Rain, rain, go away … For the third day in a row the Cubs were hampered by rain in Mesa. As pointed out on Monday morning, the Cubs having to split the team in order to get their work in is just another reason they need updated facilities.
The forecast for Tuesday … sunny with a high in the mid 60s.
Day Six of Camp Lou IV was highlighted by the arrival of Alfonso Soriano. As of this writing, only Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee and Starlin Castro have not reported to camp. The first official full-squad workout takes place on Tuesday.
While it would be nice to have all of the players in the same city, the three players that have yet to report are not late to camp.
Here are the notes from day six, including more on the status of Alfonso Soriano and his knee … Notes from Mesa
- Jeff Stevens received advice from Greg Maddux. Maddux observed Stevens on Sunday and asked him why he was throwing 10 fastballs then 10 sliders in a row. Maddux pointed out to Stevens he would not throw that way in a game and encouraged him to mix it up.
- According to the Daily Herald, Greg Maddux has been working very hard in Mesa. Maddux is helping Larry Rothschild and even the catchers. Maddux talked with Steve Clevenger about how to pick up pitchers’ arm slots.
- After losing out on Chan Ho Park to the Yankees, the Cubs are still in the hunt for a right-handed reliever.
- Esmailin Caridad is the front-runner for the late-inning setup job … Justin Berg and Jeff Stevens are not far behind.
- Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters are among the young hitters that have impressed Piniella so far in camp … “Some of our young kids here can swing the bat.”
- Tom Ricketts will address his team on Tuesday … then the media.
- Rudy Jaramillo is encouraging Kosuke Fukudome to communicate with him.
- Alfonso Soriano is very happy to have Marlon Byrd on the team.
- The Cubs are deciding whether they will go with a defensive back-up or an offensive back-up for Marlon Byrd in center … the candidates are Sam Fuld, Brad Snyder, Tyler Colvin and Kosuke Fukudome.
- The Cubs will continue to monitor Luke Gregerson and Jason Frasor as part of their spring training must-see list for their scouts according to Bruce Levine.
Alfonso Soriano
Alfonso Soriano reported to camp on Monday and admitted his left knee is not fully recovered from surgery last September.
Soriano said he does not feel 100% because he has not tested it yet. Soriano said he’s running at 75 to 80% and he does not feel anything when he runs.
ESPN Chicago pointed out Soriano worked out in the Dominican during the off-season … the same information Oneri Fleita passed on during the convention. Both Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano worked out at the Cubs facilities in the Dominican over the winter. Soriano has been taking batting practice without pain.
Soriano admitted he is looking forward to working with Rudy Jaramillo again.
Well, there’s the update … and I am sticking to it!
CCO Radio reports to Spring Training on February 23 with the first show of the new season.
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