February 25, 2017

ESPNChicago.com, Cubs' Pedro Strop agrees to contract extension, signed through 2018 http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18758054/pedro-strop-agrees-contract-extension-chicago-cubs-signed-2018-team-option

CSNChicago.com, No Hard Feelings: Cubs And Pedro Strop Look To Future With Contract Extension http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/no-hard-feelings-cubs-and-pedro-strop-look-future-contract-extension

CSNChicago.com, Cubs Eager To See The Jason Heyward Relaunch In Cactus League http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/cubs-eager-see-jason-heyward-relaunch-cactus-league

Chicago Tribune, Jason Heyward and his modified swing face first live test Saturday http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-jason-heyward-swing-cubs-bits-spt-0225-20170224-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Joe Maddon on his connection to Mesa: 'This is where I learned my trade' http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-joe-maddon-mesa-20170224-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Cubs sign Pedro Strop to extension, adding long-term stability to bullpen http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-pedro-strop-cubs-agree-extension-20170224-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Experience, farm system, money: Same factors in play for Cubs, Indians to return to World Series http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-indians-challenges-ahead-spt-0226-20170225-story.html

Chicago Sun-Times, No regrets, no looking back: La Stella present and accounted for http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/no-regrets-no-looking-back-la-stella-present-and-accounted-for/

Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs ink reliever Strop to $11.85 million extension through 2018 http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-ink-reliever-strop-to-11-85-million-extension-through-2018/

Chicago Sun-Times, Can Schwarber go from legend of the fall to early riser for Cubs? http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/can-schwarber-go-from-legend-of-the-fall-to-early-riser-for-cubs/

Chicago Sun-Times, Surprise e-mail leads to ‘unbelievable opportunity’ for Andreoli http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/surprise-e-mail-leads-to-unbelievable-opportunity-for-andreoli/

Daily Herald, Chicago Cubs, Strop agree to contract extension http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170224/sports/170229229/

Daily Herald, Chicago Cubs' Heyward putting in extra to improve hitting http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170224/sports/170229230/

Cubs.com, Schwarber, Heyward lead off Cubs' spring slate http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/216932538/cubs-open-cactus-schedule-with-split-squads/

Cubs.com, Cubs fans converge on Mesa for trophy rally http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/216924110/cubs-fans-come-to-spring-training-for-trophy/

Cubs.com, Baez celebrates Cubs' title with new tattoo http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/216968306/javier-baez-gets-tattoo-of-world-series-trophy/

Cubs.com, Strop, Cubs excited to finalize extension http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/216935584/pedro-strop-has-contract-extended-through-2018/

-- ESPNChicago.com Cubs' Pedro Strop agrees to contract extension, signed through 2018 By Jesse Rogers Chicago Cubs reliever Pedro Strop has agreed to a contract extension, the team announced Friday. "I love this team and feel really part of this and I love the fans and the city of Chicago," Strop said. Strop is now signed through 2018 with a club option for 2019. He will make $5.85 million in 2018 while his club option is for $6.25 million in 2019 with a $500,000 buyout. "I know anything can happen if I go into the free-agent market," Strop said. "There are a bunch of teams that need closers and stuff like that. I know I can close and stuff like that, but at the same time, I feel happy I'm here. I don't care the role or whatever, I just like to be here." He is set to make $5.5 million in 2017 after the Cubs and the pitcher settled prior to arbitration. Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said the team and Strop's agent continued to negotiate after the agreement for 2017 was reached. Cubs manager Joe Maddon called Strop a "perfect fit" in Chicago. Strop was 2-2 with a 2.85 ERA and 27 holds in 54 games last season for the Cubs. He joined Chicago in 2013 as part of the trade that brought Jake Arrieta to the team from the Baltimore Orioles. The 31-year-old Strop, known for wearing his hat off to the side, is 15-20 with a 3.23 ERA in eight seasons with Texas, Baltimore and the Cubs. -- CSNChicago.com No Hard Feelings: Cubs And Pedro Strop Look To Future With Contract Extension By Patrick Mooney MESA, Ariz. — Whatever frustrations Pedro Strop might have kept bottled up during the playoffs didn't change how he feels about his Cubs teammates or living in Chicago or the energy at Wrigley Field. "I think if there were any hard feelings we wouldn't be doing this extension," general manager Jed Hoyer said Friday after announcing the deal that could keep Strop in a Cubs uniform through the 2019 season. The Cubs framed Strop's fade into the postseason background as a matter of bad timing after he tore the meniscus in his left knee in August. Otherwise, manager Joe Maddon in theory wouldn't have felt the need to push Aroldis Chapman so hard during the World Series. The Cubs backed up their story by avoiding an arbitration hearing with a $5.5 million settlement for 2017 before camp opened in Arizona. The two sides continued negotiating, agreeing to a one-year extension worth $5.85

