February 21, 2017

Chicago Tribune, Ben Zobrist looks to past for pointers on how to repeat as World Series champion http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-bits-cubs-ben-zobrist-studies-past-champs-spt-0221-20170220-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Cubs manager Joe Maddon warns of perils of early evaluations http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-joe-maddon-warns-evaluations-20170221-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Joe Maddon sets the tone for the 2017 Cubs: Humility http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-joe-maddon-haugh-spt-0221-20170220-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Brett Anderson feels healthy enough to win fifth spot in Cubs rotation http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-brett-anderson-hopes-for-health-spt-0221-20170220-story.html

Chicago Sun-Times, Anderson hopes to win over dissed Cub fans, and rotation job http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/anderson-hopes-to-win-over-dissed-cub-fans-and-rotation-job/

Chicago Sun-Times, Will Cubs need a compliance mime for MLB’s new anti-hazing rules? http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/will-cubs-need-a-compliance-mime-for-mlbs-new-anti-hazing-rules/

Chicago Sun-Times, Kyle Hendricks’ turnaround in 2016 was stunning. So now what? http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/kyle-hendricks-turnaround-in-2016-was-stunning-so-now-what/

Daily Herald, Chicago Cubs pitchers and hitters finally spring into action http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170220/sports/170229858/

Daily Herald, Brett Anderson hopes to win over Cubs fans with his pitching http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170220/sports/170229878/

Cubs.com, Baseball icon O'Neil made history with Cubs http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/216445780/cubs-made-buck-oneil-mlbs-first-black-coach/

Cubs.com, Baez brings new glove to Spring Training http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/216543516/cubs-baez-brings-new-glove-to-spring-training/

Cubs.com, La Stella happy to be back with Cubs http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/216538828/cubs-la-stella-glad-to-be-back/

Cubs.com, Cubs notes: Spot in rotation up for grabs http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/216547022/cubs-anderson-montgomery-to-battle-for-spot/

ESPNChicago.com, Willson Contreras can call on the expert to learn Jon Lester http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/43337/willson-contreras-can-call-on-the-expert-to-learn-jon-lester

CSNChicago.com, Addison Russell Planning To Become Next Cubs Superstar http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/addison-russell-planning-become-next-cubs-superstar

CSNChicago.com, Why Brett Anderson Called Cubs Fans ‘F------ Idiots’ And Loves The Idea Of Pitching At Wrigley Field http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/why-brett-anderson-called-cubs-fans-f-idiots-and-loves-idea-pitching-wrigley-field

-- Chicago Tribune Ben Zobrist looks to past for pointers on how to repeat as World Series champion By Mark Gonzales Ben Zobrist hasn't attended college since 2004, but he's prepared to take a history lesson in an effort to see if he can help the Cubs become the first team to repeat as World Series champions since the 1998-2000 Yankees. "I want to look at what their hitters did, what their pitchers did, and if they were able to stay healthy," Zobrist said Monday, referring to the consecutive championships won by the Yankees and Blue Jays (1992-93). Zobrist, also a champion with the Royals in 2015, also is intrigued by the Giants' pattern of titles in 2010, 2012 and 2014. "The Giants have been good the last six years, and you kind of saw after they won it each year, it was a lull for them. "We know it's a great challenge for us this year trying to figure out how to get there." Sudden impact: Eloy Jimenez, the Cubs' top prospect, made a favorable impression by making a spontaneous visit to manager Joe Maddon's office. "He believes he belongs here," Maddon said. "He's bright. For me, it's about getting to know him and talking to the coaches. But he's got a bright future right there." Jimenez was named the Cubs' 2016 minor league player of the year and was named MVP of the Class-A Midwest League. Maddon saw Jimenez's talents during the Futures Game, where he hit a long home run at Petco Park and made a spectacular catch in right field. Extra innings: Dry weather allowed the Cubs to conduct their first full-squad workout. As expected, the pitchers dominated the batters during live batting practice. "I feel like I need one-and-a-half months to get ready for the season," admitted Zobrist, who said he didn't wear cleats while facing Jon Lester. ... Maddon said John Lackey, 38, "wants to pitch further along," citing Lackey's love and aptitude for the game and his reverence for his father, Texas high-school coach Derran Lackey. ... Maddon's annual Respect Bald event, in which numerous Cubs players and staffers shave their heads to raise money for pediatric cancer awareness, will be held prior to the March 4 game against the Dodgers on Field 1 adjacent to Sloan Park. -- Chicago Tribune Cubs manager Joe Maddon warns of perils of early evaluations By Mark Gonzales The Arizona Diamondbacks posted a 24-8 record last spring before finishing in fourth place in the National League West with a 69-93 record. The Los Angeles Angels were 19-8 last spring, only to get swept by the Cubs in their opening series and finishing with a 74-88 record in the American League Central. Those examples strongly support the assessment of Cubs manager Joe Maddon about the dangers of forming opinions too soon.

