March 16, 2017

Chicago Sun-Times, John Andreoli’s WBC door closes on Italy, opens for career growth http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/john-andreolis-wbc-door-closes-on-italy-opens-for-career-growth/

Chicago Sun-Times, Kyle Hendricks’ scoreless streak ends, Cubs lose to Diamondbacks http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/kyle-hendricks-scoreless-streak-ends-cubs-lose-to-diamondbacks/

Chicago Sun-Times, Tag, you’re it? Not if you’re Javy Baez and ‘it’ is a regular job http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/tag-youre-it-not-if-youre-javy-baez-and-it-is-a-regular-job/

Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs watch Northwestern men’s hoops with ‘personal connection’ http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-watch-northwestern-mens-hoops-with-personal-connection/

Daily Herald, Can Heyward turn things around at the plate for Cubs? http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170315/sports/170319263/

Cubs.com, Hendricks eager to get Cubs' season started http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/219560958/kyle-hendricks-eager-for-cubs-season-to-start/

Cubs.com, Zobrist, Russell go back-to-back vs. D-backs http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/219519344/d-backs-taijuan-walker-strikes-out-8-cubs/

Cubs.com, Maddon: 'Everyone wants to tag like Javy' http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/219521478/joe-maddon-impressed-with-javier-baezs-tag/

CSNChicago.com, Cubs Know The Javier Baez Show Is Only Just Getting Started http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/cubs-know-javier-baez-show-only-just-getting-started

CSNChicago.com, After Javier Baez Goes Viral Again, How Will Cubs Handle Their Defensive Star? http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/after-javier-baez-goes-viral-again-how-will-cubs-handle-their-defensive-star

CSNChicago.com, Matt Szczur's Perspective As Cubs Shed 'Lovable Losers' Label http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/matt-szczurs-perspective-cubs-shed-lovable-losers-label-world-series-nlcs-maddon-rizzo-russell

CSNChicago.com, That Time Northwestern's Chris Collins And Vanderbilt's Bryce Drew Met Clark The Cub At The World Series http://www.csnchicago.com/big-ten/time-northwesterns-chris-collins-and-vanderbilts-bryce-drew-met-clark-cub-world-series

Chicago Tribune, Hector Rondon surrenders 2 HRs in Venezuela's loss to U.S. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-hector-rondon-world-baseball-classic-20170316-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Cubs starters cautious about plans for occasional six-man rotation http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-six-man-rotation-spring-training-spt-0316-20170315-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Cubs' Kyle Hendricks on 2017: 'We got the itch' http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-kyle-hendricks-20170315-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Javier Baez's flashy plays, Cubs role are all about timing http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-javier-baez-flashy-plays-playing-time-spt-0316-20170315-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Munenori Kawasaki enjoys Cubs life, even if it means another year in Iowa http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-sullivan-munenori-kawasaki-cubs-spt-0316-20170315-column.html

-- Chicago Sun-Times John Andreoli’s WBC door closes on Italy, opens for career growth By Gordon Wittenmyer MESA, Ariz. – Cubs outfield prospect John Andreoli had the walkoff hit in an upset victory over Mexico, tied for the World Baseball Classic home run lead (three) through the first round and hit .316 with a 1.192 OPS in four games. He only wishes Team Italy’s run wasn’t done after Monday’s heartbreaker loss to Venezuela, one of two one-run losses to Venezuela. “It was definitely something where I felt I grew as a player just playing through that,” said Andreoli, who returned to Cubs camp Wednesday from first-round pool play in Mexico. “A couple of the atmospheres there you don’t see anywhere in the minor leagues,” he said. “A couple guys on our team had played in the playoffs, and we had a couple guys in the World Series that said it was very similar to that atmosphere – and in some cases a little more intense because you’re only playing one team once instead of a series, so every pitch and out is huge. “I would have liked to win a couple of those close games,” he added, “but regardless, I really enjoyed the experience. … It was definitely worth the trip and an experience I’ll hold onto forever.” Cubs manager Joe Maddon has included Andreoli in the mix when talking about candidates for the final one or two bench spots on the opening roster. -- Chicago Sun-Times Kyle Hendricks’ scoreless streak ends, Cubs lose to Diamondbacks By Gordon Wittenmyer MESA, Ariz. – Five runs in the final three innings off Carl Edwards Jr. and Seth Frankoff lifted the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 7-3 victory over the Cubs at Sloan Park in an uncommon spring night game Wednesday. Ben Zobrist (first this spring) and Addison Russell (third) hit back-to-back homers in the fourth to give the Cubs the lead they held for three innings. And rebound-candidate Jason Heyward singled to right in the second inning – his third hit in four at-bats going back to Tuesday – during a 1-for-3 game. Snake bit Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks, the major league ERA champ last year, had his scoreless streak to open spring training snapped at six innings when Ketel Marte’s two-out double in the second inning drove home two runs.