million and a $6.25 million club option for 2019 with a $500,000 buyout. For that sense of comfort and security, Strop sacrificed the chance to sell himself as a possible closer next winter. "I just feel happy that I know I'm going to be here," Strop said. "I don't care about the role or whatever. "I like to win better than roles." It's not just a talking point with Strop, who memorably high-stepped down the third-base line next to Kris Bryant in a walk-off win that became a 2015 Sports Illustrated cover and a blown-up image players see on the way from the Wrigley Field clubhouse out to the tunnel leading into the dugout. "I have a lot of energy," Strop said. "Every time I walk into the clubhouse, I always come in positive, you know, waking people up when they're sleeping and just trying to have good moments and just play ball, play the game the right way." With Wade Davis and Koji Uehara positioned to become free agents after this season, the Cubs wanted to invest in their bullpen and clubhouse, where Strop is among the most popular players and a bilingual presence buzzing around the room. "We don't want to be in a position of always having to rebuild the bullpen," Hoyer said. "Pedro's been a rock for us down there. His pitching is a big part of why we wanted to bring him back. But it's also who he is. "He puts every person around him in a better mood every day. This guy's always beaming. He's always in a great mood. But under that huge smile, he's an awesome competitor, and this guy wants the ball in the biggest spots. We want more guys like that." Since coming over in the franchise-altering Jake Arrieta trade with the Baltimore Orioles in the middle of the 2013 season, Strop has notched 84 holds, put up a 0.98 WHIP and a 2.68 ERA and accounted for 232 appearances. During that time, the right-hander leads all National League relievers with a .173 batting average against and ranks third in opponents' OPS (.530) and fourth in strikeouts per nine innings (10.82). "We got these guys in our clubhouse that are just great to have (around) beyond being good," Maddon said. "He's at the top of the list. He's always upbeat. He's always ready. He's always there for somebody else. And then he's got one of the best sliders in all of baseball." Maddon didn't show that same level of trust in Strop during the playoffs, but the force of his talent and personality — the crooked-hat look, chest-pounding celebrations and love for the game — helped change this team's identity and turn the Cubs into World Series champs. "I felt for Pedro," Hoyer said. "I felt like he rushed as much as he could to get back on the field for the postseason, but he probably wasn't vintage Pedro Strop at any point down the stretch, just by nature of the timing. But when you look at the numbers he's put up over the last three years, he's been one of the best setup guys in the game." -- CSNChicago.com Cubs Eager To See The Jason Heyward Relaunch In Cactus League By Patrick Mooney MESA, Ariz. — Cactus League stats are supposed to be irrelevant, especially for the guy with the biggest contract in franchise history. Jason Heyward already built up a reservoir of goodwill as a former All Star, three-time Gold Glove defender and World Series champion. The intangibles got Heyward $184 million guaranteed, and the Cubs are hoping a new comfort level will lead to a Jon Lester effect in Year 2 of that megadeal.

But Heyward will still be one of the most scrutinized players in Mesa after an offseason overhaul that tried to recapture the rhythm and timing he felt with the 2012 Braves (27 homers) and break some of the bad habits that had slowly crept into his high-maintenance left-handed swing. "If there's ever any doubt," Heyward said, "then you probably shouldn't be here." Heyward will be batting leadoff and starting in right field on Saturday afternoon when the Cubs open their exhibition schedule with a split-squad game against the A's at Sloan Park. If Heyward has anything to prove this spring, it's "probably to himself, not to us," general manager Jed Hoyer said, backing a player who does the little things so well and commands respect throughout the clubhouse. "There's going to be growing pains with making adjustments," Hoyer said. "He'll probably have some good days and some bad days. But I think the most important thing is that he feels comfortable and uses these five weeks to lock in and get ready for the Cardinals." The Cubs are betting on Heyward's age (27), track record (three seasons where he showed up in the National League MVP voting), understanding of the strike zone (.346 career on-base percentage) and willingness to break down his swing this winter at the team's Arizona complex. At the same time, Heyward realizes "it's just the offseason" and "a never-ending process in baseball." There are no sweeping conclusions to be made when the opposing starting pitcher showers, talks to the media and leaves the stadium before the game ends. "I'm not sitting here telling you: 'Oh, I know for sure what's going to happen,'" Heyward said. "I don't know how it's going to go. But I know I did a damn good job of preparing for it." Manager Joe Maddon — who gave Heyward nearly 600 plate appearances to figure it out during the regular season (.631 OPS) before turning him into a part-time outfielder in the playoffs (5-for-48) — usually thinks batting practice is overrated or a waste of time. But at 6-foot-5 — and with so much riding on an offensive resurgence — Heyward is hard to miss. "I can see it's a lot freer and the ball's coming off hotter," Maddon said. "But it's all about game. I'm really eager for him, because everybody just talks about all the work he's done all winter. "Conversationally with him, I sense or feel like he feels good about it and that he's kind of at a nice peaceful moment with himself. So it will be really fun to watch." A 103-win season, an American League-style lineup that scored 808 runs, a new appreciation for defensive metrics and a professional attitude helped provide cover for Heyward, who largely escaped the wrath of Cubs fans with little patience for big-ticket free agents. "Baseball is a game that's going to humble you every day," Heyward said. "You're going to fail more times than you succeed, so it's all about how you handle it, as an individual and as a group. We handled it the best out of anyone last year as a team. And that's why we were able to win the World Series. "There's always things you feel like you need to work on. You can ask guys who had the best years — there's always something they're trying to improve on and something they don't feel great about at a certain point in time during the year. "I just happened to have a little bit more breaking down to do. A lot of things allowed me to just kind of pause (and) look forward and not really think about trying to compete and win a game. Let's just get some work done." --

