June 15, 2016 CSNChicago.com Albert Almora Jr. Delivers For Cubs In Win Over Nationals By Patrick Mooney WASHINGTON – The Cubs are not the team where rookies are supposed to be seen – and not heard – and veteran players rule the clubhouse with an iron fist. It’s a next-man-up philosophy inside Theo Epstein’s scouting-and-player-development machine, and a simple dress code for anti-rules manager Joe Maddon: “If you think you look hot, you wear it.” Albert Almora Jr. believes that he belongs here at the age of 22, playing in this prime-time series against the Washington Nationals. It’s only been one week in The Show, but he’s already demonstrated how he could help the Cubs win a tight, low-scoring game in October. Almora delivered in the ninth inning of Tuesday night’s 4-3 victory at Nationals Park, lining the first pitch he saw from Washington lefty Sammy Solis past Washington shortstop Danny Espinosa and into left-center field for the go-ahead RBI double. It didn’t matter that Almora had been a defensive replacement in the eighth inning, and only got 54 games of experience at the Triple-A level, and was supposed to be an offensive project while looking like a potential Gold Glove outfielder. This is what the Cubs do. “He’s feeling (comfortable) because we’re a free team,” reliever Pedro Strop said. “We’re not the old-school style where rookies can’t do anything. Just be yourself. “That’s because of the way Joe handles the situation, and we got really good veterans here, too. They don’t care about old-school (hazing). Just be who you are – and then help us win. We want to win the World Series. That’s what it’s all about.” Maddon managed this like a playoff game, the way he went for the jugular against the San Francisco Giants during that four-game sweep of the defending World Series champs last August at Wrigley Field. After John Lackey walked off the mound with runners on second and third and no outs in the seventh inning, Strop bailed him out and notched his 13th hold. Maddon also felt enough urgency that he called for Hector Rondon to try to get a five-out save in a one-run game. Where Rondon allowed an inherited runner to score in the eighth inning – before needing only seven pitches to slam the door in the ninth – the Nationals (40-25) now have endgame uncertainty with closer Jonathan Papelbon (intercostal strain) on the disabled list. “The Giants at that time really were a team that we had to earn our stripes against,” Maddon said. “The Nationals are the same kind of team. They got a bunch of gamers out there, man. They’re just like us. We’re just like them. Every pitch matters. Nobody takes a pitch off. None of their pitchers take a pitch off, none of their defenders do, none of their hitters do, and I love it.” That’s where Almora fits in as someone who grew up playing against elite competition in South Florida and performing for Team USA, a precocious nature that drove the Cubs to draft him No. 6 overall in 2012. Almora actually played with Solis – who will turn 28 this summer – in the Arizona Fall League in 2013.

“We looked at each other,” Almora said. “I gave him a little nod of the helmet and it was time to go to work.” “How about Almora?” Maddon said. “Come on, the guy’s been up here for five minutes and is not passive. He went out there and he jumped on the first pitch and I loved it. “The guy’s going to be playing in the big leagues for a long time.” It took another Jorge Soler hamstring injury for the Cubs (44-19) to promote Almora, but this is how you force the issue and make sure you never go back to Iowa. “This is the way I think: I’m just trying to do anything to help this team win,” Almora said. “I feel like if I do that, then it makes my job easier, because I can sleep well at night saying: ‘Hey, I left it all on the table.’ Whatever they choose to do – it’s their decision – I don’t care. I’m here to win.” -- CSNChicago.com Why Jon Lester Lobbied For Jonathan Papelbon And Believes Cubs Will Be Trade-Deadline Winners By Patrick Mooney WASHINGTON – Before Jonathan Papelbon choked Bryce Harper in the dugout – becoming a billboard for the dysfunctional Washington Nationals last September – Jon Lester lobbied for the Cubs to acquire the All-Star closer/WWE-style villain at the trade deadline. If all that bad blood is in the past, Washington is now dealing with a new crisis, putting Papelbon on the disabled list with an intercostal strain before Tuesday’s game against the Cubs at Nationals Park. With the Philadelphia Phillies looking to unload a toxic asset last summer, president of baseball operations Theo Epstein asked Lester for his thoughts on Papelbon, how that might work for manager Joe Maddon and what the response would be in the clubhouse. Once again, the Cubs were going back to their Boston Red Sox connections. Lester and Papelbon had been key pieces to the 2007 World Series team that put a second championship on Epstein’s potential Hall of Fame resume. What this means now for the best team in baseball: The Cubs believe they have created a strong culture that can absorb players with baggage and smooth over awkward situations and ego clashes. Epstein’s front office will canvass a cross-section of sources for information (so don’t read too much into every out-of-context whisper punched into Twitter). And you can never have enough pitching or too many backup plans, because Papelbon saved 365 games before going on the disabled list for the first time in his career. “Pap’s a good dude,” Lester said. “A lot of the stuff that has kind of followed him around is maybe a little misconstrued. He’s obviously a strong personality. He’ll definitely tell you what’s on his mind, which I love. We get our asses powdered enough – I don’t need my teammates to do it. “I love Pap. I thought he would have been a good fit. Joe and ‘Boz’ (pitching coach Chris Bosio) and all of us would have really helped him fit in here. I think the fan base would have been really good for him. “Theo asked me about him. And then maybe like a week later I hadn’t heard anything, so I went (to Theo) and (said): ‘Hey, man, I think this would be great,’ and vouched for (it again).” The Cubs tried to trade for Papelbon, but didn’t have the financial muscle to compete with the Nationals, who couldn’t placate displaced homegrown closer Drew Storen or live up to the World Series expectations, which got manager Matt Williams fired and ultimately led to Dusty Baker’s return to the dugout. Papelbon agreed to rework his 2016 option, getting it guaranteed at $11 million instead of $13 million, with $3 million reportedly deferred to 2017 and the Phillies kicking in $4.5 million to cover the rest of his 2015 salary.