Shortstop Russell – who one batter earlier couldn’t finish off a would-be spectacular play – relayed a throw from left fielder Kyle Schwarber to throw out Jeff Mathis at the plate trying to score on Marte’s hit. Hendricks went four innings, allowing just the two runs and still hasn’t walked a batter in nine spring innings (10 strikeouts). “I felt pretty good out there. Not the best,” he said. “The changeup felt good today. Everything arm side was feeling good, the fastball and the changeup off it. I’ve just got to find the glove side of the plate this week.” Javy talk Cubs manager Joe Maddon watched the replay of Javy Baez’s no-look, celebratory tag from World Baseball Classic play Tuesday night and suggested that the NLCS co-MVP had earned the right to such occasional showmanship even during the regular season. “Yeah, it’s probably not frowned upon like it would have if the guy was just showing up from AAA,” Maddon said. “He did [tags] so well in the postseason, and now everybody’s attempting to emulate him. Everybody wants to tag like Javy right now. In a strange way, man, in a very short period of time, he has put himself on the map through his ability to tag somebody out at second base. It’s crazy.” Bonus baseball Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta make their starts Thursday and Friday out of the klieg lights of Cactus League play, with Lester pitching an intrasquad game Thursday morning on the Cubs’ main practice field. Arrieta starts a minor-league game Friday afternoon on one of the minor-league back fields. On deck Cubs at Dodgers, Glendale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. (CT), cubs.com audio, Eddie Butler vs. Hyun-Jin Ryu. -- Chicago Sun-Times Tag, you’re it? Not if you’re Javy Baez and ‘it’ is a regular job By Gordon Wittenmyer MESA, Ariz. — Javy Baez isn’t even around these days, and he still is creating buzz all over Cubs camp. ‘‘I’m not kidding, I watched the replay 50 times,’’ right-hander Jake Arrieta said of Baez’s no-look tag in a World Baseball Classic game Tuesday that went viral overnight. ‘‘He’s got the best hands I’ve seen, and it’s not even close. He’s extremely gifted. He works hard. He’s a great kid. And you just wait for the next time something like that happens, and you hope you’re watching.’’ Baez, who gained international attention for his quick hands on tags at the bases last postseason, started celebrating his tag Tuesday before catcher Yadier Molina’s throw even reached him. He pointed toward Molina as he made the catch-and-tag of the Dominican Republic’s Nelson Cruz to end the eighth inning of Puerto Rico’s victory. ‘‘Really, nothing impresses me with Javy now because I’ve seen him enough,’’ catcher Miguel Montero said. ‘‘The way he makes tags and the quickness and the reaction he has, he’s probably the best I’ve seen in my career. ‘‘He’s a potential Gold Glove second baseman, for sure, if not shortstop. He’s a Gold Glove anywhere on the infield. It’ll be interesting to see what’s going to happen, but they need to find a place for him to play every day because he deserves it.’’

That’s really what the conversation is about when it comes to Baez and the Cubs. When will the super-utility, often-spectacular infielder get a chance to take a single, every-day position among the rest of the team’s talented young core? After all, he did start all 17 of the Cubs’ playoff games last season at second base. ‘‘I’m certain that he’s going to play often,’’ said manager Joe Maddon, who reiterated a plan that involves Baez backing up primarily Ben Zobrist at second and occasionally Addison Russell at short and Kris Bryant at third. ‘‘We’ll figure it out as the season’s in progress. I’m not worried about that yet. ‘‘I think rest is going to be a big part of our success this year. I want to be able to rest people and, with that, move people around. We’ll just see how it plays out.” Maddon was alluding to the likelihood that Zobrist will get more scheduled days off than he did last season. ‘‘I tell you, [Baez] could play every day at second base for any of the 30 ballclubs,’’ Russell said. ‘‘But only time will tell. Experience is another thing. But he got that experience last year. And he’s just scratching the surface.’’ With Jason Heyward struggling last fall and Kyle Schwarber unavailable to play in the field coming off a knee injury, moving the versatile Zobrist to a corner-outfield spot and installing Baez at second was a natural choice. But with Schwarber back in left this season, Zobrist — the National League’s starting second baseman in the All-Star Game last season and the most valuable player of the World Series — isn’t going to the outfield anytime soon. ‘‘That’s the tough thing about having the roster we have and having so many great players,’’ Arrieta said. ‘‘Just about every team in baseball would take Zobrist as an every-day player. . . . But Javy [would start] for pretty much every team at second base. And [Russell would start] for just about every team at short. It’s rare to have three or four guys that can play up the middle every day. ‘‘I wouldn’t want the responsibility to have to put a lineup together. It would be great to have Javy in the lineup every day. It’s great to have Zobrist in the lineup every day.’’ Said Maddon: ‘‘We’ll let it play. I’m not worried right now. I just want them to all be healthy and then make it a difficult choice. That’d be great.’’ -- Chicago Sun-Times Cubs watch Northwestern men’s hoops with ‘personal connection’ By Gordon Wittenmyer MESA, Ariz. — Failing to reach a World Series for 71 years? Failing to win one for 108? What about failing to qualify — ever — for a 78-year-old tournament that has had between 32 and 68 berths for the last four decades? From a conference that often qualifies half its teams? ‘‘Let’s just say it’s an equally depressing drought for both fan bases,’’ Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant said. ‘‘Thankfully, we figured ours out. Hopefully, they can figure theirs out this year. I’ll certainly be one of their biggest fans this March.’’ It’s no wonder the Northwestern men’s basketball team has found a group of empathetic baseball players in the Arizona desert. Many of the Cubs plan to keep an eye on the NCAA tournament starting Thursday, when the Wildcats play the first tournament game in school history against Vanderbilt in Salt Lake City. ‘‘It’s got a little personal feel to it, a little connection,’’ said Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who started the historic Game 7 of the World Series last fall that brought down the so-called Billy Goat Curse. ‘‘It makes it cool.’’

