Sept. 09--Rookie slugger Kyle Schwarber was grateful for the assistance provided by several of the Chicago Cubs' veterans after he was promoted from Double-A Tennessee in June and again in July after a stint at Triple-A Iowa.
And after making his major league debut on Monday, reliever Carl Edwards Jr. expressed his appreciation for the advice lent by many bullpen members -- including Pedro Strop.
Strop, 30, said he merely wanted to make Edwards feel comfortable and not uptight, as he felt when he reached the majors for the first time with Texas in 2009.
"It was kind of old-school style where the rookie had to do anything," Strop said. "In my case, I felt tight and couldn't be myself. That can affect your performance, and I wanted to make sure that (Edwards) felt exactly the same as if he was in Triple-A so it would be easier for him."
Strop said he didn't encounter any hazing but was told he had to arrive earlier for work and other assignments than the veterans.
"I just told (Edwards), 'we throw at 5 p.m., just be on time to do your routine,'" Strop said. "Feel like you're in Triple-A right now. Don't worry about being in the majors. Just respect everywhere you go."
