Chicago Cubs: Brothers released; Lester struggles

Cubs release Rex Brothers; Lester shaky in his first spring outing

Occasionally in baseball, what looks like a good move or fit just doesn’t work out that way. For the Chicago Cubs, Rex Brothers was, unfortunately, that move. To give him a chance to catch on elsewhere they released him early to allow him the best opportunity. Brothers had command issues in his short time in camp, and the Cubs just didn’t see him fitting in. The team has several arms competing for the final few spots in the bullpen, so Brothers release is a surprise but a minor note.

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After Jake Arrieta had an impressive spring debut, Jon Lester was unable to follow that up with his own. Lester allowed six runs (three earned) in his two innings, so not all of that can be placed on him. However, his inability to throw to bases showed itself again as he committed an error on a throw to second. The Cubs have gotten by his pickoff issues–for the most part–but throwing to bases is something he’ll need to improve on before the season starts.

Baseball’s “unwritten rules”. For those of us that have played the game on any level, you’re aware of them. But are they dead? More and more, it appears so. Many believe they’re still around and the players know them, they just don’t enforce them. It’s a fine line these days, and it’s hard to know if those rules are broken if there are no repercussions.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs release Rex Brothers’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Lester’s rough start not a huge concern’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Baseball’s confusing unwritten rules’ – ESPN

‘Realistic fantasies: 10 bold predictions’ – MLB.com

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