Chicago Tribune Jason Heyward and his modified swing face first live test Saturday By Mark Gonzales MESA, Ariz. — Manager Joe Maddon will get an up-close look Saturday at the adjustments in Jason Heyward's swing at full speed. Heyward, who lowered his hands and now holds the bat in a vertical position, will attempt to continue the progress Maddon and others have seen in batting practice when the Cubs face the Athletics in the exhibition opener at Sloan Park. "I can see it," Maddon said of Heyward, who launched several home runs onto the berm during Thursday's session at Sloan Park. "(His swing is) a lot freer and the ball is coming off (the bat) hotter. "It's all about the game, but I'm eager for him. Everyone has talked about all the work he has done all winter. Just (conversing) with him, I sense or feel he's good about it and at a nice peaceful moment with himself. It will be fun to watch. I do anticipate there probably will be some tweaking as they move forward, but I like it." Heyward, who batted .230 with only seven home runs in 2016, will bat leadoff Saturday against the A's at Sloan Park and is expected to get three at-bats. Kyle's case: In the split-squad game against the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium, Kyle Schwarber will return to left field for the first time since tearing two ligaments in his left knee April 7. During Friday's drills on the agility field, Schwarber showed no signs of the injury limiting him. He was sidelined from the beginning of last season until the World Series when he served as a designated hitter and pinch hitter. "He has been moving and has done a lot of work," Maddon said. "We have our ideas for him not to move so much and have a down day. (But) his leg is great, and his work is special." Extra innings: The Cubs had a spirited relay drill that pleased Maddon. "The first year we did it (2015), it was kind of like pulling teeth," Maddon said. "Now they look forward to it and know the benefits." … The Cubs will work on bunting early next week. -- Chicago Tribune Joe Maddon on his connection to Mesa: 'This is where I learned my trade' By Mark Gonzales The Cubs considered moving their spring training facility to Naples, Florida, as recently as 2010 before settling on Sloan Park as their new site for their spring home. But for Joe Maddon, the development of Mesa rekindles memories for the Cubs' manager dating back to his days as an instructor in the Angels' organization. "I was a resident here from 1981 to maybe 2001," Maddon said Friday before attending a rally at Sloan Park hosted by the city of Mesa, where the Cubs have trained since 1979. "I think of the Cubs and HoHoKam (Park). My first Instructional League was at Fitch Park, which was part of the Cubs family. Maddon recalled the days before highways 202 and 101 were built to alleviate traffic along McKellips and Pima roads. "So you had to really work to get somewhere," Maddon said. "But my kids have grown up, and they love it here. They don't want to leave. I have my grandkids here now. I cut my teeth here. This is where I learned my trade beyond the Cubs."

Maddon recalled the days when the HoHoKams, a community service group, would hold a "steak fryer" style picnic, with Dutch ovens in the ground that would cook cinnamon rolls. Maddon formed a bond with scouts and Dwight Patterson, a businessman and civic leader credited with bringing the Cubs to Mesa. "I have a strong connection to all of this," Maddon said. -- Chicago Tribune Cubs sign Pedro Strop to extension, adding long-term stability to bullpen By Mark Gonzales While the Cubs face the prospect of losing at least 40 percent of their rotation for 2018, they haven't overlooked stabilizing their bullpen for the future. When they signed Pedro Strop to an extension through 2018 with an option Friday, the Cubs addressed one free agent question and now can shift some attention to other long-term issues. "We don't want to be in a position of always having to rebuild the bullpen," general manager Jed Hoyer said. "Pedro has been a rock for us down there and with his pitching. That's why we wanted to bring him back. "But it's also who he is. He has a leadership role on this team. He has been terrific in the clubhouse for us. He's terrific in the pen. He's a guy you want to keep around." The Cubs and Greg Genske, Strop's agent, discussed a multi-year deal before Strop agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million contract two weeks ago that avoided an arbitration hearing. Under terms of the extension, Strop, 31, will receive $5.85 million in 2018. The Cubs will hold a $6.25 million option with a $500,000 buyout for 2019. The Cubs have received a lot of mileage out of Hector Rondon (a Rule 5 pick in December 2012), Justin Grimm (acquired from the Rangers midway through 2013 in the Matt Garza deal along with Carl Edwards Jr. and Neil Ramirez) and Strop, who was dealt with Jake Arrieta from the Orioles on July 2, 2013. Strop's experience may come in handy considering veterans Wade Davis, Koji Uehara and Brian Duensing can become free agents after this season. And remember the Cubs needed to acquire Aroldis Chapman (now back with the Yankees) last July to take over the closer's role for Rondon and his tender right arm. Strop envisions the Cubs bullpen will evolve, especially as Edwards, 25, continues his development. "I remember when C.J. got called up (in 2015), and I took him to the side and explained everything because I was older," Strop said. "I was talking to him about how everything works and I told him if they call you up, it's what we're doing down here. "Don't try to do anything different because I passed through that before. Now he knows what he wants to do. We don't have to tell him anything. Maybe in one year or more, he's helping me with the new guys coming up. It's good to see him like that." Left-hander Rob Zastryzny, who is targeted as a starter at Triple-A Iowa, appreciated the veteran treatment he received during his major-league debut last August when he was encouraged to sit in the middle of the bullpen bench at Coors Field and absorb tips from more seasoned relievers.

The extension also quells questions about the value of Strop, who tore cartilage in his left knee in August and was disappointed he didn't pitch more in the postseason after his return. "If there were any hard feelings, we wouldn't have done an extension," Hoyer said. "He puts every person around him in a better mood every day." Strop had no qualms about passing up free agency and perhaps the chance to close games. "We're just going to do whatever it takes to take us to another championship series and win it, like we did last year," Strop said. "I don't care about roles. I like to win better than roles." -- Chicago Tribune Experience, farm system, money: Same factors in play for Cubs, Indians to return to World Series By Mark Gonzales When Indians general manager Chris Antonetti crosses paths Sunday with Cubs counterparts Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer at Sloan Park on Sunday, they can share a laugh over their stressful state during the rain delay before the 10th inning of Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. "I remember the look on Jed and Theo's faces, same as mine," Antonetti recalled at spring training. "Just ashen and fatigued and angst, (wondering) is this game ever going to end?" The Cubs outlasted the Indians in one of the most memorable Game 7s in Series history. It's outcome heightened expectations about the possibility of a rematch. Both teams are legitimate threats to repeat. But there are questions about their chances to return to the Series this fall. Here are three factors that could dictate their fortunes. Experience Seven of the Cubs' 10 players who started Game 7 were 27 or younger, including five 25 or younger. "I can't even put into words how good that is for us," Kris Bryant said. "Ernie Banks never had a chance to play in a playoff game. For us to be able to do that that early in our careers, especially Game 7, I think if we're put in those situations again, we'll know how to play relaxed." Meanwhile, the left side of the Indians' infield — All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and third baseman Jose Martinez — is younger than 25, and starting pitchers Trevor Bauer (26), Danny Salazar (27) and Carlos Carrasco (29) are under team control through at least 2018. "Our rotation and even some of the guys in the bullpen are likely to be in Cleveland for the foreseeable future," Antonetti said. The danger for both sides is assuming that they will return to the Series soon even if they come up short this season. "When you've been there, you know how to do it, you know you can do it because you've done it before. But there's a sense of urgency you have to keep," said Ben Zobrist, who has won consecutive Series with the Royals and Cubs. "That's hard and that's one of the challenges ahead. It can be easy to get complacent and comfortable."

