Chicago Cubs: Rizzo’s naked pregame talks; Bryant happy with deal

Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant is very happy and ‘feels respected’ with his new contract; meanwhile, Anthony Rizzo did what it took to win it all.

In Cactus League action Tuesday, the Chicago Cubs rallied late to play the Milwaukee Brewers to a 7-7 tie. Catcher Willson Contreras and outfielder Jason Heyward each contributed a pair of hits in the effort.

On the hill, both men vying for a lone rotation spot, Brett Anderson and Mike Montgomery, got some work in. The former allowed a pair of runs over three innings and the latter did the exact same. Given, it’s only Spring Training, but Montgomery’s earned run average is roughly three runs lower than Anderson’s with only weeks to go till the season starts.

Speaking of roster crunches, the final position player spot on the Cubs seems likely to come down to either outfielder Matt Szczur or infielder Tommy La Stella. We broke down the case for Szczur, centered largely around La Stella’s refusal to accept an assignment to Triple-A Iowa last season and Szczur’s role both on the field and in the clubhouse.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

Tom Verducci is getting ready to unveil his new book about last year’s World Series run on the North Side. In it, he details how first baseman Anthony Rizzo delivered motivational speeches naked prior to the final three games. There’s more details in the book, but, regardless, it’s not something anyone expected.

Down at Spring Training, a member of the 1975-1976 Big Red Machine is talking trash about last year’s champions. We look at the differences – and surprising similarities – between the two teams.

That, and plenty more, in today’s Morning Marquee.

Russell, Contreras pace Cubs with two-RBI days – MLB.com

Rizzo got naked to motivate team in World Series – Cubbies Crib

How do ’16 Cubs stack up against Big Red Machine? – Cubbies Crib

Bryant feels ‘respected’ in wake of new deal – Cubbies Crib

How Gold Glove defense could help Anderson – CSN Chicago

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