"I don’t get overly enamored with early evaluations," Maddon said after the Cubs' first workout. "I don’t get over-enamored with spring training evaluations. I learned that years ago that you can be seriously fooled both ways. Guys that had been good the year before being terrible in camp, and you get cold on them, and vice versa. "Spring training is a different animal. Some guys will come in better shape and more ready to go and show better in the beginning. More established guys may utilize this time to work on a couple things, thus they might not show as well. It’s all about health. It’s about getting everyone ready for that first game in St. Louis, and that’s it." As an example, Jake Arrieta had a 5.56 ERA last spring but still managed to win 18 games and post a 3.10 ERA. Javier Baez was only 6-for-30 (.200) in spring training but posted a .273 batting average while providing Gold Glove-caliber defense at several positions. "I’m not a big evaluator," Maddon said. "Now there’s going to be that situation, like a fifth starter with two guys batting it out with a similar background, then you got to pay a little more attention, possibly. "But it’s such a rare thing you’re trying to evaluate in a sense, how good is this guy or where does he really fit on the spectrum, just base on spring training. You got to really rely on what he’d done last year." -- Chicago Tribune Joe Maddon sets the tone for the 2017 Cubs: Humility By David Haugh Dressed for a vaudeville rehearsal more than baseball practice, Cubs strength coach Tim Buss strutted to the center of a team circle Monday carrying a cane, sporting a top hat and plaid blazer, wearing gold chains around his neck. "All bling and show,'' Cubs veteran Ben Zobrist said. All part of the plan of the Cubs staying on top, manager Joe Maddon promised everybody. Buss' job involves breaking up the monotony as well as building players' bodies so Maddon trusted his creativity to deliver a message before the first full team workout that established the mindset of 2017. Which is what exactly, Joe? "It's setting up humility — I can't go any further … the overarching theme is humility,'' said Maddon, hinting at a bigger Buss production soon. "On a daily basis, he is able to pull something off to make the guys laugh. It's beautiful. It's a big part of what we do.'' Nobody can say the World Series favorite will repeat as champions, but rest assured the Cubs again will lead the league in fun. It's hard to imagine Bill Belichick using such ploys with the Patriots or Gregg Popovich encouraging such silliness on the Spurs, but the method works for Maddon because of its authenticity. If the leader of a championship team consistently comes off as a little goofy, how serious can his players take themselves? Laughter is contagious, spreading from the manager to the staff to Anthony Rizzo to the 40th man on the roster, and Maddon believes it can help stave off selfishness that often accompanies success. "It does not really concern me,'' Maddon said. "I don't get guys deviating from what they've been in the past. You get done with them (at individual meetings) and you're even more impressed.'' The 2003 Angels went 77-85 a season after winning the World Series with Maddon as a bench coach. The 2009 Rays went 84-78 a year after winning the American League pennant with Maddon as their manager. To Maddon, who brought up both examples, injuries had more to do with those teams falling short than their mental approach. So he focuses on affecting the latter.

"The big thing for me is the proverbial hangover (but) guys who have been hurt is my real concern and we're pretty good with that so I'm not worried,'' Maddon said. Humility never made the roster for the 1986 Bears, one of the worst cases of egos run amok. In sports, the lack of it can make the tightest teams unravel and the surest things uncertain. The Cubs, young and hungry for more, appear to grasp this thanks to Maddon. They look and sound capable of resisting the urge for ego gratification, the way the Blackhawks have in the NHL, exuding qualities typically found in exemplary people, let alone players. "A lot of these guys have it built into their system, from the families they grew up in,'' said Zobrist, one of those guys. "It's just natural.'' The best illustration of that perhaps came at the end of Monday's team meeting when players applauded loudest their gesture of awarding an MLB-record 66 shares among Cubs players and team personnel — each worth a whopping $368,872. That celebration set the tone for the spring's opening session that players enjoyed as much as a robust crowd of onlookers. The fans included six Dominican nuns from Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Phoenix, dressed in white tunics and veils, committed to the idea of winning as a habit for the Cubs. "Please say a prayer for us this year,'' Rizzo shouted to them before walking over to pose for a selfie and sign an autograph. "We were praying for you at the World Series,'' sister Rene Noel told Rizzo. "Thank you, sister," Rizzo said. The nuns had to blush a little, a few minutes later, when a young female fan loudly regaled Kris Bryant when the reigning National League MVP removed his helmet after batting practice. Woman: "I love you, Kris Bryant!" Male friend: "He's married." Woman: "I don't care. … I still do." Behind the cage, Maddon entertained his own audience, whether it was Cubs special assistant Darnell McDonald or general manager Jed Hoyer. The manager with an open-door policy treats everybody the same, like when hot 20-year-old prospect Eloy Jimenez entered his office the other day to reintroduce himself. "To me, it's about getting to know him,'' Maddon said. Chicago knows Maddon pretty well as his third season on the North Side begins, yet a winter's worth of anecdotes revealed even more of his fascinating personality. In an interview with HBO Real Sports airing Tuesday, for instance, Maddon discussed crying at his father's grave site in Hazleton, Pa., in December as he thanked him during a visit to the cemetery. Maddon also showed host Bryant Gumbel how he rubbed his lineup card before Games 5, 6 and 7 on pictures of Dick Howser, Chuck Tanner and Earl Weaver — the three other managers who overcame a 3-1 deficit to win a World Series. "Hey, it worked," Maddon said, laughing. Humbly, Maddon might add that things usually do for him in the Cubs dugout. --

Chicago Tribune Brett Anderson feels healthy enough to win fifth spot in Cubs rotation By Mark Gonzales The perspiration poured through left-hander Brett Anderson's thick beard on a sunny but cool Monday morning after an injury-free bullpen session. "I could sweat in a snowstorm," said Anderson, who makes no secret of his sarcasm and knack for social media quips. A bigger accomplishment for Anderson would be to achieve a healthy season that would allow him to attain as much as $6.5 million in bonuses based on starts. That would give the 6-foot-4 Anderson, 29, a greater hope to extend his career — possibly with the Cubs, who have starters Jake Arrieta and John Lackey scheduled for free agency after this season. "He knows he's a great fit for our club because he's a ground ball pitcher," general manager Jed Hoyer said of Anderson, who will receive a base pay of $3.5 million. "But that's if he's healthy." Anderson has made at least 30 starts twice in eight major-league seasons, but only once since his rookie year of 2009 because of Tommy John surgery, a right-foot stress fracture, a broken left index finger (twice), lower-back surgery, and a bulging disc in his lower back that limited him to four games last season with the Dodgers. Anderson, whose father is University of Houston pitching coach Frank Anderson, grew up around the game. He said his determination to overcome so many injuries comes from his love of the sport. "I'm a baseball guy," Anderson said. "I've been going to the field since I could walk and talk and annoy college kids. I can take it two ways. I can get burnt out quickly and shy away from baseball, or I can eat it up. Fortunately for me, I've eaten it up all the way through. "I haven't lived up to my own expectations. If I can do it that, then it's going to be beneficial for everybody." Anderson has more experience than fellow fifth starter contender Mike Montgomery (6852/3 major-league innings to 190) and could be an ideal fit at Wrigley Field because of his 58.2 percent ground-ball rate and 0.83 home runs allowed per nine innings. "I like my chances when I'm healthy, and I'm healthy right now," said Anderson, who vows not to get complacent during his latest recovery. To prove that point, the 230-pound Anderson said he performs up to an hour of core exercises daily. "I don't have any abs you can see, but if I take off a layer, I'm pretty sure they're under there, " Anderson said. "(But) if I have another back (injury), it's potentially career-ending." Anderson said he learned from Clayton Kershaw during his two seasons with the Dodgers despite being six weeks older than the three-time Cy Young winner. He said he plans to pick the brain of Jon Lester. "I'm more like Lester except on social media," Anderson said. "I'm sarcastic. I sit and observe. I'm not a huge talker in person, but I can show my personality and candor on some things." During the World Series, Anderson opined that Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks "looks like he'd celebrate a World Series win with a glass of 2 percent milk, Oreos, and a book." The tweet garnered 863 retweets and 1,872 likes. "That's kind of the guy he is," Anderson explained. "The calmness he shows is something we can all try to strive for."