Said Indians manager Terry Francona: "(What) will benefit our guys the most (is) when they look back and realize they just didn't show up and end up in the postseason and the World Series. We started that work on day one of the offseason and day one of spring training. Carrying forward that mindset is really important." Farm system The Cubs still retain top prospects Eloy Jimenez and Ian Happ after trading top prospect Gleyber Torres to the Yankees for Aroldis Chapman, but there's a noticeable gulf between their major-league pitching staff and their top pitching prospects at the lower levels. "I like the guys we have, especially in low minors," Hoyer said. "But one thing with pitching, there are a lot of innings and health we have to get through but haven't done yet." Antonetti, meanwhile, is a firm believer in his farm system after trading outfielder Clint Frazier and left-hander Justus Sheffield, two of the Indians; top four prospects, to acquire formidable left-handed reliever Andrew Miller last season. "We have a quality group of major-league players who have a chance to be with us for a while, and that's bolstered by a farm system that we think has players who will help us move forward, including this year," Antonetti said. "(And) we're always looking for more." In Baseball America's minor-league talent rankings, the Cubs are ranked 16th — two spots ahead of the Indians. Money The decision to rebuild a franchise that resulted in its first Series title since 1908 turned out so well the Cubs virtually have a license to print money based on their nationwide popularity, significant upgrades at Wrigley Field and the possibility of a lucrative television contract. "Theo got to do what he always wanted to do, and maybe you couldn't do that in Boston," Francona said referring to his time under Epstein managing the Red Sox. "Which is take a step back, go a little younger. I know it probably took a little longer than he was comfortable with, but once they did it, he got the vets he wanted, the guys he knew, and put together a powerhouse. It's tough to imagine (the Cubs) going away any time soon." Despite spending 109 games in first place and winning the American League Central by eight games, the Indians outdrew only the A's and Rays among AL teams. Yet they did have enough financial flexibility to sign free-agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion to a three-year, $60 million contract on Jan. 5. "It has been a big leap of faith among our ownership to step out from beyond what may make sense (financially), beyond what our (dollar) projections may be," Antonetti said. "It's really a belief in our fan base that we'll continue to support our team (with money) and build on the momentum from last year." -- Chicago Sun-Times No regrets, no looking back: La Stella present and accounted for By Gordon Wittenmyer Whether he’s still around in April will have more to do with how conspicuous his presence becomes over the next month or so. But the infielder who went AWOL when the Cubs optioned him to the minors last summer seems to be in a new frame of mind as he puts a full offseason between himself and one of the Cubs’ most bizarre player-personnel episodes since the days of Carlos Zambrano.

“It’s great. I’m glad to be back,” said La Stella, who for three weeks refused to report to Class AAA Iowa when the Cubs optioned him because of a numbers crunch. “It’s good to see the guys again, good to be around them. It’s a good feeling in camp.” La Stella was hitting .295 last year when he became the odd man out — he was one of the few players with minor-league options — to make room for Chris Coghlan to come off the disabled list. It became an odd situation almost immediately. La Stella went home to New Jersey, then spent the next three weeks talking with front-office executives, teammates, his manager and the team psychologist before eventually reporting. There was no family emergency, health scare or kidnapping that kept La Stella away, according to him and those who dealt with him during the saga. Just a deeply personal feeling about how much more this team meant to him than his own career, he explained at the time. He was prepared for the Cubs to release him, he said, which is what any of probably 29 other clubs would have done. “I’m definitely aware of that,” he said. “I was certainly appreciative of the dialogue that we had. It was positive all throughout. And it was great to get back for the end of the year and be a part of that at the end. It was incredible.” Where La Stella, 28, goes from here is the big question. He’s in a group with outfielder Matt Szczur and infielder Munenori Kawasaki that’s fighting for no more than two spots on the roster. “And [infielder] Jemile Weeks is another kid that’s very interesting,” manager Joe Maddon said. “We have options.” La Stella, who was left off the postseason roster, appears to have no lingering issues in the clubhouse. Teammates said at the time and La Stella reiterated this week that the episode was put to rest once he addressed the team upon his return Aug. 31. “Tommy is a very thoughtful young man,” Maddon said. “He’s definitely on board and was very thankful for the way our [front-office] guys dealt with it, which is really important. There’s no animosity. There’s no hard feelings. I’m really fine with Tommy.” La Stella’s biggest issue this spring appears to be the next numbers crunch and how he might fit into the opening roster. “That’s one of those things that’s really, really far outside of my control,” he said. “The only thing I’m trying to focus on every day is just preparing myself as best I can to be as productive as I can that day. And let the chips fall where they may.” After saying last year he considered retirement, where is La Stella’s mindset this year, regardless of what happens with the roster? “It’s always so tough to say in the future,” he said. “I’m definitely excited to be here and be part of it and keep moving forward, and I don’t see anything changing there.” -- Chicago Sun-Times Cubs ink reliever Strop to $11.85 million extension through 2018 By Gordon Wittenmyer

