clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Cubs spring workouts: Bullpens, BP, infield

The Cubs continued to get ready for spring training Saturday morning.

By Al Yellon

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

  • Saturday workout schedule Al Yellon
  • Pitchers meet before workout Al Yellon
  • Equipment ready to go Al Yellon
  • Kyle Schwarber deep in conversation Al Yellon
  • First set of new baseball card photos outside Sloan Park Al Yellon
  • Second set of new baseball card photos outside Sloan Park Al Yellon

MESA, Arizona — Let me start with what I missed on Field 1, as I went to the back fields when I arrived at the Sloan Park complex Saturday morning:

This is something I’ve noticed about this group of Cubs. Not only do they work hard at their craft, but they praise their teammates for doing so. Look at what Jon Lester says about Jose Quintana:

“I love watching Q, man,” Lester said. “I love watching his tempo. His tempo never changes. It can be shit hitting the fan, stuff going on. Never changes. He’s the same guy. Kind of like Kyle [Hendricks]. We’re similar pitchers, but at the same time, we’re very different. So having that lefty to look at and see what he does, pick up on things, it’s nice. I love everything that he does. He prepares, he works his butt off and he’s fun to watch.”

This is one of many reasons these Cubs are so easy to root for. They are supremely talented. They appear to be good human beings. And they work hard at their craft, never satisfied.

Much of the rest of the workout was similar to what I saw Wednesday, except in better weather, sunny with temps in the mid 60s. The same three pitcher drills (comebackers, bunts, cover-first) were taking place, with different pitchers than Wednesday, so I took some video of those. Most prominent in these was Mike Montgomery, though I also saw Justin Wilson in the cover-first drill.

Then I went over to field 2, where there was just enough room for me to see the edge of where Cubs pitchers were throwing bullpen sessions. Below you’ll see video of Carl Edwards Jr. throwing to Willson Contreras.

Lastly, there was some BP happening on field 2, where I was able to shoot one short video of Kyle Schwarber hitting. He really does look different. In this case the usual spring training term, “Best Shape Of His Life,” might actually be true.

The first official full-squad workout is scheduled for Monday, though there’s a slight chance of showers that day. After nearly two weeks of temperatures in the 80s in the Phoenix area, it’s been coolish the last week. Hopefully things warm up and clear out by the time the Cubs play their first spring game this coming Friday against the Brewers at Maryvale.

Here are today’s short workout videos.

More From Bleed Cubbie Blue