Some surprises out in Surprise? Possibly. I mean, the surprise for us right now would be a Cubs victory… the team was 0-3, started a lineup of Triple-A players and PCA, with Ben Brown on the mound, against the Royals ‘A’ lineup.
Brown worked two scoreless innings and that was good. Javier Assad took the ball and followed suit with a scoreless frame. They were supported by a Jefferson Rojas big fly in the fourth. Jackson Kirkpatrick, a decent-looking prospect, followed Assad. Porter Hodge, Ryan Rolison, and others threw for the cause. Tyler Ras gave up a solo shot to KC’s Josh Rojas in the eighth.
Former Cubs prospect Alex Lange pitched for KC. and didn’t throw enough strikes. He loaded the bases with one out and James Triantos liked one of his offerings enough to pound into the outfield between first and second for two runs.
In the end, the Cubs prevailed for their first victory of the spring. Al has details in his recap.
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- Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): Inside Cubs camp: How elite talent, data and discipline are shaping spring training. “On the backfields, it’s impossible to miss the technology that has proliferated across the game.”
- Maddie Lee (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}) Cubs reliever Phil Maton still showcasing passion for development in Year 10. “Maton is adding a new pitch to his arsenal.”
- Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}): 4 takeaways from Chicago Cubs spring training, including another low-risk signing to bolster the bench. “Counsell said he’s not considering Matt Shaw as a potential backup at first.”
- Maddie Lee (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Visa issues resolved, Cubs catcher Moises Ballesteros reports to camp. “Ballesteros likely won’t appear in the first week of spring-training games as he ramps up.” Jordan Bastian has more Mo.
- Wayne Drehs (Chicago*): Welcome to the PCA Show. “Cubs fan favorite Pete Crow-Armstrong is one of baseball’s most exciting young talents — and his own biggest critic.“
- Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): World Baseball Classic, contract year with Cubs present opportunities for Seiya Suzuki. “Playing the field helps me with the rhythm of the game,” Suzuki said. “But it’s up to the coaches.”
Food For Thought:
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