MESA, Ariz. — The Cubs finally got a contract extension done with the pitcher they acquired in the 2013 trade with the Orioles — albeit, the other pitcher in the deal. Setup man Pedro Strop, acquired with Jake Arrieta in one of the landmark deals of the Cubs’ rebuild, signed a two-year, $11.85 million extension with a club option for 2019, the team announced Friday. “Pedro’s been a rock for us down there,” general manager Jed Hoyer said. “You look at the numbers he’s put up over the last three years, he’s been one of the best setup guys in the game.” Strop, 31, already had settled on a one-year, $5.5 million deal to beat the arbitration deadline. He and the Cubs added a $5.85 million salary in 2018 and a $6.25 million option for 2019 (with a $500,000 buyout). “I’m really glad they made this happen,” said Strop, who had a 2.85 ERA last year, despite being hampered late in the season by knee and groin injuries. “I love this team and the fans, and I love the city of Chicago.” The hard-throwing Strop — a clubhouse favorite and leader — said he might have been able to land a deal in free agency next winter to be a closer. But, he said, “I like to win better than roles.” The big unveil After months of behind-the-scenes work and public anticipation, Jason Heyward and his new swing make their 2017 debut Saturday in the leadoff spot in the Cubs’ Cactus League home opener. “I’ve been watching him in batting practice, and I can see it’s a lot freer and the ball’s coming off hotter,” manager Joe Maddon said. “But it’s all about game. I’m really eager for him because everybody just talks about all the work he’s done all winter. And I sense that he feels good about it and he’s kind of in a nice, peaceful moment with himself. So it’ll be really fun to watch. “Of course, there’s still going to be probably some tweaking to go with it as they move it further forward. But I like it.” Maddon said Heyward could get a slight increase in at-bats over a normal spring as he works to bounce back from the worst offensive season of his career (.230, seven homers, .631 OPS). -- Chicago Sun-Times Can Schwarber go from legend of the fall to early riser for Cubs? By Gordon Wittenmyer MESA, Ariz. — After 103 wins and a World Series title last year, the Cubs like their chances of becoming even more formidable in 2017. And one of the reasons boils down to the most improbable fact in all of sports: Kyle Schwarber has twice as many lifetime big-league plate appearances in November as he does in April and May combined. Let that sink in for a minute. Read it again if you have to. That’s not fake news. That’s the Legend of Kyle Schwarber — a two-time postseason hero who has earned a place in World Series history and national adulation before recording a hit before June. “Yeah, he’s got to prove to us he can do it at the start of the season,” MVP Kris Bryant said with a laugh. “It’s crazy that he’s played more postseason games than probably [games in] April and May combined.” April, May and June combined, in fact.

And so, the Cubs’ front office, manager Joe Maddon and Schwarber’s teammates are all intrigued by how he will handle a full season and what it might produce. It was, of course, the season-ending knee injury Schwarber suffered in the third game of 2016 that created this aberrant career path. His rehab timeline was supposed to rule him out for the postseason as well, until his work paid off with last-minute medical clearance to hit as the Cubs’ designated hitter in the four World Series games in Cleveland. Now that he’s healthy for full duty again, the Cubs have him penciled in for about 140 starts in left field and at the top of the batting order. Even Schwarber wonders what that might mean for his numbers by the end of the season. And he wonders at least a little bit what six (or seven) months of a big-league load will feel like. “Definitely,” said Schwarber, who debuted for a week in June in 2015 before returning after the All-Star break for good. “There’s definitely something to be said about experience, especially getting into those grind days, after playing the first half of the season, when you’re getting into August and you’ve got to start taking care of your body. I’m not going to change the way I approach the game. I’m just looking forward to seeing what can happen.” The Cubs and their legions of fans figure they’ve already had a glimpse of what can happen. Schwarber has 16 homers and a .353 on-base percentage in 71 career regular-season games, along with a pair of postseasons that put him in the Cubs record books — and in elite historical company overall. His 1.178 OPS in 14 postseason games ranks third all-time for a player with at least 50 plate appearances, behind only Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig (both 1.214). He was 7-for-17 with three walks in the four World Series games — including three hits in Game  7 — after going 29 weeks without seeing a big-league pitch. When he doubled off Indians ace Corey Kluber in Game 1, he became the first non-pitcher to get a hit in a World Series after a hitless regular season. “Man, I don’t know what type of mindset you have to have to be able to sit out for six months and play your first game in six months in the World Series in Cleveland, against Corey Kluber, one of the best pitchers — I mean, it’s crazy,” Bryant said. “I probably couldn’t do it.” The mindset involved Schwarber taking all the swings he was allowed in two Arizona Fall League games and the batting cage, then standing next to a plate and tracking thousands more fastballs and breaking balls off a pitching machine over those two days. “He’s a unique talent,” Maddon said. The Cubs value Schwarber’s bat and long-term presence enough that they plan to schedule precautionary days off throughout the season, even if Schwarber might be stronger than before the injury because of all the rehab work. Bryant noted that Schwarber also spent a lot of time breaking down pitchers in the video room and staying involved in meetings all through last season, which might give him an edge in making quicker adjustments to guys he hasn’t yet faced. And then there’s what he has done against the best of the best in the postseason the last two years. “To me, it’s a really exciting element of this season,” general manager Jed Hoyer said. “We joked about it last year, that it was like, ‘Hey, a great free-agent acquisition for [2017].’ “It’s exciting to get him out on the field, and just get him as many at-bats as possible. He’s never gone through a full major-league season of play, and that’s a good challenge for him. But if there’s one thing about Kyle, it’s that this guy loves challenges, as he showed with his rehab last year.” Said Schwarber: “I’m excited. It’s going to be a grind. And I see myself as a grinder. I’m going to embrace it.”

