MESA, Ariz.— A morning full of speeches will be on tap for Monday when Chicago Cubs position players arrive at camp for the first full squad workout.
Chairman Tom Ricketts will be on hand to pump up the players and give his annual reminder to be “good neighbors,” and new manager Craig Counsell will deliver his first speech to the full squad, minus any certain free agent center fielder who could join the team down the road if Ricketts decides to dip into his rainy day fund and show him the money.
Asked Sunday if he had any motivational speech planned for the big day, Counsell asked the Marquee Sports Network reporter: “You got one?”
The reporter admitted he did not, which certainly will be reflected in his end-of-season exit interview.
“I wouldn’t describe it as that,” Counsell said of a motivational speech. “Yeah, I’m going to talk. Whether someone is motivated or not? … I really think how we interact every day becomes the motivation. We’re not filming a movie tomorrow, right?”
No, although the Cubs famously allowed a documentary crew access during spring training and all season in 2008 for a film titled “We Believe,” which was pegged toward the 100th anniversary of their last championship in 1908.
“I think they’re hoping we win the whole thing,” former first baseman Derrek Lee said that spring. “Then they hit the jackpot.”
Spoiler alert: The 2008 Cubs did not hit the jackpot, getting swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Divisional Series.
Cubs morning vibe pic.twitter.com/jG6KrZYJhf
— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) February 18, 2024
Counsell said Sunday he’s been having a lot of fun in his first week in his new job, after managing the last nine springs in the Maryvale area of Phoenix, the home of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Is managing managing, or is the Cubs’ gig this spring much different than the one with the Brewers, aside from the bigger crowds in camp and more media?
“Managing is managing,” Counsell said. “There are differences that require me to be better, and I think that’s fun.”
Such as?
“It’s because there’s new (things to learn), and I’m starting new relationships,” he said. “It’s important that I’m good at developing that and starting that out. That’s happening right now and it’s really important.”
Barring a Cody Bellinger sighting in camp, what you see on Monday might be what you get.
And if that’s the case, one of the keys this spring will be the learning curve for Christopher Morel at third base. Counsell said Saturday he would give Morel an opportunity to make that position his home after the slugger started only four games there in 2023. Morel said last spring that third base was his natural position.
“If they give me a chance at playing third base, I’ll do my best to show the Cubs I can,” Morel said Sunday. “I’ve been working most of my career at third.”
Counsell obviously needs Morel’s bat in the lineup, especially without Bellinger. Morel hit 26 home runs in 107 games with the Cubs last year, and 37 overall, including his early stint at Triple-A Iowa after being left off the opening day roster.
Morel’s biggest issue playing third has been the accuracy of his throws, but he said he worked on that over the winter in the Dominican Republic and feels as though he’s improved.
“We’re getting there,” he said. “It’s a challenge for me, trying to get more control, more consistency.”
Nick Madrigal, a converted second baseman, said Sunday he’d try and help Morel with the different angles throwing from third, showing what kind of a teammate he is. The more Morel plays third, the fewer opportunities Madrigal might get there. Madrigal moved over from second base last year for Nico Hoerner, who moved over from shortstop last year for Dansby Swanson.
Madrigal knows that to get at-bats in 2024 he needs to show his versatility.
“You see more and more teams, organizations kind of (suggest) that it’s better to play multiple positions, especially in today’s game,” Madrigal said. “It makes it easier for a manager to mix and match lineups if you can play multiple positions.
“I don’t think it has always been like that. It’s been like if you play one position, that’s probably where you’re going to be. I’ve learned that over the last couple of years and kept it in the back of my mind in different spots. I feel like I can even (play outfield and) catch a fly ball in an emergency situation.
“There are a lot of guys like that on this team. There are a lot of teams doing it so I’m excited to see what Counsell does.”
The Morel announcement on Saturday was the first big decision Counsell has publicly made. Counsell sidestepped a question on how many pitchers would be vying for the fifth starter’s job, delivering the old cliche that he would need more than five starters over the course of the season.
Rookie Hayden Wesneski won the job last spring but eventually moved to a bullpen role. Drew Smyly was also in the rotation at the start of 2023 and made 23 starts, but faltered midseason and ended up in the bullpen. Rookies Javier Assad and Jordan Wicks combined for 17 starts and also should get stretched out this spring.
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy knows his staff well, but Counsell will have to learn their nuances the next few weeks before he decides in late March.
“When your season starts, knowing our pitchers, when you see 100 starts from your own pitcher you have a pretty good idea,” Counsell said. “Being a little less experienced in that area, that’s going to be a challenge for sure. And you guys can second guess that.”
No problem.
The fun starts Monday when the whole gang arrives, minus any potential stars who could arrive later in camp. Counsell did not try to downplay the second big milepost of spring training following the reporting of pitchers and catchers last Wednesday.
“Look, it’s an exciting day because there is ceremony to it, much like we make a lot of opening day,” Counsell said. “And those are important days. And then there’s the next day, and it’s really just as important. And how we behave with each other, and interact with each other, and connect with each other, you’ve got to remember that.”