Feb. 28--Shortstop Addison Russell has made a favorable impression on veteran second baseman Ben Zobrist in a short time in the Chicago Cubs' spring training camp.
"He's got very, very extremely good quick hands and quick feet," said Zobrist, who has worked with Russell on double play work. "His transitions (from taking the ball out of his glove and throwing) are as quick as I've seen. His athleticism is out of this world.
"The sky is the limit for him."
The two players have connected immediately since the start of workouts. Zobrist, 34, signed a four-year, $56 million free agent contract with the Cubs, while Russell, 22, reached the majors last April but didn't become a full-time shortstop until Aug. 7 after playing second base.
Zobrist said Russell has the ability to extend plays because of his exceptional range.
"He's still very young and has a lot of work to do to perfect it, but he's got all the tools necessary to become a Gold Glove-caliber shortstop."