-- Chicago Sun-Times Surprise e-mail leads to ‘unbelievable opportunity’ for Andreoli By Gordon Wittenmyer MESA, Ariz. – John Andreoli casually checked his phone on a sleepy Sunday in January and saw the out-of-nowhere email. “I just kind of did a double take,” said the Cubs’ outfield prospect, “and responded. It ended up being an unbelievable opportunity. It was crazy but it was great.” The email was an invitation to join Team Italy for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Andreoli, a New England native and resident, had to confirm his lineage – sending copies of marriage certificates, birth certificates and death certificates of grandparents and great-grandparents to MLB and WBC officials. “It took a couple weeks, but it worked out,” said Andreoli, who starts practice with his national team on March 5. The tournament opens March 6 with Team Italy opening Pool D play against host Mexico – a team it upset during a surprising march to the second round in the last tournament four years ago, when Anthony Rizzo played for Italy. Andreoli, 26, has spent the past two seasons at Class AAA Iowa, hitting .256 (.374 on-base percentage) with 12 homers last year, when he led the league in stolen bases (43) and games (140). His WBC pool includes some of the toughest competition he will have faced in his career, including Yovani Gallardo and Marco Estrada of Mexico, Felix Hernandez and Cubs teammate Hector Rondon of Venezuela, and Edwin Diaz and Hector Santiago of Puerto Rico. “It’s four really good countries that are represented by a lot of MLB players and All-Stars,” Andreoli said of the pool. “So it’s going to be a good challenge to play against those guys. I think it’s definitely going to translate into my season and definitely be a great experience.” Besides Andreoli and Rondon, the Cubs have three other players from big-league camp scheduled to play in the WBC: infielder Javy Baez (Puerto Rico), and pitchers Jim Henderson (Canada) and Jhondaniel Medina (Venezuela). -- Daily Herald Chicago Cubs, Strop agree to contract extension By Bruce Miles MESA, Ariz. -- Pedro Strop's career took a turn for the better when he was traded to the Cubs from the Baltimore Orioles in July 2013. On Friday, the Cubs and Strop decided to continue their relationship through at least the 2018 season. The two sides recently avoided salary arbitration by agreeing on a contract for this year worth $5.5 million. The extension pays Strop $5.85 million in 2018. There is a club option for $6.25 million for 2019 or a buyout worth $500,000. Strop, 31, came to the Cubs in the same deal that brought starting pitcher Jake Arrieta to Chicago. The Cubs gave up pitcher Scott Feldman and catcher Steve Clevenger. In his time with the Cubs, Strop is 8-14 with a 2.68 ERA, 6 saves and a WHIP of 0.98. He could have become a free agent after this season.

"That was really, really, really good at that point because I wasn't getting an opportunity to pitch back in Baltimore because I was through a bad stretch," Strop said of the trade to the Cubs. "I wasn't pitching the way I pitch; I was struggling a little bit. I wasn't being given an opportunity to get back on track. "So by the time they traded me over here, as soon as I got here, I worked with (bullpen coach) Lester Strode and (pitching coach Chris) Bosio, and they put me in the right way, and I got the opportunity to get back on track here." Last year, Strop was 2-2 with a 2.85 ERA and a WHIP of 0.89 in 54 games as a setup man. He was on the disabled list from Aug. 11-Sept. 23 after suffering a meniscus tear in his left knee. He worked in 8 postseason games, including 3 in the World Series. Strop is one of the more popular players in the Cubs clubhouse. "His pitching is big part of why we wanted to bring him back but also who he is," said general manager Jed Hoyer. "I think he has a leadership role on this team. He's been terrific in the clubhouse for us. He's terrific in the bullpen. He's the kind of guy you want to keep around. "He puts every person around him in a better mood every day. He's always beaming. He's in a great mood. But under that huge smile is an awesome competitor. This guy wants the ball in the biggest spots. We want more guys like that." Let the games begin: The Cactus League season begins for the Cubs with a pair of split-squad games Saturday. One squad hosts the Oakland Athletics at Sloan Park. Another squad travels to Scottsdale to play the Giants. Mike Montgomery pitches against the A's in a game to be televised by WGN. Rob Zastryzny goes against the Giants. Kyle Schwarber bats leadoff in that game. Jason Heyward leads off against the A's. Celebrating in Mesa: The Cubs and the city of Mesa held a championship rally Friday at Sloan Park. Fans began lining up outside of the ballpark Thursday afternoon for a chance to have their photos taken with the World Series trophy. Joe Maddon was given a key to the city of Mesa. "I was a resident here from 1981 until maybe 2001," Maddon said, referring to his days in the Angels organization. "With the Cubs, I think of HoHoKam and Fitch Park (the team's former spring facilities) … My kids have grown up here. They love it here. They don't want to leave. I've got my grandkids here now. I cut my teeth here. This is where I learned my trade. "I have a real, real, strong connection to all of this, where it began and where it is right now. It's quite a distance." -- Daily Herald Chicago Cubs' Heyward putting in extra to improve hitting By Bruce Miles MESA, Ariz. -- Jason Heyward returned to his locker Friday morning and peeled off his batting gloves after an early-morning hitting session. That was even before the Cubs took to the field for their stretching routine and the regularly scheduled workout. Heyward is looking to bounce back from a tough year at the plate, and since so much about hitting deals with "feel," as much as mechanics, I had a chance to ask him how the swing is feeling.