-- Chicago Sun-Times Anderson hopes to win over dissed Cub fans, and rotation job By Gordon Wittenmyer MESA, Ariz. — If you can’t beat them, join them? Can you do that even after you call them “[bleeping] idiots”? That’s what left-hander Brett Anderson is counting on as he hopes good health and a spot in the starting rotation will keep beer in Cubs’ fans cups and put the hefty, bearded lefty in their hearts. When the Cubs signed the talented but injury-prone Anderson to a one-year deal in January, he drew newfound scrutiny and ire on social media from fans for a tweet he sent out the night the Cubs clinched the National League pennant at Wrigley Field against his Los Angeles Dodgers. Anderson said he was told fans threw beer on those seated in the Dodgers family seating section. “I definitely took my family’s side,” he said. The tweet: “Real classy cubs fans throwing beer in the Dodgers family section. Stay classy [bleeping] idiots.” “Rightfully so, some of the Cubs fans were mad,” he said Monday after surviving an early-morning bullpen session. “But I wasn’t calling out the whole stadium,” he said. “It wasn’t, ‘Screw you, Cubs fans.’ It was just the specific, whoever threw the beers on the family section. Everybody has their fans that are kind of rowdy and unruly and stuff. And that just happened to be the situation. “You like those people on your side.” Anderson, 29, feels he can make that happen by staying healthy. The former second-round draft pick, ranked as high as No. 7 on Baseball America’s prospect list in 2009, has pitched only two full -seasons in eight overall in the -majors, with five at under 84 -innings. Tommy John surgery, a strained oblique, a stress fracture in his foot, a twice-broken left index finger (2014 and ’16) and two back surgeries for herniated disks have derailed his career. He made only three starts for the Dodgers last year after his most recent back surgery. The year before, he was 10-9 with a 3.69 ERA in 31 starts for the Dodgers. “I like my chances if I’m healthy,” Anderson said. Anderson, who will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation against left-hander Mike Montgomery, said he feels healthy and strong. “To pitch well early is not a concern. Health is,” manager Joe Maddon said. “I saw him with Oakland when he first came up. He was very good. He was very tough. You did not want to face him. “Good stuff, easy stuff, like the ball got on the hitter quickly. Good breaking ball. Ground balls, strike-throwing ability — all that stuff was there. And he pitched with a real nice, calm confidence about him. He knows what he’s doing out there.”

Health is such a fundamental issue with Anderson that his one-year contract is worth $10 million if he simply makes 29 starts. It’s a guaranteed $3.5 million with bonuses added when he reaches 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26 and 29 starts. A healthy, high-performance season could be worth even more to him. “I played in Oakland, and they had some of the rowdiest fans,” he said. “And in the playoffs, it seemed like the Black Hole for the Raiders games were in Oakland. You obviously like the fans that are on your side.” Beer throwing aside, he said he has been impressed with the size and volume of the Wrigley Field crowds. “Visiting there, it’s a fun crowd to play [in front of] because it’s so intimate a setting,” he said. “It feels like they’re right on top of you, and it’s so loud.” All the better to make their intentions known and to better locate their beer pitches. “It’ll be fun to have those people on your side,” he said. -- Chicago Sun-Times Will Cubs need a compliance mime for MLB’s new anti-hazing rules? By Gordon Wittenmyer MESA, Ariz. — Will the Cubs need a compliance mime? They seem confident that their countless sideshows, skits and dress-up trips won’t conflict with the new anti-hazing and anti-bullying policy under the new collective-bargaining agreement. “This isn’t hazing. That’s the difference,” manager Joe Maddon said. “To me, hazing was back in the day at Hazleton High School when they made all the sophomores jump off the [10-foot] wall at the risk of breaking a leg. That’s hazing. “To have people dress up in a different manner, to me it’s a little bit over the top to consider that hazing. Hazing, to me, indicates the situation where there might be some physical harm done to somebody.” Baseball’s new policy doesn’t allow teams to require or even “encourage” players to engage in activities such as “dressing up as women or wearing costumes that may be offensive to individuals based on their race, sex, nationality, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or other characteristic.” Cubs rookies were made by veterans to dress as cheerleaders for a road trip last September and as Disney princesses for an earlier rookie hazing day. “Of course, there’d be the concerns for some psychological harm, and I’m aware of that,” Maddon said of the MLB policy. “But situations like this are purely based on fun among the group. I don’t think there’s a player out there that would be averse to any of that. We had to jump off a wall, man. It was scary.” -- Chicago Sun-Times Kyle Hendricks’ turnaround in 2016 was stunning. So now what? By Rick Morrissey MESA, Ariz. – Before we get to how in the heck Kyle Hendricks is supposed to duplicate or even do a passable imitation of the ridiculous success he had last season, it’s worth going back to 2015.