The Cubs had less than $5 million to play with last summer, and actually got swept by the last-place Phillies, waking up only five games over .500 on July 27 and facing a double-digit deficit against the St. Louis Cardinals in the division. The Cubs wound up making smaller deals for their rotation (Dan Haren) and bullpen (Tommy Hunter) on July 31 before catching fire in August, finishing with 97 victories and winning two playoff rounds. “It’s been documented that last year we weren’t expected to be where we were at,” Lester said. “So I think financially it kind of surprised everybody. And people kept asking us: ‘If they don’t get anybody, are you guys OK?’ It (was always): ‘Yeah, we’ll be fine.’ “Would we like maybe a little help here and there? Yeah, absolutely, but I didn’t really think that was the time to (mortgage the future). Obviously, now it’s easy to look back and say they made the right move as far as not selling the farm and not wasting a bunch of money. “Theo and those guys are so good. They’re so prepared and they do (so much) homework and background on a lot of things that we (don’t think about). As a player and as a competitor, you’re like: ‘Just get him. I don’t care what his shoulder looks like – just get him – we’ll figure the rest out.’ “Whereas they sit back and (think): ‘We’re not trading two of our (young) guys for a half-a-year rental that we don’t need right now.’” This is what Lester wanted when he signed that six-year, $155 megadeal after the 2014 season, deciding to anchor the rotation for a last-place team and dreaming about starting playoff games at Wrigley Field. “That’s a cool part about being here,” Lester said. “In Boston, even though I had a little bit of time over there, I was still third or fourth on the totem pole as far as guys that were asked about things and kind of included in situations. So that was something that I also talked to Theo about when I was recruited by him – I want to be involved more. I don’t care if you listen to me or not, but I would like a phone call or I would like a text. “He does such a good job with communicating, whether it be situations like (Papelbon) or something going on in the clubhouse or something on the field. There’s definitely no disconnect between players and the front office.” -- CSNChicago.com Now Cubs Manager Joe Maddon Can Get A Chance To Star On ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ By Patrick Mooney WASHINGTON – Joe Maddon is feeling pre-tay, pre-tay good these days, managing the best team in baseball, enjoying the big-market spotlight and waiting for his guest spot on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Celebrity Cubs fan/comedian Jeff Garlin had promised Maddon a cameo appearance if Larry David ever decided to get the crew back together, and HBO just announced that “Curb Your Enthusiasm” will return for its ninth season. “His people have not reached out to my people yet,” Maddon said before Tuesday’s game at Nationals Park. “I have not been contacted yet. I haven’t seen Jeff in a while, so we haven’t communicated. We’re all happy that it’s coming back, man. It’s still the best. It’s absolutely the best. “If (Jeff) said he’s going to make it happen, we’ll make it happen.” Garlin told WMVP-AM 1000 that the new episodes will be filmed in January and February, which might conflict with the beginning of spring training. “Davey’s got it,” Maddon said, meaning bench coach Dave Martinez.

Would you play yourself on TV? “I want to play Larry David,” Maddon said. “Or I’m going to be Bernie Sanders, one of the two.” At the age of 62, Maddon is going to enjoy all this. The celebrity manager hung out with Bill Murray over the weekend in Atlanta, after a Cubs-Braves game, and his orbit also includes Lou Barletta, the Republican congressman who represents his blue-collar hometown in Pennsylvania. Maddon had lunch with Barletta – a Hazleton politician turned anti-immigration hard-liner/Donald Trump supporter – and a group of lobbyists on Tuesday at a Washington-area restaurant. Outside interests and a sharp sense of humor are must-haves in a job that has worn down so many other managers, and the Cubs typically have a surreal vibe that would work for a “Curb Your Enthusiasm” outline. In an HBO press release, David was quoted explaining why he decided to come back: “In the immortal words of Julius Caesar, ‘I left, I did nothing, I returned.’" -- CSNChicago.com Cubs Rolling The Dice With Another Former Orioles Top Pitching Prospect By Tony Andracki The Cubs reportedly reached a minor-league deal with left-handed pitcher Brian Matusz Tuesday. Matusz began the season with the Baltimore Orioles, but was traded to the Atlanta Braves in late May with a competitive balance draft pick for a pair of minor-league pitchers. The Braves released Matusz a week later. The 29-year-old southpaw represents another former top Orioles pitching prospect the Cubs are taking a chance on after the Jake Arrieta experiment has obviously worked out well in Chicago. Matusz was the fourth overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft and was ranked the No. 5 prospect in the game by Baseball America prior to 2010. He struggled as a starter in the big leagues, posting a 5.36 ERA from 2009-12, but seemed to find a groove as a reliever with a 3.32 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 159 strikeouts in 151.2 innings in 186 appearances out of the bullpen from 2013-15. Matusz was off to a rough start in 2016 before the trade, with a whopping 12.00 ERA and 3.00 WHIP in six innings, surrendering eight runs on 11 hits and seven walks with only one strikeout. MASN's Roch Kubatko reports Matusz will be stretched out as a starter with the Cubs at Triple-A Iowa after several teams around the league were apparently interested in Matusz's services as a starting pitcher. If Matusz can rekindle his stuff at the minor-league level, the Cubs could be in the market for some left-handed help in the bullpen as Clayton Richard has struggled (6.00 ERA, 2.00 WHIP), or else Matusz could just be insurance in case of an injury in Chicago. -- Chicago Tribune Joe Maddon marvels over Albert Almora's maturity By Mark Gonzales In a span of eight days, Albert Almora Jr. has left a favorable impression on Cubs manager Joe Maddon.

"This kid is going to be playing in the big leagues for a long time," Maddon said late Tuesday night after Almora, 22, hit a game-winning double in the ninth inning of the Cubs' 4-3 win over the Nationals. Maddon is impressed with more than just Almora's clutch hitting and his .333 batting average. "Come on," Maddon said. "The guy has been up here for five minutes and goes up there and is not passive. He went up there and jumped on the first pitch, and I loved it." Over the past two springs, Maddon has observed Almora making the proper adjustments at the plate. His unselfishness easily won over Maddon and his teammates. "He's not up there in a hurry," Maddon observed. "He's very confident. "The thing I look at is can you talk to the guy? Is he focused on what you're saying. Can he process what you're saying? He easily can. That’s what he’s like in the heat of the moment." -- Chicago Tribune Albert Almora Jr. doubles in ninth to knock in winning run for 4-3 victory By Mark Gonzales John Lackey continued his high level of success in his 400th career start Tuesday night when he allowed only four hits in six-plus innings of a 4-3 victory over the Nationals. But the Cubs' success has been built on a vast array of contributors and none had a timelier hit than 22-year-old Albert Almora Jr.'s double that pushed ahead the go-ahead run in the ninth inning. "I am trying to do anything to help the team win," Almora said. "If I do that, it makes my job easier because I can sleep well and say I left it all on the table. Whatever (the Cubs) choose to do (with me) is their decision." Almora's hit came shortly after closer Hector Rondon, who entered the game in the eighth, blew his first save opportunity after 11 consecutive conversions to start the season. At some point, the Cubs will pull off a trade to bolster their chances of winning the National League Central and advancing further in the postseason. But for now, they'll welcome the production they're receiving throughout their roster despite injuries. Almora, who was promoted to the Cubs on June 7 after left fielder Jorge Soler suffered a left hamstring strain, entered the game as part of a double switch with Rondon. Almora showed no signs of nervousness as he ripped a Sammy Solis pitch into left-center field. Almora knew the left-hander from their days in the Arizona Fall League and they acknowledged each other with a nod before Almora hit Solis' first pitch for the eventual game-winner. Almora is 4-for-12 since his promotion from Triple-A Iowa. "You try to stay confident," Almora said. "That's the biggest thing in my game, knowing that I belong and that I just want to come through for the guys right there in that situation, stay calm and do my job.'' "I just did it for my guys. I did it for Lackey, who pitched a hell of a game. I did it for (relievers Pedro) Strop, (Rondon) and (Travis) Wood as well." Strop entered the game in the seventh with runners at second and third with no outs and limited the Nationals to one run. Manager Joe Maddon elected to use Rondon in the eighth because he was rested and because he wanted to use him against Ryan Zimmerman, who foiled the strategy with an opposite-field single that set up Anthony Rendon's game-tying sacrifice fly.