NU might not have a name for its drought, but the comparisons with the Cubs are as intentional as the timing of the teams’ historic accomplishments are serendipitous. Wildcats coach Chris Collins is a longtime Cubs fan from Northbrook. He has thrown out the first pitch three times and has conducted the seventh-inning stretch at Wrigley Field. When the Cubs were running away with the National League Central last summer on their way to ending their long wait for a title, the basketball program in Evanston began adopting some of the ‘‘Why not us, too?’’ faith exhibited by the Cubs. The Cubs and the university already had a long-standing relationship that included NU medical staff, shared use of NU practice facilities and college games at Wrigley. ‘‘I think it’s crazy that it’s happened within the same year almost, two droughts like that [ending],’’ said Hendricks, who started tuning in to more Wildcats games late in the season at the urging of bullpen catcher Chad Noble, who went to NU. ‘‘I think it’s pretty awesome. . . . Something of this magnitude, March Madness, I can’t imagine what those guys are feeling like. It’s got to be pretty special.’’ Said Bryant: ‘‘I think the biggest part is not just getting there. I’m sure they’re feeling the same way. They want to win the whole thing. I mean, it was kind of like everybody celebrated us making it to the World Series, and it’s easy to overlook the fact that you want to be there to win the whole thing. That’s how we felt.’’ Either way, Bryant said, ‘‘It’s a pretty good time to be a Chicago sports fan.’’ -- Daily Herald Can Heyward turn things around at the plate for Cubs? By Bruce Miles The Cubs didn't sign Jason Heyward solely because of his Gold Glove pedigree in right field. Nor did they sign him for his oratorical skills. These two things certainly helped the Cubs last year, but the team gave Heyward an eight-year, $184 million contract so he could produce with his bat. That didn't happen last season, as Heyward slumped to a batting line of .230/.306/.325 for an OPS of .631 and an OPS-plus of only 70. He hit 7 homers and drove in 49. That led to a winter of tearing things down and building them back up as Heyward worked with hitting coach John Mallee and assistant Eric Hinske. Heyward's swing appears to be more fluid, but the early results from the Cactus League show that it's a work in progress. Through Tuesday's action in Arizona, Heyward was 4-for-29 (. 138) with a homer and 6 RBI. Heyward has dealt with all the media inquiries with his usual grace. Whether he's going well or going poorly, he'll often wait for reporters so they can ask him questions. "You don't have to admit anything," he said. "It is what it is. It's right there. Baseball is a game that's going to humble you every day. You're going to fail more times than you're going to succeed. "It's all about how you handle that as an individual and as a group. We handled that the best out of anyone last year as a team, and that's why we were able to win the World Series. I feel that's the name of the game. Whoever wins the World Series handles the failures the best."

The Cubs and Heyward are trying to unlock the secrets that led to a good year in 2012 with the Braves. That year he went .269/.335/.479 with 27 homers and 82 RBI. So a track record is there. "Yeah, because there was no thinking about where your hands were at," he said. "I do feel like that, since that season, there were some differences in lineup stuff for me, like starting in 2013 hitting leadoff more. It's not an excuse. It's just different things that are thrown into your head that you start to think about more than just going up there and doing anything. "The bottom line is what makes it easier is that I've done it before the right way. There are plenty of times where I've done it before and I felt myself do it the right way. I would say out of seven years, two bad years out of those. So there's five good seasons. There's a lot of good baseball in there." The statistical site FanGraphs finds room for optimism, noting that many of Heyward's "peripheral" numbers weren't far out of whack from his career norms last year. The one trouble spot was a 27 percent "soft" contact rate, which contributed to a .266 batting average on balls in play (BABIP). "Given that many of his peripheral numbers remained the same or similar, including his swing and contact rates, it's difficult to call this a new norm for Heyward," a FanGraphs analysis states. "It's more likely the result of a mechanical flaw that he's spent the winter correcting, and we should see harder contact and, subsequently, a more frequent on-base presence from Jason Heyward. For now, though, he's not nearly the surefire pick that he's been in years past, but he could very easily return to prominence in 2017." The Cubs will gladly take Heyward's strong defense, accurate throwing, smart baserunning and overall team leadership ability. His rain-delay pep talk before the 10th inning of Game 7 of the World Series gets a lot of credit for the Cubs regrouping after blowing a lead and then going on to win. Could they have done it without the talk? "I think so," he said. "I don't know, but I think so. I just never thought about it like that when it happened. It was just a moment where you feel like you need to say what you need to say. I'd have been (ticked) off at myself, win or loss, if I didn't say it at the time." -- Cubs.com Hendricks eager to get Cubs' season started By Carrie Muskat MESA, Ariz. -- In two weeks, the Cubs will break camp, and Kyle Hendricks said the players are eager to start the season and defend their World Series championship. "We're feeling the itch, we know that," Hendricks said after his third spring start in Wednesday's 7-3 loss to the D-backs. "We know it's getting close. It feels like we're ready to go." The "itch" comment probably won't be on any of manager Joe Maddon's motivational T-shirts. "Last year, there was a ton of talk about embracing the target, all the expectations that were on us," said Hendricks, who allowed two runs on five hits while striking out five over four innings. "This year, there hasn't been so much of that, but there's been a different sense of urgency. It's kind of been among the guys themselves. Inside this clubhouse, you can see guys getting after it, pushing each other. Everybody's where they need to be with two weeks left." The Major League ERA leader last season, Hendricks has been constantly reminded of the Cubs' championship.

"Today, going to throw in spring games, and they announce your name and the whole crowd erupts because of the World Series -- that wasn't happening last year," he said. "It's little things like that, they make me notice. There's something every day. It's still changing, I'm still getting used to that part of it." Maybe in his next outing, he'll get a chance to hit. "We've been hitting on the field, hitting off [pitching coach Chris Bosio] -- the pitching machine that's 'Bos,'" Hendricks said. "It'll be nice to see something over 90 [mph]." Worth noting • John Andreoli returned to Cubs camp after playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic with a few souvenirs, some new friends and a possible trip to Italy in the future. "It was an unbelievable opportunity and great experience and I had so much fun," Andreoli said Wednesday. "Those are guys I will definitely keep in contact with for the rest of my life. We were actually talking about maybe planning a trip to Italy, which would be a lot of fun, too." He picked up a little bit of the language but admits he's not fluent. The experience was worth it. Andreoli said a few players talked about how the World Baseball Classic felt like the Major Leagues and was even a little more intense. "If you lose one game [in the Classic], you could be in trouble," Andreoli said. "Every pitch, every out was huge. It was definitely a great experience and should help me going forward in my career." He did not know it was Italy manager Marco Mazzieri's last games. Mazzieri said he was retiring from the event. "I'm trying to convince him to go one more time," Andreoli said. "Hopefully, we can pull him out of retirement in four years. Marco was unbelievable. I really enjoyed playing for him. Hopefully, he gives it one more go-round." • Jon Lester will start in a Minor League game at 10:30 a.m. MST on Thursday at the Cubs' complex rather than pitch in their Cactus League game. Jake Arrieta will start in a Minor League game Friday at the Cubs' complex, beginning at 1 p.m. MST. • John Lackey will start on Saturday in an exhibition game against Team Japan at Sloan Park. It's part of split-squad games that day, with Jake Buchanan starting against the Brewers in Maryvale. Buchanan has a nice bruise on the upper part of his right shoulder after being hit by a comebacker in his last outing Monday. • Cubs reliever Hector Rondon took the loss in his first outing for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday. Rondon served up home runs to Adam Jones and Eric Hosmer in the eighth inning in Team USA's 4-2 win in San Diego. -- Cubs.com Zobrist, Russell go back-to-back vs. D-backs By Carrie Muskat and Steve Gilbert MESA, Ariz. -- Ben Zobrist and Addison Russell hit back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning off Taijuan Walker, who hadn't given up a run this spring entering the game, but the D-backs rallied to post a 7-3 victory over the Cubs on Wednesday night. Walker, expected to be the D-backs' No. 2 starter, struck out eight over four innings. Arizona trailed, 3-2, in the seventh when Ildemaro Vargas hit an RBI single and another run scored on an error by left fielder Kyle Schwarber. Oswaldo Arcia added a solo homer in the eighth.