That’s when things were not so good for Hendricks, when there wasn’t even the slightest hint he would be a finalist for the 2016 National League Cy Young Award. That’s when his pitching glass was half-empty. He looked every bit his nickname: The Professor. He looked more bookish than bullish, throwing below-90-mph fastballs that some batters read like remedial English. And he wasn’t getting the chance to work his way out of it. In 32 starts, he got beyond the sixth inning only six times. “The fact of the matter is my stuff wasn’t good enough in 2015 to go deep into ballgames, and the coaching staff knew that smartly enough,’’ he said. Did he know it? “In a way, yeah. In a way, I did,’’ Hendricks said last week, sitting at his spring-training locker. “But not consciously. You can’t think about that and have it in the front of your mind. You have to put that out of the way to try to perform. That’s the only way I got back into it by the end of the year.’’ His mechanics were off. It wasn’t Twister on the mound by any stretch of the imagination, but his limbs weren’t doing what they were supposed to be doing, the way they had the year before during his rookie season (a 2.46 ERA). His confidence dropped and with it the number of pitches he felt comfortable throwing. “I felt like I was dragging my arm, so I wasn’t creating angle,’’ he said. “All my pitches were coming in flat. Nothing had depth on it. When I was going out to the mound, I had to rely on my two-seam and changeup – only two pitches. I wasn’t really throwing my four-seam, I wasn’t throwing my curveball a lot because I didn’t have any confidence in them. I couldn’t spot them up. They were kind of rolling in. They weren’t sharp. They didn’t have depth. “Going out as a two-pitch pitcher in the big leagues is hard to do.’’ The only way that works is if you throw mid- to upper-90s with an extraordinary amount of movement on the ball and if you have a wicked out pitch. The only way that would work for Hendricks is if he found a suitable body donor. Max Scherzer, perhaps. It took him a second to realize he was never going to throw 95 mph. So he kept working, and toward the end of the 2015 season, he began to find himself. He had a 3.03 ERA in September and October regular-season games, and opponents hit .174, which was .069 lower than his next-best month. It helped cut his season ERA to 3.95. He carried that over into last spring. “My mechanics felt great,’’ he said. “I was on line. I was getting out front. I was creating angle on my fastball early in spring, so right from there, I was able to expand my game a little. I started using my four-seam since I had the angle. I started to throw my curveball because I could spot it up. “Once you have those four pitches, now you can open up your game plan. You can move your fastball in and out, change speeds. It kind of all came together for me.’’ Using those four pitches to frustrate hitters to no end, he finished third in the Cy Young voting, thanks to a 16-8 record and a major-league-leading 2.13 ERA. A monster had been created. OK, a 6-3, 190-pound monster who still looked like he should be carrying a briefcase. If you hadn’t seen him do it, you wouldn’t have believed it. And even if you had seen him do it … “If you see Hendricks in the street, the last thing you’re thinking is he’s a baseball player,’’ catcher Miguel Montero said. “You probably think he’s an engineer or a doctor. Guess what? He’s a great athlete. He’s a good golfer, as well.’’ So now what? Well, more of the same, please. And that’s the problem. Or at least the challenge. “He set the bar really high, so if he goes out there this year and has a 3.00 ERA, it’s not that good a year?’’ Montero said. “No, it’s a great year. It’s just that people’s expectations have changed. He’ll be fine.’’

What Hendricks found toward the end of the 2015 season and carried into 2016 looks sustainable. “He made some really big adjustments last year that obviously worked,’’ said Jon Lester, who finished one spot ahead of Hendricks in Cy Young balloting. “Now it’s a matter of, is the league going to adjust to him with them seeing him a couple of times? He’s a smart kid. He knows. He makes really good in-game adjustments. Sky’s the limit.’’ Perfect. Hendricks could pass for a doctoral candidate in astrophysics, too. -- Daily Herald Chicago Cubs pitchers and hitters finally spring into action By Bruce Miles MESA, Ariz. -- Finally. After two days of rain and chilly weather, the Chicago Cubs were able to hold their first full-squad workout Monday. "Even leaving this morning from the RV, it was nice," said manager Joe Maddon. "It was warmer than I thought. It was good. We got our work in. Didn't get everything in that we'd like to on the field, but plenty of hitting in the cages. The pitchers got to throw, and that's the important thing." The main event was "live" batting practice, with pitchers such as Jon Lester and John Lackey throwing to Cubs hitters. The pitchers weren't throwing full force, and the hitters knew what was coming, but it got everybody outdoors. During parts of the batting practice, coaches yelled out situations -- such as man on second and nobody out -- so that hitters could practice advancing the runner. Lester threw to second-year catcher Willson Contreras, who is expected to take over for retired David Ross as Lester's catcher. After Monday's session, pitching coach Chris Bosio and catching coach Mike Borzello went over things with Contreras. "Our pitchers looked good out there," said infielder-outfielder Ben Zobrist. "They're all just trying to get loose. They're throwing 10 miles (per hour) slower than they normally do. But yeah, it was a good day. It was fun." The Cubs also had fun with the morning stretch. Tim Buss, the team's strength and conditioning coordinator, dressed up in a top hat and bling -- a whole bunch of neck chains -- while carrying a walking stick around. The garish get-up, Maddon said, was to preach the importance of humility to the defending world champions. "I give the guy credit," Maddon said of Buss. "On a daily basis, he's able to pull something off that makes the guys laugh, and it's a great way to start the day." Zobrist was asked what to call Buss's attire. "You call it bling and show," he said. "It was a show outfit. He brings it every day for us. Busy is the epitome of a pro strength and conditioning guy." This could be fun: Recently acquired lefty Brett Anderson sounds like he could be a quotable guy. He threw a bullpen session in cool weather early Monday morning and returned the clubhouse lathered up. "I can sweat in a snowstorm," he said. On his personality, he likened himself to laconic pitcher Jon Lester, with one difference.

"I'm more like Lester except for my social media," he said, explaining he's very sarcastic on Twitter. "I kind of sit back and observe. I'm not a huge talker in person, but I can kind of show some of my personality and candor on some of those things. "You look at stuff and you get to a new team and say, 'Oh, man, did I say anything about anybody that's going to (tick) them off and whatnot?' The only thing I said about the players is that Kyle (young pitcher Hendricks) looks like he could have some Oreos and milk after pitching in the World Series. That's kind of the guy he is. Just the calmness and stuff he shows is something we can all try to strive for." It's rally time: The Cubs and the city of Mesa will host a championship rally on Friday from noon to 4 p.m. MST at Sloan Park, a day before the Cubs kick off the Cactus League season. During the rally, fans will hear from Mesa Mayor John Giles, Joe Maddon and several Cubs manager players and have the opportunity to take photos with the 2016 World Series trophy. Gates will open at 10 a.m. with live music, food and beverages starting at 11. -- Daily Herald Brett Anderson hopes to win over Cubs fans with his pitching By Bruce Miles MESA, Ariz. -- Brett Anderson says he likes Cubs fans, and he wants Cubs fans to like him, too. The bearded left-hander wasn't feeling quite so charitable last October when he was a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. After the Cubs won Game 6 of the National League championship series to eliminate the Dodgers at Wrigley Field, Anderson went on Twitter to take some Cubs fans to task. "Real classy cubs fans throwing beer in the Dodgers family section. Stay classy (bleeping) idiots," he tweeted. After working in the bullpen Monday morning, Anderson said he didn't mean all Cubs fans, only the few whom he said threw beer on the visiting team's family members. "Obviously I wasn't in the stands," he said. "There were some beers thrown where the families were. I'm going to stick to my family and my side. Rightfully so, some of the Cubs fans were mad. But I wasn't calling out the whole stadium. It was just whoever threw the beer on the family section. "Everybody has their fans and they're kind of rowdy and unruly. That just happened to be a situation. You like those people on your side. I played in Oakland, and they had some of the rowdiest fans in the playoffs. The Cubs fans, just visiting there, it's a fun crowd to play (before) because it's an intimate setting and you feel like they're right on top of you and so loud. It will be fun to have those people on your side." Anderson signed a one-year contract with the Cubs in January. Now that he's a Cub, Job 1 is trying to win a spot in the rotation as the fifth starter. He is battling with his catch-playing buddy, Mike Montgomery, another lefty. Health will be the issue to watch with the 29-year-old Anderson. He appeared in only 4 games for the Dodgers last season because of arthroscopic surgery in March to repair a bulging disc in his back. For his career, Anderson is 38-43 with a 3.86 ERA in 127 games (115 starts) with Oakland, Colorado and the Dodgers. "You're not out there trying to blow the doors off in a bullpen (session)," he said. "You can only do so much. Your adrenaline is only so high, especially at 7:45 (a.m.). I like my chances. I think I'm a good pitcher when I'm healthy. That's been the biggest issue my whole career. When I'm healthy and able to go out there and do my work and consistently pitch, I like the pitcher that I am.

