The Cubs had Monday off in the Cactus League. Joe Maddon’s team hits the road for a Tuesday afternoon game in Goodyear against the Reds.
John Lackey, Miguel Montero, Matt Szczur and Ryan Williams were among the players that got their work in Monday on the backfields at the Cubs complex. Lackey stayed on his routine with a six inning outing against the Angels’ High-A team.
Lackey reportedly gave up one hit and a walk with six strikeouts over six scoreless innings. Lackey retired the last 10 batters he faced according to the Sun-Times and struck out three of the last four. Lackey made 70 pitches.
Miguel Montero caught Lackey’s outing on Monday afternoon.
The Cubs have lined up the starting pitchers to begin the season with a rotation of Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, John Lackey, Jason Hammel and Kyle Hendricks. Joe Maddon has not announced his Opening Day rotation.
Trevor Cahill and Adam Warren are still in the running for a starting spot. Cahill and Warren pitched in the ‘B-Game’ last Thursday in Scottsdale, the same day Hammel faced the Diamondbacks at Sloan Park. In order to keep Cahill and Warren stretched out both pitchers will likely have to play in a minor league game again today.
Indians Looking for Help in the Outfield
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Indians are still looking for help in the outfield. The Indians are talking to teams in search of upgrades. While the Indians know they have to trade talent to get talent, Rosenthal reported that Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar and Corey Kluber are not available.
The Indians would like to trade “a lesser rotation candidate or pitching prospect instead.” Rosenthal explained Trevor Bauer, Josh Tomlin, Cody Anderson, Michael Clevinger and T.J. House would be the pitchers the Indians would prefer to include in a deal for an outfielder.
The Cubs and Indians are believed to have had multiple discussions about deals that would involve Carrasco, Salazar and Jorge Soler. The Indians reportedly covet Soler.
• Full Report from Ken Rosenthal
News and Notes
• Jason McLeod answered several questions about prospects and the system for ESPN Chicago.
• The Cubs have become a destination for free agents according to a report from Comcast SportsNet. Patrick Mooney included details on what the team does to help families while the players are out of town.
• The Cubs hope Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras really catch on in future according to a report from the Tribune.
• Matt Szczur is looking to play in his first Cactus League game this spring on Tuesday. Szczur was in the minor league game that John Lackey started Monday. Szczur went 1-for-4 with a single and a walk. Szczur reportedly scored from first base on a double.
• Patrick Mooney explained why the Cubs bet $155 million on Jon Lester’s left elbow.
• Taylor Davis was recently sent back to minor league camp. While he was with the big league team as a non-roster invitee, Davis impressed the club on and off the field according to a report from Carrie Muskat. And the Tribune reported that Davis made a favorable impression in Cubs camp.
• The Cubs and Rangers are playing the second annual Futures Game on Wednesday in Surprise following the regularly scheduled Cactus League game between the two teams. The Futures Game will feature top prospects from each organization. Rosters have not been announced.
• Bill Ballou reported former St. John star John Andreoli is making his case for the Major Leagues are Cubs’ camp.
• Wrigley Field McDonald’s has been demolished on schedule to make way for the hotel.
• According to a report from DNAInfoChicago.com, the Cubs don’t expect to use new Clark Street Plaza before end of 2016 season.
• Teams are getting fined for not following Spring Training road game lineup rules according to a report from Hardball Talk.
• Chris Coghlan hit a two-run homer off Jeff Samardzija in the Cactus League on Monday. The A’s won the game 6-4. Samardzija continued his spring struggles with six more runs allowed on six hits, two home runs, in six innings. When the news popped up Coghlan took Samardzija deep, the first thing that came to mind was the game last August 14 on the South Side.
• Those that missed the commercial free broadcast on Comcast SportsNet should click on this link and watch the Cubs features.
And last, but not least, the Tribune posted a gallery with photos of the Cubs’ old clubhouse and facilities at Wrigley … click here.
This Day in Cubstory
2013 – Cubs released Jason Berken
1990 – Brett Marshall, born
1986 – Dexter Fowler, born
1985 – Cubs returned Jamie Nelson to the Brewers
1965 – Glenallen Hill, born
1960 – Matt Sinatro, born
1940 – Dick Ellsworth, born
1935 – Gene Oliver, born
1932 – Al Schroll, born
1931 – Reds purchased Cliff Heathcote off waivers from the Cubs
1928 – Paul Schramka, born