Chicago Cubs eager to get spring training underway

Report dates for pitchers start today, and the rest of the Chicago Cubs don’t need to report until Sunday. But they started trickling into Mesa with hopes of something special in 2018.

Some will say “Happy Valentine’s Day.” As a Chicago Cubs fan, I say “Happy spring training day”. Pitchers were scheduled to report today while the rest of the players will report by Tuesday. Unless you’re the Cubs, then you simply can’t wait to get to Mesa. But honestly, who can blame them? Have you seen that facility?

And on top of that, the Yu Darvish signing became official today. So he was in Mesa working out, as well. Others included in the optional pre-camp workout batting practice were Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo, Ian Happ, Albert Almora Jr. and Jason Heyward. Schwarber has been busy cutting weight in hopes of making a difference in the field as well as the plate.

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

Taking notice

Apparently, PECOTA has taken notice as they have Schwarber leading the team in home runs with 33, as well as posting 85 RBI to boot. Our Jacob Misener took a look at this earlier, but it’s worth giving another look. Maybe the slimmed-down Schwarber really will make a difference in his AB’s.

Heyward has once again been working not on his swing, but his approach at the plate. So far, the Cubs have paid big money for his Gold Gloves. The hope is that he can turn his offense around and give the Cubs something to feel good about this summer.

Here are a few photos of the players in Mesa:

What this means is that spring is in the air. It might be a little harder to tell if you’re under the blanket of snow in the Midwest. But I promise you; it’s coming. The pitchers and catchers will get their first workout in tomorrow, and that will include our newest Cub Darvish.

Next: A thank you and farewell to Arrieta

We can’t help but be excited by the anticipation of seeing our Cubs on the field again. The Bears, Blackhawks and Bulls have been anything but exciting–which makes this day all that more important. It all starts for October tomorrow. The Cubs will once again be one of the favorites, maybe again facing off against the Los Angeles Dodgers? Only time will tell.