"Whoever the fifth starter is, it's going to be a formidable rotation just based off the track record of the all the guys we have in camp. It's good to have healthy competition." Manager Joe Maddon saw Anderson in 2009, when Anderson came up with Oakland, going 11-11 with a 4.06 ERA. Maddon said he is not concerned about the results early in spring-training games. "To pitch well early is not a concern; health is," Maddon said. "Guys with the great track record like that, and he's not that old, you watch him (in the bullpen) and he looks fine. "I don't get overly enamored with spring-training evaluations. I learned that years ago that you can be seriously fooled, both ways." Anderson has a history of injuries. He had elbow surgery in 2011 and the first of two back surgeries in 2014. He is the son of former Oklahoma State baseball coach Frank Anderson, and he said his status as a baseball lifer helped in the tough times. "I'm a baseball guy," he said. "It kind of sounds cliché, being a baseball player. I don't have as much service time as some of these guys, but I've been at the field probably more so than any of these guys just because I've been going to the field since I could walk and talk and annoying college kids. I could take that one or two ways. I could get burned out quick and shy away from baseball, or I could eat it up. Fortunately for me, I've eaten it up all the way through, just liking baseball and being competitive. "I haven't lived up to my own expectations. If I can do that, it's going to be beneficial for everybody." -- Cubs.com Baseball icon O'Neil made history with Cubs By Carrie Muskat CHICAGO -- When Dexter Fowler led off Game 1 on Oct. 25, he became the first African-American player to appear in a World Series game for the Cubs. Ernie Banks and Billy Williams never had that opportunity. Chicago's last World Series appearance before last fall was in 1945, two years before Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier with the Dodgers. "It's crazy to even think about that, because you look back and you look at your parents -- my parents weren't even alive then," Fowler said. "It's a lifetime. It's awesome to be the pioneer, the first one." Buck O'Neil also took an important step with the Cubs in 1962. That year, he was named to the team's coaching staff and became the Major Leagues' first black coach. O'Neil had managed in the Negro American League, leading the Kansas City Monarchs from 1948-55. He won two league titles in '53 and '55, and shared a title one season. Cubs general manager Wid Matthews hired O'Neil as a scout after the Monarchs' season ended in 1955, with an assignment to search the predominantly black high schools and colleges for talent. In his biography, "I Was Right on Time," O'Neil said the Cubs respected his eye for talent. "But they didn't hire me just for my eye, they also hired me for my skin," O'Neil wrote. "That may make them seem prejudiced, but they were just being smart." That's because having a black scout was expected to help the team sign African-American ballplayers. When O'Neil was added to the Cubs' coaching staff, he joined Elvin Tappe, Lou Klein and Charlie Metro in the "College of Coaches."

"Ernie and I and George [Altman] were proud of that," Williams said of O'Neil's promotion. "Buck had beaten the bushes [as a scout] for a long time. He was like a father figure to us." John Holland was the Cubs' general manager in 1962, and he told O'Neil there was a chance he would be part of the rotation to manage. "I soon found out there was no chance of that happening," O'Neil wrote. On July 15, 1962, the Cubs were playing the Houston Colt 45s in a doubleheader. It was Metro's turn to manage that day, and he was thrown out in the first inning of the second game. Tappe, the third-base coach, took over, while Klein moved to third. Tappe was then ejected, and Klein took over managing duties. O'Neil should've moved to coach third base, but pitching coach Fred Martin was called in from the bullpen to take over instead. "After 40 years in baseball and 10 as a manager, I was pretty sure I knew when to wave somebody home and when to make him put on the brakes," O'Neil wrote in his book. "I would have gotten a huge thrill out of being on a Major League field during a game. Not going out there that day was one of the few disappointments I've had in over 60 years in baseball." Altman, 83, who played for the Cubs from 1959-62 and again from 1965-67, remembered that game. "[O'Neil] should've gotten an opportunity to manage that year because of the fact that he was the best manager of the group," Altman said in a recent interview. "He had experience and knowledge -- and the players all took to him, even as a coach. He was a fiery guy. In the dugout, you could hear his booming voice giving encouragement to players and so forth. Everybody loved Buck." In his book, O'Neil wrote that the other coaches were fearful that if he got the opportunity, someone else would lose their job. There was some friction in Spring Training between O'Neil and Charlie Grimm because they would manage intrasquad games against each other and O'Neil's teams always won. "The reason was simple -- [Grimm] chose the white players and let me have the black players," O'Neil wrote. "If he had Lou Brock, George Altman, Billy Williams and Ernie Banks, he might have won." The Major Leagues would not see a full-time African-American manager until Frank Robinson was hired by the Indians in 1975. -- Cubs.com Baez brings new glove to Spring Training By Carrie Muskat MESA, Ariz. -- Javier Baez has a new glove, designed specifically for the World Baseball Classic in Puerto Rico's colors of red, white and blue. Cubs manager Joe Maddon probably wouldn't be surprised to see some chrome on it, too. Maddon emphasizes having players "make the routine plays routinely" without any "chrome." Anyone who has seen Baez play knows that if he was a sports car, he'd have plenty of bright and shiny chrome. "Javy comes from a different background and he has a flare about his game," Maddon said. "I don't necessarily want to subtract that, but have him understand the routine stuff has to be done routinely well. I think as his game continues to develop and mature, you'll see him make less mistakes, whether it's [in the field] or on the bases." Ben Zobrist, who was bumped from second base to the outfield, understands how talented Baez is.

