the strikeouts was the biggest concern going into the season – that hasn’t been fixed yet.  They have 56 strikeouts as a team compared to only 21 walks.  That will need to improve and I expect it will.

Defensively, the Cubs have looked sloppy at times.  The outfield has missed played some fly balls, while the infield has had their fair share of miss played ground balls and throwing errors.

Again, this is a young team and with that there are going to be errors and some anxiety.  The last few games have shown they are making improvements – I expect week two will be a lot better than the first.  I also expect that Maddon by the end of spring will have all of the players and the fans believing the Cubs are winners.