That deprived Lackey of a victory, although he helped his cause at the plate with a two-out single in the third that started a two-run rally. "I blacked out," the 37-year-old Lackey quipped. "(Jon) Lester is trying to catch me on my hits. I needed one bad, and I got one." Lackey has four hits this season — two more than Lester. But Lackey, who is batting .125, dismissed any talk of him joining Jake Arrieta in a All-Star home run derby for pitchers. "I'll be just fine on the lake in Austin (Texas)," Lackey smiled. Lackey is forming a strong case for providing the firmest bridge between the front and back ends of the Cubs' exceptional rotation, which has a 2.77 ERA, Since the start of May, Lackey has a 5-1 record and 1.72 ERA. The latter mark trails only 2014 World Series hero Madison Bumgarner of the Giants (0.96) and three-time National League Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw (0.99) -- Chicago Tribune Cubs' Joe Maddon ready for prime-time TV By Mark Gonzales Cubs manager Joe Maddon was delighted over the return of HBO's comedy series "Curb Your Enthusiasm." "I haven’t seen Jeff (Garlin) in a while," Maddon said of Garlin, an avid Cubs fan who serves as a producer and actor on the series. "We’re all happy it’s coming back. It’s still the best." Maddon seemed amused to learn that Garlin, appearing on ESPN-AM 1000, extended an invitation to Maddon to appear on the show. “If he said he’s going to make it happen, we’ll make it happen," Maddon said. Maddon was also amused to learn that shooting for the series would start in January and run through February -- around the start of spring training. "Davey (Martinez) got it," Maddon quipped in reference to allowing Martinez, his bench coach, to conduct workouts. Maddon playfully had one request. "I want to play Larry David, or Bernie Sanders." -- Chicago Tribune Cubs show playoff-like urgency in Tuesday's win over Nationals By Mark Gonzales There are 99 games left in the Cubs' regular season, but manager Joe Maddon made moves Tuesday night reminiscent of their 2015 playoff stretch drive. In fact, Maddon acknowledged that his urgent use of the bullpen -- which featured closer Hector Rondon being employed as early as one out in the eighth inning -- was similar to the way he managed the relievers in the final two months.

And the Cubs' 4-3 win over the Nationals showed a similar degree of urgency that Maddon employed in a four-game sweep of the Giants last August that vaulted them into serious playoff contention. “The Giants at that time were a team we had to earn our stripes against," Maddon said. "The Nationals are the same kind of team. They're just like us. Every pitch matters, no one takes a pitch off. I love it. It's great for baseball and for kids to watch." "It's too early to get too crazy," Lackey said. But Lackey, who pitched six-plus innings of four-hit ball, acknowledged that manner in which the Cubs won could serve as a reference point later in the season. "Those are the way they work in October most of the time," Lackey said. "Those are good testers. You don’t see a whole lot of runs, mostly tight games, low scoring when it comes time for them to really count. It was a good test." Maddon employed Pedro Strop with runners at second and third with no outs in the seventh and credited him with allowing the Cubs a chance to win when he allowed only a sacrifice fly that cut the lead to 3-2. But Maddon pulled Strop because of the emotional energy spent to limit the damage. "Almost every time you send a guy back out after that, it almost never works," Maddon said. "I did not want to do that." Maddon took a slight gamble by summoning left-hander Travis Wood, who issued a leadoff walk to Bryce Harper and was pulled one out later. Maddon said he had no reservations calling on Rondon to get five outs because Rondon had pitched only once since June 6, and that came in a blowout win at Atlanta on Sunday. Rondon allowed a game-tying sacrifice fly to Anthony Rendon, but the Cubs came back and won in the top of the ninth on a walk to Addison Russell and a double to fellow 22-year-old Albert Almora. "We got a bunch of freshmen and sophomores out there," Maddon said. "They’re doing a wonderful job. Our guys are able to process the moment well, and I’m proud of our youngsters." -- Chicago Tribune Tuesday's recap: Cubs 4, Nationals 3 By Mark Gonzales John Lackey pitched six-plus innings of four-hit ball Tuesday night, and rookie Albert Almora supplied the heroics when he doubled with one out in the ninth inning to score Addison Russell to help the Cubs to a 4-3 victory over the Nationals at Nationals Park. At the plate Cubs starting pitchers have helped their cause at the plate this season, and Lackey started a third-inning rally with a single to right-center. Dexter Fowler followed with a double, and he eluded catcher Jose Lobaton’s tag to score the second run on Jason Heyward’s single. On the mound Lackey retired the first six batters before running into trouble in the third but escaping with only one run. Travis Wood walked Bryce Harper to start the eighth, and Harper scored the tying run on Anthony Rendon’s sacrifice fly.

In the field Kris Bryant showed his defensive agility with a diving catch near the left-field foul line to rob fellow Las Vegas resident Bryce Harper of a hit to end the first. Key number 172: Career victories for Lackey. The quote “In some kind of way, this game seems to work out where you never have enough pitching.” — Dusty Baker Up next Vs. Nationals at Nationals Park, 3:05 p.m. Wednesday; WGN-9. -- Chicago Tribune Pitching-conscious Cubs add depth with minor-league signing of Brian Matusz By Mark Gonzales The Nationals' loss of closer Jonathan Papelbon to the disabled list Tuesday was a reminder of the depth issues contenders must consider as the trade deadline approaches. While the Cubs scour the majors for major upgrades in left-handed relief, they added depth at a low cost when they signed left-hander Brian Matusz to a minor-league contract. Matusz, 29, limited left-handed batters to a .186 batting average in 102 at-bats last season with the Orioles. Matusz, however, was slowed in spring training by a muscle strain on the right side of his lower back and never regained last season's success. Matusz had a 7.00 ERA in 12 appearances and was traded to the Braves last month, and they released him this month. "They've talked about maybe possibly getting him extended to fulfill a starting role," said Jake Arrieta, whose career soared after leaving the Orioles' organization in 2013. "Depth is something, especially starting pitching, you're going to need over the course of six to seven months. He could be a commodity for us once that need comes up. "I hope he's able to find some comfort and right the ship for himself and get to a place he's comfortable in the end, and this organization will help him acclimate to whatever role they feel is best for him." Matusz was expected to report to the Cubs' spring training facility in Mesa, Ariz. He will join former major-league closers Joe Nathan and Aaron Crow. "You expect all these guys to play a significant role at some point," manager Joe Maddon said. "You have to anticipate something is going to go awry. It just does." Arrieta added: "I know (Matusz) is a really smart, articulate guy when it comes to pitching, so he'll get on track and will be a guy who can really help us down the line. We need an arm like that."

