March 03--Cubs manager Joe Maddon watched shortstop Addison Russell for nearly one entire major league season.
But after eight days of spring training workouts, Maddon admitted he's surprised by one facet of Russell's game.
"Power," Maddon said Wednesday in a convincing tone. "I didn't know he had that kind of power. You saw it last year during the season, and I'm watching him in batting practice right now. He's very strong."
Russell, 22, hit 13 home runs in 475 at-bats last season. His highest total was 17 for Class-A Stockton in 2013, but injuries stunted his development until last season.
Russell spent the latter part of the offseason at the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Gulf Breeze, Fla., to add all-around strength after his left hamstring healed from an injury during the National League Division Series.
"Conversationally, he's much more confident," Maddon said. "He's easier to joke around with. He's just more comfortable in his major league skin. That's what's going on with him now. I love it.
"He knows he belongs here, he knows he's good here. He's in great shape. He was in fine shape last year."