"He's such an elite defender, you have to have him in there," Zobrist said. "You have to feel good about that as a team guy. "Last year, I played second for the first half of the year and then I moved around in the second half," Zobrist said. "I kind of expect that. If there are injuries or things, there are times when I will get entrenched in one position a little longer. When you have guys rise to the occasion who play certain positions, I could be moved around, too. That's Javy last year at the end of the season and in the postseason. He did such a phenomenal job for us, we have to get him in there. He's such an elite defender. Wherever you put him and makes sense for the team, I have to be ready for." Baez, 24, has learned a lot from Zobrist, 35. Last spring, Baez asked the super-utility veteran how he prepared for different positions. "It was the same way I was doing it -- during [batting practice], go out there and shag and take ground balls, just look at the angle that the ball's going to be in and be ready for it," Baez said. But Baez also noted Zobrist has more pregame work to do as an older player. "I can just get to the field and be ready to go," Baez said. And Zobrist? "I feel like I need a month and a half to get ready for the season," Zobrist said about the difference between himself and his young teammates. "I know if I do the right things that I need to do and take care of the rest part of Spring Training, too, I'll be ready to go in April." -- Cubs.com La Stella happy to be back with Cubs By Carrie Muskat MESA, Ariz. -- He had to change his phone number and deal with friends and family who were confused, but Tommy La Stella said he has no regrets about his decision last year to go home rather than report to the Minor Leagues when the Cubs sent him down. "It was definitely an unusual situation," La Stella said Monday. In late July, La Stella was optioned to Triple-A Iowa to open a roster spot, but instead went home to New Jersey. He eventually did rejoin the big league team on Aug. 31. Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein admitted his initial reaction was to punish the infielder, but La Stella is back in Cubs camp this spring. Last year, they agreed to disagree. "When it happened, the big thing for me is trying to be as mindful and aware of myself as often as possible," La Stella said. "While it ended up obviously being a very humbling experience for me, [Game 7 of the World Series] and the parade and to see the magnitude of what happened and how many people were affected by it, talk about everything snapping back into perspective." La Stella made sure to tell manager Joe Maddon that he learned a lot from what happened. "I thanked them for allowing me to make that decision and allowing me to work through that," he said. "I know at a lot of other places, that wouldn't be the case. It turned out to be the greatest thing. The way it worked out in the end was such a surreal experience, it was such a blessing to be a part of [the World Series]." And no regrets?

"'Regrets' is a tough word," La Stella said. "It would've been easy for me to go along with the routine -- they say this, you do that. I wasn't in that place. I don't know what the word is. I'm glad I was paying attention to myself in the moment as opposed to just going through the routine like I normally would when I wasn't in that place. "To go [to the Minors] and fake it and not really be into it wasn't something I felt prepared to do," he said. "I didn't think that was in the best service of anybody. I thanked them for allowing me to work through it. More than that, they want me here." If La Stella's departure had been a problem, he wouldn't be in camp now vying for a spot on the bench. He knows that. "I'm looking forward to this year -- it's a special place," he said of the Cubs. "I didn't want to play anywhere else. This is where I want to be." He had to deal with some strange reactions from friends and family. "It's not that they have any ill will but they really don't know what's going on," he said. "That was a little bit difficult last year, to separate myself from people who were throwing in input who didn't really have any place doing so." Cubs players did reach out to La Stella during his hiatus. "The support from the guys was unbelievable," he said. "It's such a special group, which is why I wanted to be a part of it in the first place and I'm glad I'm back and looking forward to doing it again with these guys." La Stella also realizes it's still somewhat confusing. What's important now is that he's at peace with it, and so are his teammates. "I don't expect it to make sense with anybody," he said. -- Cubs.com Cubs notes: Spot in rotation up for grabs By Carrie Muskat MESA, Ariz. -- The Cubs and the city of Mesa will host a championship rally on Friday from noon to 4 p.m. MT/11 a.m-3 p.m. CT at Sloan Park, one day before the defending World Series champs open Cactus League play. During the rally, fans will hear from Mesa mayor John Giles, Cubs manager Joe Maddon and several Cubs players, and have the opportunity to take photos with the 2016 World Series trophy. Gates will open at 10 a.m. MT/9 CT with live music, food and beverages starting at 11 a.m. MT/10 CT. The Cubs play host to the Athletics on Saturday at Sloan Park in a split-squad game to open the Spring schedule. • Jon Lester, John Lackey, Koji Uehara, and Carl Edwards Jr. were among the pitchers to throw live batting practice on Monday. All Maddon is watching for now is good health, especially from Brett Anderson. The left-hander missed nearly all of last season after needing back surgery in March . "To pitch well early is not a concern, health is," Maddon said. "It's all about health. It's about getting everybody ready for that first game in St. Louis." Anderson is vying for the fifth-starter spot along with Mike Montgomery. Maddon did recall seeing Anderson when he was in the Athletics' rotation from 2009-13.