Extra innings: The Cubs extended their player development contract with short-season Class-A Eugene through 2018. … Maddon had lunch with U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, a friend from their days in Hazleton, Pa., and a group of lobbyists. "I felt very comfortable. It was almost like I was meeting with the media," Maddon quipped. -- Chicago Sun-Times Almora beat Nats with 9th-inning double as Cubs keep eyes on arms By Gordon Wittenmyer WASHINGTON – If Nationals ace Max Scherzer offered a look into October for the Cubs on Monday, then almost everywhere they looked Tuesday was a glimpse down the road to get there. In both cases it was all about pitching. Even before the teams with the top two records in baseball faced off in a 4-3 Cubs win decided by the bullpens Tuesday, the Nationals were forced to put All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon on the disabled list with a rib-cage strain. The Cubs meanwhile continued a monthlong, ongoing effort to build bullpen inventory for an inevitable need, signing former top-five pitching prospect Brian Matusz, a left-hander, to a minor-league deal. “That’s why [you add],” Cubs manager Joe Maddon. “You always have to anticipate something’s going to go awry. It just does. And that is such a hard spot to get people you really like just by snapping your fingers.” The Cubs scored in the ninth off a Papelbon-less Nats bullpen for the win Tuesday – rookie Albert Almora Jr. entering defensively in the eighth and driving home the game winner with a double in the ninth. But the ninth-inning drama was created by the Cubs’ own bullpen issues in the eighth, when Bryce Harper’s leadoff walk against Travis Wood eventually led to closer Hector Rondon’s first blown save of the season – as Maddon went to the well rested Rondon for a five-out save. After taking over with one out, Rondon gave up a single to Ryan Zimmerman that sent Harper to third. And he scored the tying run on Anthony Rendon’s ensuing sacrifice fly. Whatever Tuesday’s game – or Monday’s loss to a dominant Scherzer — might suggest about how the Cubs match up against the Nationals in a potential playoff series, Tuesday’s events on and off the field said a lot more about how either one might get there. Last month the Cubs signed former All-Star closer Joe Nathan to a big-league deal as he continues a Tommy John rehab program that should have him ready to contribute after the All-Star break. And in the past week they picked up a pair of big-league veterans on minor-league deals: right-hander Joel Peralta and Matusz – a one-time Orioles rotation mate of Jake Arrieta, who found success as a reliever in recent years before struggling this year. Matusz, 29, was released by both Baltimore and Atlanta in a 10-day span before the Cubs acquired him. “All these guys you expect them to play a significant role at some point during the year,” Maddon said. Meanwhile, the Cubs continue to watch the pitching market for the big fish between now and the July 31 trade deadline – the ideal prize potentially coming in the form of Yankees’ left-hander Aroldis Chapman. One major-league source monitoring the same market said he doesn’t believe lefty Andrew Miller will be made available even if the Yankees become deadline sellers for the first time in four decades under Steinbrenner ownership – because Miller’s under contract through 2018, and the Yankees aren’t looking at a multi-year rebuild under any circumstances.

Whatever the Cubs can stockpile over the next six weeks, the “significant roles” figure to only get more significant as the games get deeper into the summer, much less into the fall. Maddon likened this series to last year’s four-gamer at home against the Giants in early August, when he shifted into a going-for-the-throat mode of managing his pitching staff – leaning harder on the bullpen. “The Giants at that time were the team that we had to earn our stripes against,” said Maddon, who went to eighth-inning man Pedro Strop in the seventh Tuesday night to limit a second-and-third, nobody-out jam. “The Nationals are the same kind of team. They’ve got a bunch of gamers out there, man. They’re just like us; we’re just like them. Every pitch matters.” And then in the ninth somebody like Almora – on his eighth day in the majors – hits the only one he sees in the game into the left-center gap for a go-ahead double against a pitcher, Sammy Solis, he remembered from Arizona Fall League. “I gave him a little nod,” Almora said of stepping into the box. “After that it’s go time.” Said Maddon: “A guy that has been up here for five minutes, and he goes up there and he’s not passive. I love it.” And then Rondon went back out in the bottom of the ninth for a 1-2-3 finish to a five-out win. “That’s the way they work in October most of the time,” said starter John Lackey, who pitched strong again into the seventh inning before settling for the no-decision. “These [games] are good testers. You don’t see a whole lot of runs. Usually tight games, low scoring. When it comes time for them to really count – it was a good test.” -- Chicago Sun-Times Bryant to skip HR derby while Arrieta might actually get his shot By Gordon Wittenmyer WASHINGTON – You might see Jake Arrieta in an All-Star Home Run Derby before you see Kris Bryant in another one. In fact, if internal MLB discussions regarding a potential pitcher’s homer derby gain momentum in the coming weeks, Arrieta might be the only Cub doing an exhibition homer contest during All-Star week in July. Bryant, who joined Cubs teammate Anthony Rizzo in last year’s Derby in Cincinnati, said he plans to decline this year if asked to participate again, assuming he makes the All-Star team. Rizzo said he’s “undecided.” “All I know is it was tough. It was very exhausting,” Bryant said. “And I don’t know if I’d want to do it again. But if [the pitchers] want to, we’ll let them do it. “I don’t really want to.” Bryant entered play Tuesday night tied for sixth in the league with 15 home runs. Rizzo had 14. Even if both decline, Cub fans might still get their representative swinging for the fences during festivities the day before the July 12 All-Star game. Internal talk regarding a potential pitchers’ derby hasn’t reached a serious stage, but sources suggest if it comes together the event would start with this year’s All-Star week in San Diego.

Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner and Cubs ace Jake Arrieta have been especially vocal about their desires to participate. The Mets’ Noah Syndergaard and the Cardinals’ Adam Wainwright also have chimed in with support. “You talk to a lot of people that don’t like the pitchers to hit, but we love it,” Arrieta said, referring also to Bumgarner. “We take it really seriously. “People think we can’t hit. Let’s show you we can swing a little bit.” If Arrieta’s in a homer derby, count on Bryant to be there in support. “I enjoy watching the home run derby. Growing up I watched it all the time,” Bryant said. “It’s very entertaining. I’ll sit on the grass, do the whole bring-the-Gatorade thing. But I don’t really want to do it.” Not that the event wasn’t fun, he said. “It was a cool experience,” Bryant said. “It was just mentally draining for me, whereas I don’t know if I really got to enjoy moment as much as I should have.” Arrieta, who has the longest home run for a pitcher this season, dismissed all the downside talk, from injury risk to the exhaustion factor – even if he were tapped to start the game the next day. “It’ll get me loose,” he said. -- Cubs.com When the Cubs break a tie, that's Almora! By Bill Ladson and Carrie Muskat WASHINGTON -- Albert Almora Jr.'s RBI double in the ninth inning proved to be the difference as the Cubs edged the Nationals, 4-3, at Nationals Park on Tuesday night. The score was tied at 3 when Chicago scored the go-ahead run off left-hander Sammy Solis. With Addison Russell on second, Almora doubled to left-center field, driving in Russell. Before that play, Solis hadn't allowed a run in his last 11 appearances. "[Solis has] been great for us," Nationals manager Dusty Baker said. "He just made one bad pitch. He got the slider up, and that was really the only bad pitch he's made in -- I don't know how long. Almora could've popped it up. He didn't miss it." Almora, MLBPipeline's No. 78 overall prospect, played with Solis in the Arizona Fall League, so he had some background on him. But it was clutch, especially since it was his first at-bat of the game. Almora had entered defensively in a double switch. "The guy's been here for five minutes and goes up there and he's not passive," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of the rookie. "He jumped on the first pitch, and I loved it." The Cubs opened up a 3-0 lead against Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez by the fourth inning. In the second, John Lackey and Dexter Fowler scored on a single by Jason Heyward. In the following frame, David Ross gave Chicago a three-run lead when he singled up the middle, sending Ben Zobrist home. Neither starter received a decision. Gonzalez went 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits and striking out nine. Lackey pitched six-plus innings, giving up two runs on four hits and fanning seven.

The Nationals scored all three of their runs via the sacrifice fly. Danny Espinosa scored on Jayson Werth's in the third, while Espinosa scored again on one by Ben Revere in the seventh. Washington would tie it an inning later against closer Hector Rondon as Bryce Harper came home thanks to Anthony Rendon. "We had opportunities," Baker said. "Second and third and nobody out and bases loaded, and we hit some balls on the nose. Bryce hit the ball hard, Murph hit the ball extremely hard. We played a good game. We just came up on the short end." MOMENTS THAT MATTERED Start me up: Lackey helped himself in the third with a two-out single to right. Fowler then doubled, and both he and Lackey scored on Heyward's single. The Nationals intentionally walked Kris Bryant -- only the second time in his young career that has happened -- to face Anthony Rizzo, and Gonzalez struck him out. Rizzo came into the game batting .194 against left-handers and 2-for-17 against Gonzalez. "I blacked out," Lackey jokingly said of his hit. "[Jon] Lester's trying to catch me on hits. I needed one bad tonight, and I got one." Lack of runs: During Gonzalez's last five starts, the Nationals have scored nine runs. The last time the Nationals scored four runs in a game that featured Gonzalez was May 28 against the Cardinals. The Nationals scored four runs in the game. Penmanship: The Nationals had runners at second and third with nobody out in the seventh when Maddon pulled Lackey after 98 pitches. Pedro Strop gave up a sacrifice fly to Revere, but he struck out Werth to end the inning. Maddon then called on Rondon in the eighth with one on and one out, and the right-hander served up a single to Ryan Zimmerman and a sac fly to Rendon, which tied the game at 3. "He's had plenty of rest, so that's why I was able to do that," Maddon said about asking Rondon to get the final five outs. QUOTABLE "[The Cubs] know they're in a ballgame, and we'll come out tomorrow and win this rubber match. We've got [Stephen Strasburg] going tomorrow. We feel very confident about it. Our guys don't like to lose." – Baker "[The Nationals] have a bunch of gamers out there. They're just like us, we're just like them. Every pitch matters. Nobody takes a pitch off. None of their pitchers take a pitch off, none of their defenders do, none of their hitters do. I love it. It's great, and it's good for baseball. It's good for kids to watch a game like that and see how it's supposed to be." – Maddon SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS Tuesday was Lackey's 400th career start, making him the third active pitcher to reach that milestone, joining the Mets' Bartolo Colon (479 starts) and the Yankees' CC Sabathia (462). UPON FURTHER REVIEW In the first inning, Heyward hit what looked like a double play, but first-base umpire Bob Davidson called Heyward safe on the play. Baker challenged the call and after 40 seconds, the play was overturned. In the fifth inning, it appeared Gonzalez hit into a double play after he tried to bunt Jose Lobaton to second base. Baker challenged the play, claiming that Gonzalez was safe at first. After one minute and 18 seconds, the call was overturned and Gonzalez remained at first base.

WHAT'S NEXT Cubs: Jason Hammel will close this series against the Nationals. The right-hander is coming off a loss to the Braves in which he gave up three runs over 5 2/3 innings. He's 9-0 with a 3.16 ERA against the Nationals in his career, and it's the most wins without a loss by any active pitcher against a single opponent. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT. Nationals: Right-hander Stephen Strasburg did not face the Cubs during the four-game set in early May at Wrigley Field. He has not faced the Cubs since Aug. 22, 2013. In that game, he allowed four runs in eight innings. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET -- Cubs.com Rondon records 5 outs, underused 'pen delivers By Carrie Muskat WASHINGTON -- So far this season, Cubs manager Joe Maddon has called upon Hector Rondon for one inning of work at the most. On Tuesday, he stretched the right-hander, asking him to get the final five outs, and Rondon delivered. Rondon took over for Travis Wood in the eighth with a runner at first and one out and the Cubs holding a one-run lead over the Nationals. Rondon did give up a single to Ryan Zimmerman, who had been struggling, and Anthony Rendon followed with a game-tying sacrifice fly. But rookie Albert Almora Jr. delivered an RBI double in the ninth to give Rondon and the Cubs a 4-3 win. "I was ready," Rondon said of being asked to go more than one inning. "Zimmerman, I made a really good pitch to him. After that, I had to get the ground ball. I got deep in the count to Rendon, but I got a fly ball. I knew I was coming into the ninth and needed to get quick outs, and I did it." Maddon felt comfortable calling upon his closer for some overtime work because Rondon hasn't had to do much this season while the Cubs rack up wins. "He's had plenty of rest, so that's why I was able to do that," Maddon said. Rondon and Almora weren't the only heroes. Pedro Strop escaped a huge jam in the seventh. The Nationals had runners at second and third and nobody out, but Strop struck out pinch-hitter Wilson Ramos on three pitches, then gave up a sacrifice fly to Ben Revere that made it 3-2 before striking out Jayson Werth on four pitches. "Give Stroppy a lot of credit for that win tonight," Maddon said. "I was going for that strikeout," Strop said of his at-bat with Ramos. "I needed it. Less than two outs with two guys in scoring position, I needed a strikeout big time there. I was looking for it. I executed the pitches the way I wanted." What was his mindset? "I was thinking, 'Keep it simple, as simple as possible,' and think about the situation I was in, and execute pitch by pitch," Strop said. "That's my mindset. It's been good so far." The Cubs' bullpen has the fewest number of innings pitched in the National League because the starters have done so well. Tuesday was the 18th straight game in which a Chicago starter gave up three or fewer earned runs, and the rotation now has a collective 1.69 ERA during that stretch with an 11-4 record. Rondon is more than willing to go more than one inning if needed, and he'll pitch whenever he's needed.