Russell helped the Cubs on defense with a perfect throw in the second. Arizona loaded the bases with two outs against Kyle Hendricks, and two runs scored on Ketel Marte's double to left. Russell's relay throw home was a perfect strike to get the third runner, Jeff Mathis, and end the inning. With one out in the Chicago third, Jon Jay celebrated his 32nd birthday with a triple to left and he scored one out later on Kris Bryant's single. The run was the first off Walker this spring, who came into the game having thrown nine scoreless innings. Hendricks, who led the Major Leagues last year with a 2.13 ERA, scattered five hits over four innings while striking out five. New Cubs closer Wade Davis gave up one hit, walked one and struck out one in one inning. Hendricks said his changeup felt good, and he knows what he needs to work on. "It was good -- you get yourself in different situations and you have to work through things, and you know you don't have certain pitches so you have to go to other ones," Hendricks said. "Those are the things that happen during the season. It was good to have that and work on different things." D-backs up next: It will be a quick turnaround for the D-backs, who play a 1:05 p.m. MST game on MLB.TV against the Brewers at Maryvale on Thursday following Wednesday night's game with the Cubs. Robbie Ray gets the start for the D-backs. Cubs up next: Eddie Butler will make his second spring start on Thursday, when he and the Cubs play the Dodgers in Glendale. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT, and the game can be seen on MLB.TV. Jon Lester, the Cubs' Opening Day starter, will pitch in a Minor League game in Mesa. The Cubs are hoping a change of scenery helps Butler, who compiled a 6.50 ERA in 36 games (28 starts) with the Rockies over the past three seasons. -- Cubs.com Maddon: 'Everyone wants to tag like Javy' By Carrie Muskat MESA, Ariz. -- Some players have unique batting stances. Javier Baez has a tag play all his own. On Tuesday in Puerto Rico's game against the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, Baez made a swift swipe tag at second base to help nab Nelson Cruz, who was trying to steal. Baez took the throw from catcher Yadier Molina and started celebrating the out before easily swiping the tag on Cruz, who may still be wondering what happened. "Everyone's attempting to emulate him," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of Baez. "Everyone wants to tag like Javy now. In a strange way, in a very short period of time, he's put himself on the map through his ability to tag somebody out at second base. It's crazy." Baez's defensive play in the postseason helped catapult the Cubs to the World Series title, but it hasn't earned him the starting job at second base. He heads into the season sharing second with Ben Zobrist. "He'll get plenty of [playing time]," Maddon said of Baez. "He'll probably be at second base, and then give [shortstop Addison Russell] a day off now and then. I'm sure he'll play often. We'll figure it out as the season is in progress. I don't want it to be that he has to play because somebody else can't." Baez began last season as a reserve and emerged as a stellar defensive player, getting more playing time when Zobrist started in left field. At the end of the year, Zobrist totaled 113 starts at second. Baez made 38 starts at second, but played in 59 games total there. In the postseason, Baez started all 17 Cubs playoff games at second. "He'll have his number of at-bats by the end of the season," Maddon said. "It'll work its way out." The play on Tuesday night seemed typical for the World Baseball Classic.

"They feel totally uninhibited regarding the playing of the game and how they're playing it," Maddon said of the World Baseball Classic teams. "I'm not denigrating -- it's just part of the culture there. "I don't think [Baez] would do that here [in the big leagues] -- probably not," Maddon said. "If he did, I would not be upset, but I think that's the nature of the game right now. When the Dominican plays Puerto Rico or Venezuela or Mexico, the boys are going to show their wares." -- CSNChicago.com Cubs Know The Javier Baez Show Is Only Just Getting Started By Patrick Mooney MESA, Ariz. – Addison Russell hadn't even seen it yet and could already sense why a reporter approached his locker on Wednesday afternoon: "The Javy Tag?" Yes, Javier Baez is closing in on one-name status, elevating what is supposed to be a routine play into an art form. The Cubs aren't going to stop Javy Being Javy, viewing the flashes to his defense as an extension of his genuine personality, unbelievable instincts and joy for the game. "That's gangster," Russell said after watching the World Baseball Classic highlight for the first time on a beat writer's iPhone. The All-Star shortstop smiled at Baez pointing at Team Puerto Rico catcher Yadier Molina – celebrating before even catching the ball – and then dropping a no-look tag on the Dominican Republic's Nelson Cruz. This was the hardball version of Magic Johnson flipping a no-look pass on a fast break with the "Showtime" Lakers. Within 24 hours, a two-second clip WGN Radio's Adam Hoge recorded off the MLB Network broadcast and posted to Twitter had generated more than two million views. "Everybody wants to tag like Javy right now," manager Joe Maddon said. "In a strange way, man, in a very short period of time, he has put himself on the map through his ability to tag somebody out at second base. It's crazy. It's great. It's true." It's just getting started. Another sellout crowd and a CSN Chicago broadcasting unit showed up at Sloan Park to watch a stacked lineup (Kyle Schwarber, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist) and the Cy Young Award finalist on the mound (Kyle Hendricks) during a 7-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cubs aren't going to tell Baez to tone it down or dial it back – not after what he meant to their World Series run and not when the future looks this bright. "Oh yeah, you're going to see a lot of what they call ‘flair,'" Russell said. "That's definitely Javy Baez. (And) he's just scratching the surface. "With all the experience that we got last year – and how good he is now and how young he is – who wouldn't be that confident? That goes for all of us in this clubhouse." Remember the time Junior Lake flipped his bat at Marlins Park, gave the Miami dugout the "Ssshh!" gesture and nearly sparked a brawl? Maddon – who might be the most liberal manager in the game – called that a "punk" move. But Baez has earned some latitude and the ability to express himself more freely. "Yeah, it's probably not frowned upon like it would have been if the guy was just showing up from Triple-A," Maddon said. "The fact that he had done it so well in the postseason, everybody's attempting to emulate him." Good luck with that. Because Baez is such a unique defensive force – veteran catcher Miguel Montero compared him to Roberto Alomar or Omar Vizquel – with a sense of style.