"I remember when he started out, he was tough, very tough," Maddon said. "You did not want to face him -- all those positives for him, negatives for you. Good stuff, easy stuff. The ball got on the hitter quickly, good breaking ball, ground ball, strike-throwing ability, all that stuff was there. "I thought he'd be with Oakland for a long time," Maddon said. "He looks like the kind of guy you'd want to keep." Anderson was dealt in December 2013 to the Rockies for Chris Jensen and Drew Pomeranz, and then signed with the Dodgers as a free agent in December 2014. He has a 38-43 record and 3.86 ERA in eight seasons with the A's, Rockies and Dodgers. • One other element of Spring Training is the opportunity to see some of the young prospects, such as Eloy Jimenez, 20, who is ranked 13th on MLB.com's list of top prospects. "Eloy is a different cat," Maddon said of the outfielder, who batted .329 last season at Class A South Bend. "He came in the other day when I was sitting in my office, listening to my music, and he sat down and said 'Hello' and wanted to re-introduce himself to me so I knew who he was. He didn't say that, but that's what I gleaned from it." The two had a nice conversation in Spanish. "He believes he belongs here," Maddon said. "He's a very bright young man. For me, it's just about getting to know him. He has a bright future." -- ESPNChicago.com Willson Contreras can call on the expert to learn Jon Lester By Jesse Rogers MESA, Ariz. -- It might not have risen to national fame like the #Bryzzo bromance between Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant, but the relationship between pitcher Jon Lester and catcher David Ross was vitally important in the Chicago Cubs' championship journey. Other than a handful of starts over the past four years, Ross was Lester's personal catcher -- including for a relief stint in Game 7 of the World Series. Their brotherly relationship helped Lester to a second-place finish in Cy Young voting in 2016. But to repeat that success, the three-time world champion will need to find a comfort level with a new backstop, as Ross retired at season's end and handed the catching duties to ultra-talented 24-year-old Willson Contreras. "I don't want Willy to try and be me," Ross said recently. "The goal is for him to be better than me. I told him here is my cell phone number. Call me if you have any questions." Ross was in uniform at the start of spring training -- as a member of the Cubs' front office. He's available 24/7 if Contreras wants help, but the relationship between catcher and pitcher needs to develop over time. "Ross and I didn't just jump in and click," Lester said. "It took a few starts to hammer a few things out. That's all it comes down [to]: time on the mound and time behind the plate." Ross was behind the plate for 89 of Lester's career starts in the regular season and a handful more in the playoffs. Lester's career 2.75 ERA with Ross behind the plate is second only to that of Derek Norris (2.35), who caught Lester only 11 times. There's no mistaking that they had a bond -- though both players downplay it. "Ross and I didn't reinvent the wheel," Lester said. "The ability to go to a Plan B is where we clicked. I saw Willy do that last year with everyone else. I don't think it's going to be any problem." It took time for Contreras to learn how to execute a game plan, and now his goal is to be better when things aren't going well for his pitcher. That learning process began in his first start with the temperamental John Lackey on the mound. "He liked to work fast, and the game was going really fast for me," Contreras recalled. "When we had some trouble, I couldn't slow him down because I couldn't slow down myself. But the next start, I was much better at it."

The Cubs are counting on their "pitching infrastructure" to help Contreras reach that next level. Catching coach Mike Borzello, bullpen coach Lester Strode and pitching coach Chris Bosio have garnered rave reviews for getting the most out of their players. Ross thinks it's Lester's job as well. "It's Jon's responsibility to bring along Willy," he said. "He and Lackey have all those rings, so they know how to do it." Contreras has a ring as well, so even though he's entering his first full year in the big leagues, he has already been on the biggest stage -- just not much with Lester. Contreras caught three innings of Lester last season, and that resulted in five runs crossing the plate, including two home runs. But they didn't know each other. Lester might not be unique in what he throws, but he's a feel pitcher, and he and Ross often used that to their advantage after testing the opposition in the first inning of games. Then the adjustments came. "I need to learn how he likes to work," Contreras said. "I'm there to make him comfortable." Already Contreras is asking questions of his battery mate, as the Cubs not surprisingly paired the two for Lester's first couple bullpen sessions. "I threw a side at like 45 mph, and he was asking how he was setting up and if he was in the right place and all that stuff," Lester said. "He's ready to go. I don't think there will be any issues at all. "Willson is a smart kid and wants to get better and is eager to please. He has all the attributes. There won't be much of a learning curve." If there are any bumps in the road, Ross is waiting in the wings to help. "Yeah, I want to figure things out for myself, and if I have something to ask him [Ross], I'll ask him," Contreras said. "But I want to build this relationship [with Lester]." All parties agree that experience is about the only thing holding Contreras back. His rocket arm will come in handy, as Lester can have trouble keeping runners from stealing. But already Contreras has taken after his former mentor in back-picking runners, and the young catcher is slowly developing a reputation as someone you don't run on. But there is a lot more to catching than throwing runners out. Don't be surprised if it's a little rough at first. "It's a growth process for Willy," Ross said. "And the hard times create the relationship with the pitcher, so when the battle gets heated, you're able to come out on top. It's a feel thing back there. No matter what I say, it just takes experience. "We had success because we worked together a lot, and Jon is a great pitcher. Too much gets made out of all that stuff about me and Jon. Contreras will be better than me." -- CSNChicago.com Addison Russell Planning To Become Next Cubs Superstar By Patrick Mooney MESA, Ariz. – Addison Russell earned his manager’s trust by playing “boring” defense, always making the routine plays at shortstop with textbook fundamentals. Even Russell’s agent called him an “old soul,” already serious about his craft and driven by quiet determination and husband-and-father responsibilities. But the Cubs also know Russell as a moonwalking showman with the freaky athleticism to do Ozzie Smith backflips and make spectacular highlight-reel plays. And you could see the vroom-vroom, fist-pumping celebrations after yet another clutch hit.