"I told them, if they want to put me in for three innings, I'm sure I can go," Rondon said. "I don't care what inning he puts me in." -- Cubs.com New school of thought benefits Almora Jr. By Carrie Muskat WASHINGTON -- Pedro Strop remembers how rookies were treated his first year in 2009 with the Rangers. They couldn't ride the team bus, but they had to get to the ballpark early and get their work done so they weren't in the way of the veterans. Strop called it an "old school" way of thinking. That's not how the Cubs think. The Cubs' rookies are treated like everyone else, and that approach paid off last season for Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Kyle Schwarber, and it has helped Albert Almora Jr. this year. On Tuesday night, Almora delivered a tie-breaking RBI double with one out in the ninth inning to lift the Cubs to a 4-3 victory over the Nationals. "How about Almora? The guy's been here for five minutes and goes up there and he's not passive," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "He jumped on the first pitch, and I loved it." Almora connected against Sammy Solis, whom he played against in the Arizona Fall League. "It was quick," Almora said of his at-bat. "We looked at each other and I gave him a little nod with the helmet, and it was time to go to work. He made a good pitch, and I tried to stay up the middle, and it fell for me." The hit came in Almora's first at-bat of the game -- he entered in left field in a double switch in the eighth -- and only his 12th big league at-bat. He was promoted from Triple-A on June 7 when Jorge Soler was sidelined with a strained hamstring. "He's a good kid, and he's fit in well with this team," Strop said. "We're a pretty free team, not old-school style. Just be yourself, be who you are and help the team win. That's good because the way Joe handles the situation, we have good veterans here, and they don't care about old-school stuff. Just be who you are and help us win the World Series, that's what it's all about." There were plenty of rules in Strop's rookie season, such as not being able to tilt his cap to the side or making sure the veterans were first on the massage table. "It was a bunch of stuff, stuff that doesn't matter in a game -- that's what I mean by 'old school,'" Strop said. "I don't care if you're 21 years old. If that massage is going to help us win, get it." Almora, 22, is just hoping to make the Cubs' decision tough when Soler is ready to return. "This guy has made a lot of nice adjustments over the last couple years," Maddon said of the outfielder, who is ranked No. 78 on MLBPipeline's top 100 prospects. "He's already established himself as a good teammate. This kid is going to be playing in the big leagues for a long time." Maddon can tell just by talking to Almora that he's comfortable in the Majors. "He's not up there in a hurry," Maddon said of Almora's approach. "He's very confident. The thing I look at is, 'Can you talk to the guy?' When you talk to him, is he focused on what you're saying? Can he process what you're saying? He easily can. It's like we're talking now. That's what he's like in the heat of the moment." Almora has one goal.

"I'm just trying to do anything I can to help this team win," the rookie said. "If I do that, it makes my job easier. I can sleep well at night, saying, 'I left it all on the table.' Whatever they choose to do [with the roster], I don't care. I'm here to help the team win." That sounds like a veteran. -- Cubs.com Rumors true: Cubs eyeing Yankees closers By Phil Rogers Yes, the rumors are true. The Cubs are very interested in upgrading their bullpen for the postseason run they see in their future and are as well positioned as anyone to persuade the Yankees to part with Andrew Miller or Aroldis Chapman. Or how about this? Both Miller and Chapman, in the same deal. Yes, Miller and Chapman in the same deal. I'd guarantee you that the Cubs will at least explore that, assuming the Yankees get to the point where they are willing to make them available. That's how motivated Tom Ricketts and Theo Epstein are to follow a potentially historic regular season with the Cubs' first championship since 1908. Joe Maddon has the Cubs on pace to win 112 games, but this week's series in Washington shows just how perilous October will be for every National League team, including the winningest. Did you see Max Scherzer on Monday night? Any team facing him twice in a best-of-five series could be in big trouble. Not that it will be a cakewalk going up against any of the top NL teams -- the Mets with their collection of arms, the Giants with Madison Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto, the Dodgers with Clayton Kershaw. Imagine how motivated Adam Wainwright and the Cardinals would be if they got a crack at the Cubs after losing to them last October. These are the realities that will keep Epstein and his front office working long hours through Aug. 1 as they try to give Maddon the best roster possible. The Cubs would love to somehow wind up with a bullpen that rivals the one that helped the Royals roll to the World Series the last two years -- not that the one they currently have is a glaring weakness. That's not the case. Closer Hector Rondon might be the most underrated pitcher in baseball, and the cast Epstein has put together behind him through trades and minor free-agent signings is efficient. But Adam Warren is the only significant addition since last October, and the bullpen seemed vulnerable when matched up with those of the Pirates, Cardinals and Mets. There were no major bullpen breakdowns for Maddon's team last October. It did remarkably well given that he had Nos. 3 and 4 starters Kyle Hendricks and Jason Hammel on such short leashes. But only once in the eight games that the Cubs used the bullpen did they outscore the opposition after the starter exited. They wound up minus-6 in run differential post-starters. The Royals, meanwhile, won the late innings with a plus-22 differential after going to their bullpen, fronted by Wade Davis, Kelvin Herrera and Ryan Madson. You better believe there are files on this subject in the Cubs baseball operations office. I'm sure the formulas are more complicated than this, but the simplified version goes like this: Rondon + Chapman + Pedro Strop > Rondon + Strop + Travis Wood.