"It can't bother you," Montero said. "The guy's talented. He doesn't try to irritate anybody. It just happened because he does it naturally. He's not trying to show anybody up or anything like that. He's just so good that he does it." Montero texted "nice shoes" to his teammate because Baez actually wore his custom-made, size-10 Nike cleats on Tuesday night in San Diego. The red-white-and-blue snakeskin design features "MONTERO" on the tongue, "MIGGY" on the side and an outline of the Chicago skyline and Navy Pier Ferris wheel. Doesn't Major League Baseball – and what can be a slow, boring game at times – need more personality? "That's a good question," Montero said. "The problem is not everybody's got the same personality. It's hard to teach. It's something that you're born with. You can't really teach a guy to be a leader when he's not a leader. You can't teach a guy to speak up when he's a really quiet guy. "It's obviously fun to watch things like that (while) always respecting the opposing team. And other than that, not many things bother me, to be honest. The only thing that really bothers me is pimping a walk. Why are you pimping a walk, dude? That pisses me off – flipping the bat, walking (real slow). Dude, they walk you because they respect you, so show respect back." Baez also committed two errors in a World Series Game 7 – and homered off Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber – which reinforced the make-the-routine-play message Maddon sent this spring. But the World Baseball Classic is a different, passionate environment. "They feel totally uninhibited regarding the playing of the game and their celebrations," Maddon said. "I'm not denigrating right now. That's just, I think, part of the culture right there. So I don't think he would do it here. Probably not. If he did, I would not be upset. "But I just think that's the nature of the (WBC) right now. When the Dominicans play Puerto Rico or Venezuela or Mexico, the boys are going to show their wares." After these starring roles, Baez will have to adjust back to being a supporting player, someone Maddon envisions as a super-utility guy, late-game defensive replacement and insurance against injuries. "He's done a lot of good things," Montero said. "I still think that he could do a little bit more to keep growing. I'm a big fan of him, because he's a pretty exciting player to watch, and on the other hand, he hasn't been disrespectful whatsoever. Just stay the way you are, stay humble, and a lot of good things will happen, because the baseball gods are still undefeated, man." -- CSNChicago.com After Javier Baez Goes Viral Again, How Will Cubs Handle Their Defensive Star? By Patrick Mooney MESA, Ariz. – How will Javier Baez handle going from World Series star and viral sensation to utility player and defensive replacement? That's a nonissue for manager Joe Maddon when it's not even St. Patrick's Day yet and the Cubs are still more than two weeks out from Opening Night. But it's a question worth asking again after Twitter exploded on Tuesday night with another spectacular Baez highlight – the celebratory point at Team Puerto Rico catcher Yadier Molina before even catching the ball and the no-look tag in the World Baseball Classic. "We've already had that (conversation)," Maddon said Wednesday at the Sloan Park complex. "That was part of the meeting that we had with everybody, to talk bluntly about how this is all going to play out. He understood that. And he's fine with it."

That means no repeat of the breakout playoff performance where Baez started all 17 games at second base and emerged as a National League Championship Series co-MVP. The plan is Baez will help preserve Ben Zobrist – who will turn 35 in May and has played through back-to-back World Series – and give All-Star shortstop Addison Russell some days off this season. "He's going to play a lot," Maddon said. "But we've already had that method of conversation with him before he even practiced here. We explained everything clearly to him. He was really good about everything. He gets it. "He will remain ready. Even if he doesn't start a game, he's going to probably play in it at some point. And then he's going to get his share of starts, too." That sounds great in theory. But Baez is coming off the high from a World Series run where he proved he's one of the game's most dynamic young players, a whirlwind offseason tour that took him to Disney World, the Latin Grammys and the White House, and now this World Baseball Classic showcase. Of course, the Cubs built layers into the roster with versatile players like Baez, Zobrist and Kris Bryant. Maddon plays matchups and believes in the concept of rest. The analytics may show that Baez should play third base on certain nights. It only took until Game 3 last season before the Cubs experienced their first roster crisis here in Arizona, when Kyle Schwarber crashed into Dexter Fowler chasing after a ball blasted into Chase Field's left-center gap. "These are nice problems to have," Maddon said. "Last year, nothing stands out more significantly than Schwarber and: ‘How are we going to play Dexter? And how are we going to get (Jorge) Soler at-bats?' And then all of a sudden you're getting (Chris) Coghlan back, so all these things happen. "We'll let it play. I'm not worried right now. I just want them to all be healthy and then make it a difficult choice. That would be great." -- CSNChicago.com Matt Szczur's Perspective As Cubs Shed 'Lovable Losers' Label By Tony Andracki No current player understands what it means to be a Cub more than Matt Szczur. The 2010 fifth-round pick has been here longer than Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, Jason McLeod, Anthony Rizzo and Joe Maddon, just to name a few. And entering his eighth year with the organization, Szczur is already in Cubs history forever as one of thd guys who helped end the 108-year championship drought. So how did the Cubs finally shed that "Lovable Losers" label and win it all? The key may be in Szczur's perspective. "Winning the World Series is a dream come true, obviously," Szczur said. "If you ask a lot of these guys, it wouldn't matter what team. But being the Cubs, it's really special, just because of the drought for 108 years. As far as wrapping [my head] around it, I don't think we think like that. We just go out there and we're just trying to win every day. It's just hard to explain how I feel as a baseball player. "It's awesome to win the World Series and to win with the Cubs, but as far as putting it in perspective, just winning the World Series is awesome. But that's what we're here to do. We're here to win; we're here to accomplish those feats.