"It feels good," he said. "I don't have to think, just be able to make adjustments on the fly as you want to do every day, next pitch, whatever. You just want to find some consistency and some stability in it." Everybody knows the story. Heyward signed an eight-year, $184 million contract with the Cubs in December 2015. The Cubs wanted the whole package: Heyward's hitting, his Gold Glove defense and his leadership. They got two out of three, with the hitting lagging far behind, as evidenced by a batting line of .230/.306/.325 with 7 homers and 49 RBI. So in the off-season, Heyward went to work with Cubs batting coach John Mallee and assistant Eric Hinske to recapture the form of 2012, when Heyward went .269/.335/.479 with 27 homers and 82 RBI for the Atlanta Braves. "You just start somewhere," he said earlier in spring training. "It's sounds funny, but you just start somewhere. As far as what I was looking at going into the off-season what Coach Mallee and (Hinske) were looking at was 2012, as far as just the mechanics and the freedom that I had and how I was tension-free, relaxed at the plate, and I did a good job of getting myself in position to hit. "That's the name of hitting, being in a good position to hit. Give yourself an opportunity. Give yourself some air. That's all we worked on, just being in a good position to hit, being tension-free, relaxed up there, find some comfort in that and go for there. There's no perfect swing. You're going to have to fight off pitches. When the pitcher makes their pitch, they make their pitch. It's just about giving yourself an opportunity to hit and do some damage." If there's one thing Heyward has going for him, it's his work ethic. "I enjoy working," he said. "I enjoy practice. I love practice. If there's anything I notice about myself growing up different than some other people, it was just I love to practice more than anyone. That's always been me. People ask, 'Oh, did you take a break or whatever?' Yeah, I had a normal off-season as far as that goes. Just work hard, work smart, like anybody else." What impressed the Cubs was that Heyward never took his performance at the plate out into right field with him, as evidenced by a fourth Gold Glove. And of course, his speech during the rain delay in Cleveland during Game 7 of the World Series is now the stuff of legend. Cubs manager Joe Maddon continues to say Heyward's defense and professionalism brought value to the team last year. "That's what I was talking about all last year," Maddon said. "Everybody's focused on his batting average, and know that's how our game is played. But if you have the privilege of being with him in the clubhouse and in the dugout, I get something entirely different: baserunning, defense, throwing ability, accuracy. "And just as a teammate, I've talked about this before and you've all seen it when they come off the field from the outfield, they'll gather in front of the dugout (and do) the little high-five with the gloves with each other. Love it. That's the kind of stuff that can really build positive momentum." As I wrapped up my own talk with Heyward Friday morning, I asked if he is living proof that anyone can improve. "Am I living proof? Everybody's living proof," he said. "That's the game of baseball. That's sports. Especially this game, I've heard it from Hall of Famers. I've heard if from guys in their first year: You can never stop learning if you're hungry and eager to learn. There's always something to learn in this game, which makes it fun." --

Cubs.com Schwarber, Heyward lead off Cubs' spring slate By Carrie Muskat MESA, Ariz. -- Jason Heyward will test his swing in a game and Kyle Schwarber will be back in the outfield in the Cubs' Cactus League openers. The Cubs play split-squad games Saturday, both at 2:05 p.m. CT, and Heyward and Schwarber will both be leading off. After moving to Arizona and spending the majority of the offseason in the batting cages at the Cubs' complex, Heyward will get his first action leading off against the Athletics (live on MLB.TV) at Sloan Park. Schwarber will play left field against the Giants (live via an exclusive audio webcast on cubs.com) in Scottsdale. Both could provide huge offensive boosts for the Cubs. In the first year of his eight-year, $184 million contract with the Cubs, Heyward batted .230 and hit seven home runs. That was quite a drop from the .293 average he posted in 2015 with the Cardinals. Even though he didn't produce at the plate, manager Joe Maddon liked having Heyward in the lineup for his defense and baserunning. "I've been watching him in batting practice and I can see it's a lot freer, and the ball is coming off hotter," Maddon said of Heyward's work in camp. "Everybody talks about all the work he did all winter. Conversationally, I sense that he feels good about it and that he's at a nice peaceful moment. It'll be fun to watch. There will be some tweaking to go with it. I like it." Heyward said the work has gone well. "I feel like it's how you felt before," he said Friday. "I feel like I'm doing things I've done before. It's comfortable, I'm able to make adjustments and I'm just playing the game. It's not a whole lot in the thought process. I'm able to go out and be consistent and take good swings and feel your way through, and not over thinking." He's been focused on bat control and timing during batting practice. Fans will see that his hands are a little lower as he steps into the batter's box. "A little bit to start," Heyward said of the positioning. "It's relaxing right there. They're in a good position to stay tension free. That's where it is at the start but as I start to get ready for the pitch, I get my hands back to a good spot where I'm already in motion. When I go to get my last gather, it simplifies it. It takes the tension out of it, it takes too many movements out of it. "I'm just in a good position to hit the baseball consistently and be able to be direct to the ball," Heyward said. "That takes the thinking and all of that stuff out of it. Once you feel that, on a daily basis, a lot of good can come out of it. What's left now to do is go play and feel that day in and day out in baseball." The goal for hitting coaches John Mallee and Eric Hinske has been to get Heyward back to how he felt in 2012. That year, he hit 27 home runs, 30 doubles and drove in a career-high 82 runs while batting .269. "When you want to re-tool something, the biggest part is getting to the point where you allow yourself to not think about where you're at," he said. Schwarber returns after tearing two ligaments in his left knee in the third game of the regular season. He was able to be the designated hitter in the World Series but not cleared to play in the outfield at that time. He could have been the DH on Saturday. "He's been moving and he's gotten a lot of work," Maddon said. "He's going to play out there. He's fine, his leg feels great and his work is special, as you all know. That's all good." --