Or maybe like this: Rondon + Chapman + Miller > Davis + Herrera + Madson (and pretty much every other bullpen in baseball history). Epstein would trust Maddon to line up his bullpen, but you shouldn't just assume that Rondon would be reduced to a secondary role if the Cubs could grab one of the Yankees relievers (or even both). The guess here is Maddon would use a strengthened bullpen according to matchups, with multiple relievers put in position to get the last out. Rondon is doing All-Star level work, even if he has only 11 saves. He'd converted 22 save chances in a row going back to last August before blowing his first of this season Tuesday in Washington. He has put together a 1.59 ERA since the start of 2015. He is everything you want in a closer -- as reliable as he is nasty. He's probably not going to join the crowd of Cubs at Petco Park for the All-Star Game because he's tied for 27th in save chances. He's been a victim of all the Cubs' easy wins, including many when they've pounded the opposing bullpen late in the game. The Cubs have extended leads in the seventh inning or later eight times to eliminate save chances, including five times when they've scored in their last at-bat. "I am not concerned about fact he has not worked enough because I know those games are going to start popping up,'' Maddon said. "We're going to have to start utilizing him more often.'' Wood, the converted starter who has become a valuable bullpen piece, has watched Rondon blossom since he was added as a Rule 5 pick from the Indians after the 2012 season, when he was recovering from Tommy John surgery. "Ronnie's unbelievable,'' Wood said. "Seeing him now from where he was when we first got him, he's made tremendous strides and gotten a ton better. He's one of the top closers in the game.'' You'd say the same about Chapman and Miller. The Yankees felt adding them to a bullpen that already had Dellin Betances would give them a chance to compete in the American League East. That may yet prove true, as they've hung around .500 while battling injuries. The Red Sox, Blue Jays and Orioles look more formidable, but there's no way the Yankees are going to concede until they face a big deficit in the Wild Card standings. Because Miller is signed through 2018, he will be tougher to acquire than Chapman. The Yankees rented Chapman for the 2016 season at a relatively low cost after the Dodgers backed out of a deal when his domestic-violence case was reported. Epstein signed Miller for the Red Sox after the 2010 season, when Miller was foundering. He'd love a reunion both for what Miller could do this October and how he'd set up the Cubs' bullpen for the next two seasons. Chapman is the definition of a shut-down reliever. He brings baggage that some teams might want to avoid but has served his suspension. The Cubs are sitting on a wealth of potential trade pieces, especially if they reluctantly agree to include Javier Baez or Jorge Soler in a deal, and have to consider that if they don't land Chapman or Miller (or maybe both), then the Nationals, Giants or another contender will. Dusty Baker and Chapman worked well together in Cincinnati. Do you think the Cubs want to see him come into a game after Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg? -- Cubs.com Hammel, Strasburg meet in rubber game By Alex Putterman Due to a combination of injury and scheduling happenstance, Stephen Strasburg (10-0, 3.03 ERA) has not pitched against the Cubs since 2013. That will change on Wednesday, when the right-hander faces Chicago at Nationals Park in the finale of a three-game series.

After missing the Cubs in two straight seasons, Strasburg did so again when the Nationals played at Wrigley Field in May. That means Wednesday marks his first crack at a lineup that ranks among the league leaders in almost every offensive category. The Chicago hitter with the most experience off Strasburg is Jason Heyward, who faced the pitcher extensively while he was a member of the Braves. Heyward is 14-for-34 (.412) all-time off Strasburg, with three doubles and a home run. The only other Cubs regular with at least 10 plate appearances against him is Miguel Montero, who is 2-for-12 with four walks. The Nationals have more familiarity with Cubs starter Jason Hammel (7-2, 2.36 ERA). Hammel pitched five innings against Washington on May 7, allowing three runs on four hits and four walks. He also faced the Nats once in 2015 and twice in 2014. He is 9-0 in his career against Washington, with a 3.16 ERA. Those nine victories are the most wins without a loss by any active pitcher against a single opponent. Things to know about this game • First baseman Ryan Zimmerman has seen Hammel about as much as anyone, going 12-for-38 (.316) in his career off the righty. Other Nationals have not fared quite so well: Jayson Werth is 3-for-16 and Bryce Harper is 2-for-14. • Hammel has held batters to a .184 average (9-for-49) with runners in scoring position and a .115 average (3-for-26) with runners in scoring position and two outs. The Nationals rank toward the middle of the league in hitting with runners in scoring position, with a .256 batting average. • Nationals manager Dusty Baker said that after hearing secondhand how Strasburg used to be bothered by little things like rain delays or errors behind him, he has been impressed by the right-hander's focus. "His demeanor is almost boring. It's hard to tell now when he's happy and when he's sad," Baker said on Monday. "He's pleasantly boring." -- Cubs.com Maddon discusses luxury of bullpen roles By Carrie Muskat WASHINGTON -- Losing a closer can make it tough for a team, Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. The Nationals are about to find out after right-hander Jonathan Papelbon went on the disabled list on Tuesday with a right intercostal strain. "When you have [a closer], it's easier somewhat to figure out the rest of the game," Maddon said. "When you're playing without a closer, and it's all matchup-based, you're always trying to match up to that point." Papelbon is 16-for-18 in save situations this season. Nationals manager Dusty Baker said on Tuesday he wasn't sure who would take over the role. "If there's any real positive to having definite seventh-, eighth- and ninth-inning guys with the lead, it's that they know to get up, get ready, get in," Maddon said. "The matchup guys, especially situational lefties, you could abuse them by warming them up and not playing them." The Cubs haven't needed closer Hector Rondon much this season as they've surged to the top of the National League Central. Rondon is 11-for-11 in save situations. But the Cubs have been adding arms, including Joe Nathan, Joel Peralta and, most recently, R.J. Alvarez. "You expect them to play significant roles at some point," Maddon said. "You always have to anticipate something will go awry, it just does. [Pitching] is such a hard spot to get people you like just by snapping your fingers."

Maddon said the Nationals could have someone step up and claim the closer's job while Papelbon is out. "They've got some good arms," Maddon said. "But it's never comfortable not having that guy, because then you have to redefine everything." Worth noting • The Cubs have agreed with the Eugene Emeralds on a two-year player development contract extension through the 2018 season. The current agreement with the Class A Short-Season team ran through the 2016 season. "From first-class facilities to a dedicated front-office staff, the Eugene ballclub has proved to be an outstanding partner for the Cubs' organization, and we are pleased to extend this agreement," said Jason McLeod, the Cubs' senior vice president, scouting and player development. The affiliation between Eugene and Chicago began in 2015. Eugene was previously a Cubs affiliate during the 1999-2000 seasons. • Cubs outfielder Dexter Fowler will host a youth baseball camp for boys and girls in grades one through eight on Aug. 15 at Timothy Christian High School in Elmhurst, Ill. For information, go to DexterFowlerCamp.com. Fowler, who started playing baseball when he was 5 years old, said he still remembers participating in John Smoltz's baseball camp in Atlanta. Fowler just didn't expect to someday face Smoltz, and he reminded the Hall of Fame pitcher about the camp. "[Smoltz] said, 'Either you got up here [to the big leagues] real quick, or I'm real old,'" Fowler said. • One of Maddon's favorite shows, "Curb Your Enthusiasm," is coming back for a ninth season on HBO. Comedian Jeff Garlin, who is a Cubs fan, has invited Maddon to be on the show. "We're all happy it's coming back -- it's still the best," Maddon said. Told that the show did its filming in January and February, Maddon said he could find time. What about Spring Training? "Davey's got it," Maddon said of bench coach Dave Martinez. Maddon didn't want to play himself. "I want to play Larry David -- or I'll be Bernie Sanders, one of the two," Maddon said. • Maddon had lunch with Pennsylvania Congressman Lou Barletta, who is from Maddon's hometown, on Tuesday. "I felt very comfortable -- it was almost like being with the media," Maddon joked. -- ESPNChicago.com Another rookie, Albert Almora Jr., comes through for the Cubs By Jesse Rogers WASHINGTON -- Is it really possible the Chicago Cubs have yet another mature and talented rookie on their hands? After watching Albert Almora Jr.'s first week in the big leagues, you'd be hard-pressed to come up with any other conclusion.