"It's like the first time you get called up to the big leagues. People are like, 'Wow, what is it like?' But you've been playing [baseball] for so long, it's just another day. So winning the World Series with the Cubs — it's awesome, but that's what we're here to do. "For me, that's the best way I can describe it. To put it in perspective as far as the Cubs not winning in 108 years, we don't think like that. As baseball players, we're here to win, every day." Szczur said he doesn't think the 2016 Cubs had any issues with "Cubbie Occurrences" or curses or anything even remotely in that category mainly because they didn't feel any added pressure. They didn't let any outside noise seep into the clubhouse and disrupt the mojo that was formed from the most talented roster in Major League Baseball and the confidence that came with the league's best regular season record. As a two-sport star at Villanova, the former wide receiver has been in his fair share of locker rooms and called the Cubs World Series-winning clubhouse one of the best he's ever been a part of. Szczur played only a small role in the Cubs' championship in terms of on-field stats, but his impact loomed large behind the scenes. The 27-year-old outfielder was one of the top pinch hitters in baseball in the 2016 regular season and was not on the active roster in any of the three postseason series, replaced by Albert Almora Jr. But as Anthony Rizzo and Addison Russell broke out of their prolonged slumps at the turn of the tide in the National League Championship Series in Los Angeles, there was Szczur in a supporting role: lending Rizzo his bat and Russell his leggings. "He's such a good teammate," manager Joe Maddon said. "You saw that last year; you saw how the guys gravitated toward him. He's not on the playoff rosters but he's with us and he's on the top step constantly. "It's just who he is. It is the football mentality, but it's also him. This is a pretty good human being." As the roster crunch starts to heat up with spring training coming to a close, will Szczur have a spot on these Cubs? He's out of options so he cannot be sent down to the minor leagues without passing through waivers and as a proven bench/role player, his value at the big-legaue level is apparent. But Szczur didn't come to Cubs camp with any sort of chip on his shoulder. "I don't think like that," he said. "I just want to win. I feel like guys that want to win takes care of itself. "I'll do anything to win. I won't cheat, but as far as on the field and what they ask me to do, that's just how I play." Maddon sees that, too. "Totally. He's been that guy his whole life," Maddon said. "Wherever he's played — I would imagine you talk to the Villanova football coaches and they'd tell you the same thing. You could go back to his high school days. "He's just a different cat. The way he approaches life in general; he's just so sincere about everything and everybody he comes in contact with. No doubt. "Here's a guy that's still trying to establish himself as an everyday player in the big leagues, but he's there for everybody else all the time. Just a different animal, man." -- CSNChicago.com That Time Northwestern's Chris Collins And Vanderbilt's Bryce Drew Met Clark The Cub At The World Series By Vinnie Duber

SALT LAKE CITY — Chris Collins and Bryce Drew have plenty in common. They're both coaches' sons. They both had great success in the NCAA tournament as players. And their teams are facing off against one another Thursday in the Big Dance. Oh, and they also both have pictures with Clark the Cub. Ahead of Northwestern and Vanderbilt tangling Thursday afternoon in the NCAA tournament, the teams' coaches shared a story of them running into each other at last year's World Series, where they both snapped pictures with the Cubs' mascot. "Ironically my wife and I went to a Cubs World Series game, and (we were) getting a picture with the mascot and here comes Chris Collins in his Cubs jersey and his wife," Drew said Wednesday. "We talked there back in October. I wish we got a picture altogether, because that would have been good for today." "It was pretty funny, actually, I don't think he recognized me at first, because I had a full uniform on that night," Collins joked. "He was dressed all nice, he had a nice shirt on and slacks. I had my Cubs jersey on, my hat on backwards and maybe some eye black on. He did a double take when I went and said hello to him. It was pretty funny. We were with our wives. I wish we would have taken a group photo if we would have known this was going to happen. We each took our photos with our wives with Clark the Cub. Gave each other a hug, and said, 'Go Cubs,' and kept it moving. It's funny to think about that now." Things will surely be more serious when the two coaches go head to head Thursday, but these guys have known each other for a while and have walked similar paths to get to where they are now, head coaches at major-conference programs. Both guys are household names in the Chicago area. Collins obviously has taken Northwestern to new heights after working as a ball boy when his famous father, Doug, was coaching the Bulls. Drew, meanwhile, hit one of the most famous shots in NCAA tournament history, leading Indiana-based Valparaiso to a buzzer-beating win in 1998. Collins started at Duke and reached the 1994 national title game. Drew played for the Bulls and a few other NBA teams. And the two are friends, with that friendship extending well past that World Series game. "Bryce and I have been friends for a long time," Collins said. "I've known him since he's been in high school. I've known his family, his father, someone I really respect. I've known his brother, obviously, too. We have a lot in common. So we've always kind of connected because we come from basketball families. Our dads were coaches. We grew up in gyms and the game. So we've always connected on that level and gotten along really well." "I've known Chris, and Chris has always been great to me on the road, great to me whenever we talk. He sent me some encouraging texts this year," Drew said. "He's a great coach. He's been really, really good to me." So this adds another fun layer to things when Northwestern plays in its first-ever NCAA tournament game Thursday. And if you're at Wrigley Field later this season and see some grown man in a backwards hat taking a picture with Clark the Cub, it's probably just Chris Collins. -- Chicago Tribune Hector Rondon surrenders 2 HRs in Venezuela's loss to U.S. By Mark Gonzales