Cubs.com Cubs fans converge on Mesa for trophy rally By Carrie Muskat MESA, Ariz. -- Debbie Palmer is a Cubs fan who lives in San Francisco. When she heard that the World Series trophy was coming to Mesa, she realized that was as far west as it would be. So she left home at 1:20 a.m. PT and drove 13 hours straight so she could get in line to get a photo with the trophy. "I thought it was worth the risk," Palmer said. "It's amazing what caffeine will do." The Cubs brought their World Series trophy to Mesa for a rally on Friday, and Palmer was one of a few fans who stood in line overnight for the chance to get a picture. By the time the rally started at noon MT, 500 folks, nearly all dressed in Cubs gear, were gathered outside Sloan Park. They cheered as a video was played with 2016 season highlights and when Joe Maddon and some of the players took the stage. Kyle Schwarber carried the trophy out. Kyle Schwarber speaks at the rally after bringing out the Cubs' World Series trophy. Mesa Mayor John Giles presented Maddon with a key to the city, which was appropriate considering the wild ride the Cubs' manager has been on. He lived in Mesa from 1981-2001, and worked at his first instructional league camp at Fitch Park. "I cut my teeth here -- this is where I learned my trade," Maddon said. His two children, Joseph and Sarah, and their families call Mesa home. "I have a real, real strong connection to all of this and where it began and where it is now, it's quite a distance," Maddon said. Seeing their favorite Cubs players, as well as Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, was a highlight, but many came for the chance to pose with the trophy. Loretta Schwenn, 62, and her son, Carl Kubicke, 32, were first in line, arriving at 2 p.m. MT on Thursday to make sure they were part of the first 1,000 fans to have the opportunity to take a photo with the trophy. Before 8 a.m., the line stretched well down a sidewalk, with most fans bundled up for the unusually cool morning temperatures. "We are crazy," said Schwenn, who grew up on the South Side of Chicago but lives in Tucson. "But we're Cubs fans." Ashley Epping, 30, who just moved to Arizona, and Amanda Pletsch, 26, were about 25 deep in the line Friday. They met via social media when Pletsch was trying to find someone to wait in line with her. It turns out, they both grew up in Putnam County, Ill., and Pletsch worked for Epping's dad. "None of my friends wanted to go," Pletsch said. "The Cubs brought us together." -- Cubs.com Baez celebrates Cubs' title with new tattoo By Carrie Muskat MESA, Ariz. -- Javier Baez will never forget his first World Series championship, and he has a new tattoo on his left shoulder to commemorate it. The tattoo was completed Thursday night, and features the trophy, the year, the Major League Baseball logo, and "World Series Champions" plus part of the Cubs' logo. It's just the start of what Baez has planned for his left arm. "When my whole arm is finished, it's going to make more sense," he said. "It looks really nice but it's there, alone. I've got another thing [planned] for my arm."

The tattoos to come will feature his family, Baez said. He has the image of his late sister, Noely, on his right shoulder, and that arm is completely covered. What if the Cubs win another championship? "I still have my legs and my back," he said. Baez also had some new wheels at spring camp, although he didn't drive the vehicle Friday because of the chilly morning. He was renting a white Polaris Slingshot, which is a three-wheel motorcycle with car-like seating. Javier Baez is renting a white Polaris Slingshot, which is a three-wheel motorcycle. "They told me that while I'm here [in Arizona], I can use it," Baez said. "It's a fun little car, and I'm just having fun." However, he drove his barber's car Friday and gave the Slingshot to his barber because Baez said he knew it would be cold Friday morning. The car doesn't have a top or a heater. • Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo have revived their "Bryzzo" campaign. Last year, the two Cubs were filmed in an office for the souvenir company, and this year, they got some help. Baez and Addison Russell were included, answering phones as part of the company's expansion. Retired catcher David Ross is an intern for the pair, and Ben Zobrist joins the fun with a sales pitch. Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder even wrote a jingle. Stay tuned for the release. -- Cubs.com Strop, Cubs excited to finalize extension By Carrie Muskat MESA, Ariz. -- The Cubs awarded reliever Pedro Strop with a contract extension Friday through 2018 with a club option for '19. Earlier this month, the sides agreed to a $5.5 million contract for 2017. The extension will pay Strop $5.85 million in '18 and there is a club option for $6.25 million for '19. The sides had talked about a one-year number during the arbitration process. "During that process, it was clear there was some interest on both sides in extending this relationship," Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said. Strop, 31, tore the left meniscus in his knee in early August and returned Sept. 23. He compiled a 2.85 ERA over 47 1/3 innings in 54 games. The right-hander would have been a free agent after this season. "Pedro has been fantastic for us," Hoyer said. "He's had three excellent seasons for us, he's a great teammate, everyone likes being around him. It's exciting that he wants to be a Cub after this year. He wanted to stay here, he loves it here and we feel the same." The Cubs acquired Strop and Jake Arrieta in July 2013 from the Orioles in exchange for Scott Feldman and Steve Clevenger. It's worked out well for both pitchers. "The big thing with 'Stroppy' for me is to continue to work on improved fastball command," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "There's still another level of him being better than he is. It's such a perfect fit for us. He's a perfect fit for any team. We're fortunate to have him. "Everytime you see the guy, he's in a good mood. He's just a good baseball player." Strop didn't want to pitch anywhere else.

"They understand I love this team and I feel a part of this and I love the fans and I love the city of Chicago," Strop said. "I'm real glad they made it happen." Strop is one of the Cubs' key setup pitchers, but wouldn't mind closing someday. Actually, he'll do whatever they ask. "We'll do whatever it takes to take this team to another championship season and win," Strop said. "I don't care about roles; I like to win better than roles." --