“Ever since I was a little kid,” Russell said, “I always wanted to be on the big screen.” Now Russell will try to make the leap to superstar, as one of the many personalities on a Cubs team that can crossover nationally and live forever in Chicago, just like the ’85 Bears, the way Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo have built their brands. “We got great ballplayers, beautiful faces on this team,” Russell said. “Just talent galore in this clubhouse, and that’s really cool to see, because these guys handle themselves like real, true professionals.” The start of spring training is a reminder that Russell has still only spent one wire-to-wire season in The Show. He turned 23 last month and has already become a World Series champion, the youngest player in franchise history to start an All-Star Game and the first Cub shortstop to reach 95 RBI since Ernie Banks in 1960. Russell’s World Series grand slam helped him accumulate the most postseason RBI (14) in club history – after putting up 11 game-winning RBI for a 103-win team. FanGraphs also had Russell tying San Francisco’s Brandon Crawford for the major-league lead with 19 defensive runs saved at shortstop. “Really, the sky’s the limit,” manager Joe Maddon said. “This guy is scratching the surface. He is that good. Know thyself – I think that’s what’s happening with a lot of our young guys. They’re understanding themselves better. And as they do, their game’s going to continue to improve. “So with Addie, listen, he could be an annual All-Star, there’s no question. Beyond that, he’s just such a gifted athlete, so quick, and he cares so much. And he’s really turned out to be a good self-evaluator, so all those are components to creating a superstar.” Russell said he’s working with Boras Corp. on potential endorsements with Pepsi and Audi. He visited a Nike headquarters in Oregon to help design his custom cleats and custom glove. He also posted images from the White House on his social-media accounts, which have nearly 549,000 followers combined between Twitter and Instagram. “The opportunities are coming, which is great,” Russell said. “It’s a whole new playing field. I’m glad that I’m getting to see a different side of baseball, where I can actually find a couple talents off the baseball field. It’s all interesting stuff.” It’s also taken some getting used to, as he almost had trouble remembering how many “Addison Russell Days” there were in Florida, between events at Pace High School and with the Santa Rosa Board of County Commissioners. “This whole fame thing is really new to me,” Russell said. “Walking everywhere, people want autographs and stuff. Different airports, different cities, it’s very humbling. It’s a great blessing. I’m just a small-town guy, so it hit me pretty hard.” Like the moment Russell realized what the Cubs just did, after the whirlwind of riding in the championship parade down Lake Shore Drive and Michigan Avenue, standing on stage in front of millions at the Grant Park rally and going to Disney World. “I remember this past offseason, going into my mom’s room and laying down on her bed,” Russell said. “That’s when all the memories of this past year – all the way from spring training (to) the All-Star Game and then the World Series run – it all hit me at once. It was overbearing, kind of, and I started crying. “That’s when it sunk in. It was just a magical moment.” --

CSNChicago.com Why Brett Anderson Called Cubs Fans ‘F------ Idiots’ And Loves The Idea Of Pitching At Wrigley Field By Patrick Mooney MESA, Ariz. – On an October night where you could literally feel Wrigley Field shaking, Brett Anderson fired off a message on his personal Twitter account: "Real classy cubs fans throwing beer in the Dodgers family section. Stay classy f------ idiots." The Cubs had just clinched their first National League pennant since the year World War II ended, beating Clayton Kershaw and playing as close to a perfect game as they had all season. Anderson kept up the entertaining commentary during the World Series, previewing Game 7 – "We can all agree that we're happy it's not Joe West behind the plate tomorrow" – and tweaking his future manager: "Aroldis (Chapman) might puke on the mound from exhaustion." In another generation, a veteran pitcher might walk into a new clubhouse and wonder about any awkwardness with a hitter he once drilled with a fastball or some bad blood from a bench-clearing brawl. But overall today's players share the same agents, work out together in the same warm-weather offseason spots and understand the transient nature of this business. When pregame batting practice is filled with fist bumps, bro hugs and small talk between opponents, it becomes trying to remember what you said on social media. "I'm kind of a sarcastic ass on Twitter," Anderson said Monday. "I kind of sit back and observe. I'm not a huge talker in person. But I can kind of show some of my personality and candor on some of those things. "You look at stuff (when) you get to a new team. I'm like: ‘Wow, man, did I say anything about anybody that's going to piss them off?' But I think the only thing I said about the players is that Kyle (Hendricks) looks like he could have some Oreos and milk after pitching in the World Series. "But that's kind of the guy he is. Just the calmness that he shows is something that we can all try to strive for." Anderson essentially broke the news of his signing – or at least tipped off the media to look for confirmations – with a "Wheels up to Chicago" tweet in late January. The Cubs guaranteed $3.5 million for the chance to compete against Mike Montgomery and see which lefty can grab the fifth-starter job. Anderson could max out with $6.5 million more in incentives if he makes 29 starts this season. After undergoing surgery to repair a bulging disc in his lower back last March, Anderson made three starts and didn't earn a spot on the NLCS roster. "I obviously wasn't in the stands," Anderson said. "Supposedly from what I was told – it could be a different story – but there was just some beers thrown on where the families were. I'm going to stick to my family and my side. "I wasn't calling out the whole stadium. (It wasn't): ‘Screw you, Cubs fans.' It was just the specific (incident) – whoever threw the beers on the family section. Everybody has their fans that are kind of rowdy and unruly. "That just happened to be a situation. But you like those people on your side. I played in Oakland, and they had some of the rowdiest fans. In the playoffs, it seemed like ‘The Black Hole' for the Raiders games. "You have your bad seeds in every fan base. When people are rowdy and cheering on their team and have one too many beers, the next thing you know, you're throwing them. "Just visiting (Wrigley), it's a fun crowd, because it's such an intimate setting and you feel like they're right on top of you and it's so loud." Imagine the matchup nightmare the Dodgers could've been if their pitching staff hadn't been so top-heavy and manager Dave Roberts could've confidently gone to someone other than Kershaw, Rich Hill or closer Kenley Jansen. The Dodgers had made Anderson the qualifying offer after a solid 2015 season – 10-9, 3.69 ERA, 180-plus innings, a 66.7 groundball percentage – and he grabbed the $15.8 million guarantee.

Anderson turned around and did the knock-on-wood motion at his locker, saying he felt good after completing a bullpen session with catcher Willson Contreras at the Sloan Park complex. Anderson is a Tommy John survivor who's also gone on the disabled list for a stress fracture in his right foot, a broken left index finger and a separate surgery on his lower back. "Yeah, it's frustrating," Anderson said. "When I'm healthy and able to go out there and do my work, I feel like I'm a pretty good pitcher. I don't think I've ever been able to put everything as a whole together in one season. I've had some good spots – and some good seasons here and there – but hopefully I can put it all together and have a healthy season and do my part." The Cubs are such a draw that Shane Victorino signed a minor-league deal here last year – even with more than $65 million in career earnings and even after a fan dumped a beer on him while he tried to catch a flyball at Wrigley Field in 2009. Anderson wanted to play for a winner and understood the organization's pitching infrastructure. He saw his pitching style as a match for the unit that led the majors in defensive efficiency last year. He was even intrigued by Camp Maddon and the wacky stunts in Mesa. "It's obviously an uber-talented group," Anderson said. "(It's also) seeing the fun that they're having. I'm more on the calm and cerebral side, but I think doing some of the things that these guys have in store for me will hopefully open me up a little bit and break me out of my shell. "'Uncomfortable' is a good word, especially for me. You don't want to get complacent. You don't want to get used to rehab. You want to go out there and do new things and try new things and meet new people and have new experiences. All things considered, the Cubs offered the best mix of everything." --