Hector Rondon's eagerness to pitch for Venezuela took a big hit Wednesday night when he allowed two home runs in the bottom of the eighth inning as the United States rallied for a 4-2 win in Pool F play of the World Baseball Classic. Rondon, who left the Chicago Cubs' spring training camp Tuesday to join his Venezuelan teammates, allowed a game-tying home run to Adam Jones and a two-run home run to Eric Hosmer at San Diego's Petco Park. Rondon and Venezuela will play the Dominican Republic on Thursday night. The United States will face Cubs infielder Javier Baez and Puerto Rico on Friday night. -- Chicago Tribune Cubs starters cautious about plans for occasional six-man rotation By Mark Gonzales Preventive maintenance or an untimely tuneup? That's the fine line Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta raise about the Cubs possibly employing a six-man rotation occasionally. The Cubs' co-aces helped navigate their teammates to a World Series title last season but will be monitored closely this year, along with their fellow starters, in the wake of a heavier workload because of their playoff run. "You have a core group. If you throw a guy in there just to give (others some) rest, (you run the risk of not) only messing that guy up but messing up the flow you have going," said Lester, 33, who is a three-time World Series champion. "If you look at last year, if there was any time for a sixth guy or a time to give a guy a breather, (it) was that stretch we went on into July. You need to watch the season and pay attention and see where we're at. If we're rolling, let us roll. And if we're scuffling like we were then, I think you try to take a step back and give a guy an extra day or two and go from there." The Cubs, who didn't employ a sixth starter until their 84th game in 2016 and inserted left-hander Mike Montgomery for five starts in late August and early September to give their starters extra rest in preparation for the playoffs, are concerned about the cumulative toll on their starters. President Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer saw the production of Red Sox starters dip from 73 victories, a 4.31 ERA and five starters accounting for 157 starts out of 162 regular-season games during their 2004 World Series run to 68 victories, a 4.56 ERA and four starters making 127 starts in 2005. Curt Schilling's lingering ankle injury limited him to 11 starts and caused a dip in production. After winning the 2005 Series, White Sox general manager Ken Williams acquired Javier Vazquez from the Diamondbacks to provide depth to a rotation that won 75 games and pitched 1,074 innings during the regular season and pitched 92 1/3 of a possible 113 innings in the postseason. Williams proposed a six-man rotation but the idea didn't fly with his staff. The four returning starters — Mark Buehrle, Freddy Garcia, Jon Garland and Jose Contreras — experienced a spike in ERA and hits allowed, and a dip in innings pitched. The Cubs hope a batch of candidates including left-handers Brett Anderson and Montgomery and Eddie Butler can provide some reliable insurance. Coincidentally, Lester and Arrieta will pitch Thursday and Friday in minor-league games, where their work can be monitored closer than in an exhibition game.

The Cubs start the season with five days off in the first four weeks and aren't scheduled to play games more than 17 consecutive days until June 16-July 2. That's not as daunting as their 24-game stretch without a day off before the 2016 All-Star break that caused them to insert reliever Adam Warren for a start toward the latter part of that stretch. Arrieta, 31, who had a 2-0 record and 2.38 ERA in the World Series, praised the cautious approach of Epstein, manager Joe Maddon and pitching coach Chris Bosio. "All of us would prefer four days rest in between starts, but we've seen giving guys an extra day has worked at times in the past," Arrieta said. "And if that's what we do, we'll handle it." -- Chicago Tribune Cubs' Kyle Hendricks on 2017: 'We got the itch' By Mark Gonzales Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks can’t avoid the recognition for being part of a World Series champion, even in the most unexpected moments. “Even (Wednesday night), going to throw in these spring games where they announce your name and the crowd erupts because of the World Series,” Hendricks said after pitching four innings of two-run ball against the Diamondbacks. “That wasn’t happening last year. Little things like that make me notice. Something every day is brought to my attention. It’s still changing, and I’m still getting used to that part.” But after winning the Series and returning to spring training with virtually the same nucleus, Hendricks has a good vibe about his teammates before the Cubs leave their spring training facility. “We’re feeling the itch,” Hendricks said. “We know it’s getting close, just because we’ve been here for a little bit. We all feel very ready to go, even though tonight wasn’t really great for me. I’m where I need to be, even if the season were to start today. Two weeks is still going to be good, still to get my work and refine things. But we got the itch. We’re ready to go.” The Cubs have displayed their share of T-shirts and antics during their pre-game workouts, but not with the same frequency as last spring. “Maybe they’re letting guys police themselves and help the younger guys out till then,” said Hendricks, referring to the fact 50 players remain in camp. “We’ll see what they want to do. But regardless of how they go, we’re talking about it among ourselves and talking about it this season and getting ready for this year. We’re where we need to be.” Hendricks sensed that the lack of frequent reminders could show a greater emphasis on accountability among the players. Hendricks noticed that during his minor league days with the Texas Rangers. “They preached accountability and being professional,” Hendricks said. “I think that’s somewhat of a shift in the game. Now you’re seeing it more prominently here in the big league level. It’s just giving the guys the freedom now because you’re seeing the results that come from it.” -- Chicago Tribune Javier Baez's flashy plays, Cubs role are all about timing By Mark Gonzales

