Cubs about these connections this spring. This is their third game in the Cactus League and the Padres drew 2-2 tonight.
⇒ Drew Smiley started the game and ran two clean innings thanks to his unique play. He looked solid. I’d guess he’ll hit three innings next, and then maybe four in his last spring start. This could give him a theoretical opportunity to hit four or five innings as a fifth man in the second week of the season. However, I tend to think that guys at the end of the “starting rotation” are only expected to go three or four innings early in the season with piggyback hands ready to go after them. I don’t think Smiley, for example, needs to work hard to be useful to the Cubs early in the season.
Left-hander Drew Smiley’s first start of the spring: 2 PI, 1 R, 2 R, 2 GO. The Cubs oppose the calendar, but Smiley in that spin or multi-half assist category comes on Opening Day. Should get comfortable as a starter when he stretches out.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 26, 2022
⇒ Jan Gomes got a LOT of action at the start of spring training as he apparently hopes to spend as much time as possible with the pitchers he’s still getting to know. It also went deep today, just in case:
1st HR of Spring for Jan Gomez!@Yan_AGomes pic.twitter.com/eHifAMrN55
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 26, 2022
⇒ Michael Hermosillo had several hits, including a minor league homer:
We love little league home runs! pic.twitter.com/FdF55kPsGr
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 26, 2022
⇒ I really don’t want Hermosillo to be pushed out of this roster – and out of the organization because he has no options left – because the Cubs are dedicated to giving Jason Hayward another chance. Maybe health dictates this, or maybe some other decision has been made regarding Rafael Ortega. But I’m just saying: if the decision is up to Hayward or Hermosillo, I’d rather see what Hermosillo can do at the moment.
⇒ Speaking of outfield, Clint Fraser got another start in the lead, so I have to believe the Cubs really want him to get as much PA as possible this spring so they can appreciate him.
“This is a big year for me. I feel like every year I went into it I thought it was the most important year of my career, but I feel like this is really the most important year for me.”
My full conversation with @clintfrazier in yesterday’s game: @WatchMarquee @cubs pic.twitter.com/2Pd6RmTQI8
— Elise Menaker (@EliseMenaker) March 26, 2022
⇒ Rowan Wick made his second (no strikeout) spring game and was wild with that, shrug. He’s not necessarily a REALLY established guy at the moment, but I’m really not worried about his season readiness as long as he’s healthy.
⇒ Kane Uckert continues to brag about major league accomplishments and intends to make his mark this year:
Uckert hits the board after the runner gets to third base 🔥🔥🔥 #cubs pic.twitter.com/5q3jMnQ01x
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) March 26, 2022
⇒ Sound:
Cassie with a double, Rivas thrown on the plate pic.twitter.com/QXlRvLrXIB
— Evan Altman (@DEvanAltman) March 26, 2022
⇒ Here’s why Nico Horner has seen shortstop overtime so far:
Cubs manager David Ross noted this morning that CC Andrelton Simmons is dealing with some soreness in his right shoulder.
“We just want to make sure we take care of his hand.”
Simmons hits. DH’d in the game earlier this week.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 26, 2022