Morning Marquee: Chicago Cubs send Baez to Triple-A; Re-assign Bryant and Russell

The Cubs squeezed by the Giants on Monday, getting five solid innings from Kyle Hendricks, and one bad one. After cruising to start and a 7-0 lead, the Giants lit him up for five in the sixth, chasing him from the game. The 8-5 win improved the Cubs to 13-15, with four Spring Training games left to play. 

The news that the Chicago Cubs had reassigned Kris Bryant to minor league camp didn’t come as much of a surprise, but Javier Baez‘ demotion to Triple-A did. After a week of confusion on the status of the young second baseman, manager Joe Maddon‘s encouraging words about him seemed to lean in his favor. In the end, his struggles at the plate will find him in Iowa to start the season.

With Opening Day near, we’re starting to look at our division opponents, and what they bring to the table this season. First up on the list is the Milwaukee Brewers. After a hot start last season, the Brewers faded, eventually missing the playoffs altogether after holding first place for a majority of the year. What should we expect from this years Crew?

Richard Justice at MLB.com sees 10 players that are on ‘make-or-break’ years in their career. One of them is Starlin Castro. Should the three-time All-Star actually be on this list? Two reasons. His occasional lapses in concentration, and Addison Russell. Only one can Castro do something about, and this is the year to do it.

These and other stories from around the league:

‘Baez optioned to Triple-A; Bryant and Russell reassigned‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Know the Enemy: Breaking down the Milwaukee Brewers’ – Cubbies Crib

‘MLB: 10 players facing make-or-break seasons’ – MLB.com

‘Cubs, Hendricks squeeze by Giants 8-5’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Blue Jays reveal 25-man roster, Opening Day starter’ – Jays Journal

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