Javier Baez's flashy plays are becoming must-see TV, with the latest coming Tuesday night in the World Baseball Classic. Baez pointed toward home while catching a throw from Yadier Molina at second base to tag Nelson Cruz on a steal attempt in the eighth inning. It helped preserve Puerto Rico's 3-1 win over the Dominican Republic. Cubs fans love to watch Baez play, but the question is how much will he play when he returns to the Cubs after his stint with Puerto Rico? "I'm certain that he's going to play often," manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday. "We'll figure it out as the season is in progress. I don't want anything to happen where he has to play because somebody else can't. I'm not worried about that yet." Baez likely will spell Ben Zobrist at second and occasionally Addison Russell at shortstop when he doesn't enter as a late-inning replacement. Baez's knack for mastering quick tags gained national attention during the playoffs, and video of Tuesday's tag soared through social media. "Everybody wants to tag like Javy right now," Maddon said. "So in a strange way, in a very short period of time, he's put himself on the map through his ability to tag somebody out at second base. It's crazy. It's true. "Being able to replay that play and him being so astute at it and having opportunity in a high-profile moment also is helping. If he had been doing that, say in Des Moines, probably (people) wouldn't be saying, 'Hey, he's a really good tagger.' " Trip of a lifetime: After hitting three home runs for Italy, John Andreoli described playing in the World Baseball Classic as an "unbelievable opportunity." "Those are guys I'm going to keep in contact with the rest of my life," said Andreoli, who is pondering a trip to Italy, after his team was eliminated by Puerto Rico in pool play. Andreoli's three home runs could serve as a springboard after he had only one hit in 14 at-bats for the Cubs before joining his Italian teammates. "I had a couple timing issues getting going," said Andreoli, who is expected to start the season at Triple-A Iowa. "It's great to get some at-bats down there and trust the process. Things will come together." Pitching schedule: John Lackey will face Japan on Saturday in Mesa, with Jake Buchanan facing the Brewers in Maryvale in a split-squad game. -- Chicago Tribune Munenori Kawasaki enjoys Cubs life, even if it means another year in Iowa By Paul Sullivan ked to describe manager Joe Maddon in one word, Cubs infielder Munenori Kawasaki didn't hesitate. "Crazy," he said. This isn't exactly a revelation to those who have watched and listened to Maddon over the years. But to Kawasaki, a former Japanese League star who spent most of last season at Triple-A Iowa and appears headed there again, "crazy" was as big a compliment as he could muster.

Kawasaki said he never had had a "boss" quite like Maddon during his 11 years playing in Japan. "He keeps everyone relaxed," Kawasaki said. "Managers are much more serious back in Japan. I'm going to bring him back there some day, me and him. Maybe his next stop as manager will be in Japan." Perhaps the two then can team up in a TV commercial. The 35-year-old Kawasaki may not be a star in the U.S., but he's big in Japan and has the kind of outgoing personality advertisers love. In a recent commercial for Kirin beer, Kawasaki dances around like a lunatic and dresses like a Samurai warrior, showing off his swordsmanship. When his baseball career ends, Kawasaki has a pretty good idea of what he wants to do with his life. "Maybe I'll be a movie star in some drama, or TV commercials, or maybe a talk show (host)," he said. "You think so?" No doubt. For now he's content backing up Cubs infielders Addison Russell, Ben Zobrist and Javier Baez in the Cactus League, awaiting his inevitable assignment to Iowa. He played only 14 major-league games in '16 during three stints with the Cubs after signing a minor-league deal, and when he will get another opportunity is anyone's guess. Kawasaki knows it's unlikely he'll start the season with the Cubs, but understands his job. "I'm not on the 40-man (roster), but I'm very happy because it's my honor to play for the Chicago Cubs again," he said. "My teammates are very good guys, and I'm having a good time this spring training." When the Cubs sent infielder Tommy La Stella to Iowa last summer because of a roster crunch, La Stella opted to sit at home rather than accept the demotion. The Cubs allowed him to do so without penalty, placing him on the temporarily inactive list for 17 days before he finally went down to get ready for a final month call-up. You won't hear any complaints from Kawasaki, a slick fielder who batted .294 over 10 seasons with Fukuoka in the Japanese League, leading the league in hits and stolen bases in 2004. Since coming to the majors in 2012 he has hit only .237 in limited time with the Mariners, Blue Jays and Cubs, bouncing back and forth between the big leagues and Triple A. Kawasaki could have gone home to Japan and gotten a job as a backup, but prefers to play here even if it means spending most of his time in Iowa. "I just love baseball," he said. "Big league or Triple A? No problem. It's very important for me to play in America." The Cubs love Kawasaki for his outgoing personality, which translates well in any language. During a pre-workout skit in Mesa last spring, the Cubs' players all donned Japanese headbands and watched him sing karaoke, performing Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." Maddon said Kawasaki is such an entertaining guy his baseball skills often are overlooked. "Somebody is going to get hurt, things are going to happen, and you have to have people you can rely upon, and also (who) fit," Maddon said. "He fits not only our clubhouse, but he fits anywhere. You're seeing how really good of a player he is, and he just happens to be very funny, and a good teammate, too. "So whenever we have to call him up, I'm very comfortable with that, like last year at the end of the season and in the playoffs. Guys loved having him there." Kawasaki's best friend on the Cubs is 23-year-old Dominican prospect Jeimer Candelario, whom he calls "mi familia," Spanish for "my family." Candelario, he said, is "my English teacher, my Spanish teacher and my baseball teacher, too."

The two have adjoining lockers and goof around a lot, but when Candelario recently pulled out his phone to record Kawasaki's interview with me, Kawasaki suddenly got serious for a moment and asked him to stop and "be respectful, please" toward the media. It has been a good spring so far for Kawasaki, who is getting more playing time with Baez at the World Baseball Classic. He took a .304 average into Wednesday night's game against the Diamondbacks and has fielded flawlessly at second and short. Eventually he will be back with the prospects heading to Iowa, where Kawasaki will do his job and patiently wait for another chance with the Cubs. "It's tough for me, but it's OK," he said. "This is baseball, American baseball. Not too much thinking — just baseball. "I like it here. Everyone is kind, and everyone has fun. When I was playing in Japan, it was too serious. But Americans, everyone just has fun playing. "That's me, every day." --