According to Carrie Muskat, the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation is down to Travis Wood and Edwin Jackson. It’s been reported for weeks that Wood all but had the last spot in the rotation locked up, it was basically his to lose. But there may be more going on than was reported before Friday.
Multiple reports Friday indicated Theo Epstein and Joe Maddon are discussing ways to keep both Wood and Jackson on the active roster and use them in the starting rotation.
Joe Maddon explained to the beat writers, “There’s different ways to utilize both of them. It’s hard to say they’re both starters but we’ve talked about different ways to make it fit.”
Maddon didn’t give any details, but two reports seemed to point to a piggyback-type scenario.
The Cubs would line up Wood and Jackson to pitch on the same day. Depending on the matchups with the other team, one would start and the other would follow out of the pen for multiple innings. That would not only keep both pitchers stretched out, but conceivably reduce the workload on the bullpen.
According to Jesse Rogers, Epstein came up with the idea that is being discussed. Maddon admitted he liked it and is “chewing on it.”
- Full Report from Carrie Muskat
- Full Report from Carrie Muskat
- Full Report from the Tribune
- Full Report from ESPN Chicago
Joe Maddon’s Post-Game Tweet
Follow Friday’s spring win over the White Sox, Joe Maddon tweeted, “Loved how Travis did not cave … saw his offensive prowess for the first time … ran better than average to 1B … complete athlete …”
Starlin Castro and Addison Russell
Starlin Castro was not happy with his performance in the field Thursday night and discussed it with the beat writers Friday. Joe Maddon has challenged Castro to make improvements with his defense this season and win a Gold Glove. Maddon, like his predecessor, has been impressed with Castro’s work ethic. But Maddon has also been impressed with Addison Russell this spring.
Maddon told the beat writers Friday that competition is good when asked about Castro and Russell.
According to the Sun-Times, “Russell’s mere presence has put an even bigger charge in Castro’s desire and drive this spring – to the degree that Castro is said to have requested practicing on a separate field from the polished Russell during early camp workouts. Castro said that’s not true.”
The Cubs really like what Addison Russell brings to the table. And Starlin Castro is an elite, underappreciated player, points Theo Epstein has made on several occasions.
Russell will begin the season as Iowa’s shortstop and some think he could make his big league debut this season. Russell said he’s willing to move positions and Castro has said the same. Once again, the front office appears to have a great problem on their hands, one the Cubs are going to have to address sooner rather than later.
Szczur, Fowler, Coghlan Injury Updates
Dexter Fowler is day-to-day after getting hit by a pitch in his foot Thursday night in Scottsdale. And Chris Coghlan is dealing with a bruise on his leg. Coghlan is day-to-day after taking a foul ball off his leg.
Matt Szczur was out of Friday’s lineup and game with a sore left ankle that he rolled Tuesday and a bruise above his right eye that he suffered when he crashed into the outfield fence against the Royals at Sloan Park. Szczur is listed as day-to-day.
Kris Bryant
Kris Bryant is expected back in the starting lineup against the Mariners. Bryant will reportedly play third base barring a setback according to multiple reports.
Bryant tested his right shoulder prior to Thursday’s B-Game and apparently was feeling good enough Friday that he will be back in the field on Saturday afternoon.
Cubs on TV
Local providers in the Des Moines and Indianapolis markets have partnered with the Cubs and will broadcast those games previously aired on WGN America that are not available on MLB.TV or the MLB Extra Innings package on DirecTV.
WISH-TV in Indianapolis announced that WISH-TV and its sister station, MyINDY-TV 23 will be the new local home of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox.
WOI and KCWI in Des Moines will broadcast 32 games this season.
From March 13: Crane Kenney said during the convention the team would work with local TV stations to find a distributor for the games previously available on WGN America. Due to MLB blackout rules, markets considered part of the Cubs broadcast territory are not able to watch the games on MLB.TV or via the MLB Extra Innings package on DirecTV. By partnering with local providers, Cubs fans in those areas would be able to see all of the games during the season.
23 WIFR in Rockford announced a partnership with the Cubs earlier in the month to broadcast 45 regular season home games in the Rockford market.
Click on the links to see which local channels will be carry the Cubs games.
KCRG-TV9 in Cedar Rapids announced an agreement was in place with WGN Sports and WLS Chicago to carry the 69 games that will be broadcast during the season on WGN-TV and ABC-7 in Chicago on the local Cedar Rapids network.
Click on the links to see which local channels will be carry the Cubs games.
News, Notes and Rumors
Bruce Levine reported the off-season moves made by the Cubs and White Sox have spiced up the crosstown rivalry again.
15 different players have hit home runs for the Cubs this spring.
According to Mark Grace, the Cubs are coming.
And last, but not least, Welington Castillo knows he could be moved according to the Sun-Times.
This Day In Cubstory
1988 – Cubs released Mike Mason
1969 – Cubs signed free agent Hank Aguirre
1963 – Shawon Dunston, born
1947 – Bill Plummer, born
1942 – Len Church, born
1939 – Tommy Davis, born
1923 – Jim Hughes, born
1890 – John Sullivan, born
1847 – Oscar Bielaski, born