Edwin Jackson didn’t exactly go about things the right way Friday when he decided he would only throw fastballs in his second Cactus League start against the Indians. Jackson did not let his manager or pitching coach in on his plan. And it does not sound like Rick Renteria is too happy with Edwin Jackson.
According to multiple reports, Rick Renteria planned to “have a conversation” with Jackson about what he decided to do without consulting his coaches. Renteria told the beat writers he and Chris Bosio noticed Jackson was throwing a lot of fastballs. Renteria said all 50 pitches Jackson threw Friday were indeed fastballs.
Edwin Jackson, his catcher and pitching coach have to be on the same page. And that goes for Spring Training games as well. Working on certain pitches is one thing and it’s alright to make a last minute decision to change a game plan. But choosing not to communicate with the coaching staff is an entirely different issue and one that must be addressed and handled properly so it never happens again.
James Russell
James Russell completed his first bullpen session in two weeks Saturday due to a dead arm that has kept him from throwing off a mound. Russell said he felt fine and expects to throw another one “in 2-3 days” according to a report from the Sun-Times. If everything goes well, Russell could be pitching in Spring Training games during the upcoming week.
James Russell is not expected to spend any time on the DL and should be part of the Cubs’ pen on Opening Day in Pittsburgh.
News and Notes
The Cubs play 11 exhibition games over the next eight days and that includes the Cubs only day off from Cactus League games on Thursday. The Cubs travel to Vegas for the annual Big League Weekend at Cashman Field next week to square off against the Mets for two days. The Cubs return to the valley next Monday for two games and start the home stretch of Spring Training at that time. The Cubs should start cutting players from the spring roster once they return from Las Vegas.