Almora capped his first seven days in the majors with a ninth-inning, game-winning RBI double that broke a 3-3 tie in the Cubs' 4-3 win over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday. The evening had that midseason playoff atmosphere, and the 22-year-old came up big. “You try to stay calm for that,” Almora said after the game. “That’s the biggest thing. Knowing I belong and wanting to come through for the guys right there. Just trying to stay calm and do my job.” Almora had already made diving catches in left field. Now he has won a game with his bat after entering for defense late Tuesday. He joins a young but mature group led by Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell, Javier Baez and Jorge Soler, and the line of talented players for the Cubs just keeps growing. Two of the above names are hurt, but the cupboard is not bare. “That’s what’s fun about this team,” catcher David Ross said. “The talent that comes up is helping and can produce. They’re excited to be here. They bring energy to our team.” Ross said the moment Almora got to second base in the ninth inning and hollered with joy will be “ingrained his head.” Think about it: Grandpa Ross bunted over the youthful Russell before an even younger Almora performed his heroics simply because the manager trusted him. Two 22-year-olds got the job done with a 39-year-old sandwiched between them. “You have a bunch of freshmen and sophomores out there,” Maddon said. “They’re doing a wonderful job. I’m really proud of our youngsters.” Who wouldn’t be? They might not come through every night, but every night sees one of them contributing. Almora fits right in and might have the best instincts of the group. That’s saying something, considering the Cubs employ the Rookie of the Year and the all-purpose Baez. “He’s not up there in a hurry,” Maddon said of Almora. “Can you talk to him? Is he focused on what you’re saying? Can he process what you’re saying? Easily can. Just like we’re talking right now. That’s what he’s like in the heat of the moment.” Almora slowed it down in the batter’s box against pitcher Sammy Solis, a player he knew from the Arizona Fall League, then jumped on his first pitch. He wasn’t tentative or afraid of the big moment, and coming through in that kind of atmosphere can do wonders for a player and team. “The guy has been up here for five minutes, and he’s not passive,” Maddon said. “A really interesting game of baseball. The Giants were a team we had to earn our stripes against. The Nationals are the same kind of team.” With attitudes like the one Almora possesses, the Cubs can keep counting on their young players. Reliever Pedro Strop stressed how the organization isn’t “old-school” when it comes to rookies. They know they’re needed, and they’re treated accordingly. The rookies return the kindness in how they carry themselves. “I did it for [John] Lackey,” Almora said. “I did it for [Pedro] Strop, I did it for [Hector] Rondon, for [Travis] Wood, for all those guys. I did it for Ross as well. I could go on and on. I’m trying to be a team guy.” This is what Almora has been like since the day the Cubs drafted him in 2012. "Mature" is a word often used to describe the youth on the team, and it’s accurate. The Cubs' newest player is no different. He’s already being asked if he thinks he’ll stick around when some of the injured, more experienced players return from injuries. He refuses to think about it. “I feel like if I [go out and play], it makes my job easier because I can sleep well at night saying I left it all on the table,” he said. “Whatever they choose to do with their decision, I don’t care. I’m here to win.” He did so on Tuesday, and he reminded everyone just how talented these young Cubs are. --

ESPNChicago.com Joe Maddon interested in taking actor up on cameo in 'Curb' By Jesse Rogers WASHINGTON -- Though he's known for his effervescent demeanor, Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon is more than willing to curb his enthusiasm if it means a television cameo. Maddon, Chicago's second-year manager, said he is excited to take up actor and rabid Cubs fan Jeff Garlin's invitation to appear on the HBO show "Curb Your Enthusiasm" after it was announced the comedy would return with new episodes after a long hiatus. "We're all happy that it's coming back," Maddon said Tuesday afternoon. "Still the best." Speaking on ESPN 1000 earlier in the day, Garlin reiterated his long-standing invitation. "I promised him," said Garlin, a Chicago native. "I'm being very public about it. I'll do my best to get him on. And when I say 'do my best,' I think it will happen. And it's during the offseason, so we'll do it." Garlin said he thinks shooting will begin in "January or February" and that even if it runs into spring training Maddon didn't think it would be a problem. "I can miss that," Maddon joked. "[Bench coach] Davey's [Martinez] got it. ... If he said he's going to make it happen, it's going to happen." Garlin said that Larry David, the show's star and creator, is a big baseball fan who would be more than happy to welcome Maddon to the show. "A one-line part at a restaurant or something," Garlin said of Maddon's potential role. Maddon said he doesn't want to play himself, but Garlin intimated that's exactly the part he would play. Garlin has the same admiration for Maddon as Maddon has for the show. And Garlin said he thinks this could be the year for the Cubs. "It will overwhelm me like the birth of a child," Garlin said laughing. "I will probably just sit in my seat crying, inconsolable. People should not approach me at that point." In Garlin's estimation, the Cubs' fortunes turned for the better once Maddon showed up. "The whole change was when Maddon came on board," Garlin said. "Maddon was a game changer." -- ESPNChicago.com Kris Bryant, Albert Almora visit White House By Jesse Rogers WASHINGTON -- Monday morning on the road wasn't a typical day for Kris Bryant and Albert Almora of the Chicago Cubs, as the two Scott Boras clients took a trip to the White House, though neither got to meet the President. "Saw all the paintings and stuff," Almora said later that day. "I'm not a big history guy but it was really cool." Their agency set up a private tour, but the closest they could get to the First Family was their dogs. They took pictures with them then enjoyed seeing the rest of the house.

"It's kind of cool to compare what you see in the movies to the actual thing," Bryant said. "It's a lot smaller. It's still a mansion but you expect it to be a lot bigger." Almora and Bryant were both impressed by the portraits of former Presidents as well as other historical paintings in the house. "So much history in that house," Bryant said. "All the paintings. It's unbelievable." Bryant wasn't fazed when reminded President Obama is a White Sox fan. "Maybe we can convert him," he said. "He should like us. We're doing pretty good." --