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The Chicago Cubs are headed to Mesa to begin workouts, including the newcomer, Yu Darvish. But it’s not just pitchers and catchers that have shown up. The Cubs are ready to get down to business.
Pitchers and catchers reported yesterday for the Chicago Cubs, but they weren’t the only ones who showed up in Mesa. While the pitchers and catchers got started on some work, several of the hitters made their way to a pre-camp workout. Guys like Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo, Jason Heyward and Albert Almora Jr. were just a few to take players to take part. The Cubs are ready, and so are we.
When we look back at 2016, it all started with the pitching. The reason they were able to have such a large run differential was that the staff didn’t allow much. Looking at this year’s rotation, could it be better than 2016? The Cubs have upgraded in many cases, and the ones that have had to “change” expectations are still better than we had. This might be the best rotation in baseball, top to bottom.
For Eddie Butler and Justin Grimm, they might be out of time. With the Cubs adding Darvish, Butler’s chances of making the roster took a direct hit. And while Grimm went to arbitration, most of that money isn’t guaranteed until the season starts. Meaning if the Cubs let him go before then, they are relatively off the hook. Can Grimm outpitch most of the other relievers to save his job? And with Mike Montgomery moving to a spot starter, what does that mean for Butler?
These and other stories you might have missed:
‘Cubs ready to get spring training underway’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Is this staff better than 2016?’ – Cubbies Crib
‘It might be time to say goodbye to Grimm and Butler’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Verlander: Don’t crown the Yankees just yet’ – MLB.com
‘Epstein: WS issues helped land Darvish’ – ESPN
#Cubs on Twitter
How did #Cubs go from being on Darvish's no-trade list to signing a $126 million megadeal? Yu's agent: "They know how to recruit a player. It’s like the University of Alabama." https://t.co/6LV1fZvTVx
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) February 14, 2018
Happy 1st official pitchers/catchers workout day from #Cubs camp in Mesa. Message on top of schedule is: "Dominate"
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 14, 2018
Yu Darvish had several 6-year offers, and also a creative 8-year proposal, before accepting his 6-year contract with the #Cubs
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 14, 2018
Next: Projections pointing to a bounce back year for Schwarber
Be sure to check back later today for more Cubs news and analysis! And follow us on our Twitter @CubbiesCrib, like our Facebook page and follow us on G+!