Feb. 17--Manager Joe Maddon's "Less is More" slogan that worked well with Cubs youngsters during the September playoff drive still resonates with pitching coach Chris Bosio.
"Everyone has a great feeling about last year and coming into this spring," Bosio said Wednesday, referring to Maddon's methods that include skipping batting practice. "We all know what Joe is all about. We know what he brings to the table. He's going to manage this thing. There's not going to be a lot of surprises. And he's looking out for their well-being. I don't see a lot of change.
"There have been some teams I've been on with Milwaukee and Seattle that have gone to the playoffs, where a lot of guys in the offseason feel like you need to make changes. You don't need to make changes. All you need to do is get in better shape, stay healthy and good things will happen."
Soaking it in: Pitcher Ryan Williams was delighted to be added to spring training as a non-roster invitee.
Williams, 24, said he benefited last season by seeking advice from catcher Miguel Montero, who went to Double-A Tennessee on a rehabilitation assignment, and from Class A pitching coach and former major-league pitcher Brian Lawrence (now at Eugene).
Williams, who the Cubs drafted in the 10th round in 2014, emerged as a senior at East Carolina from the shadow of Jeff Hoffman, whom the Blue Jays selected ninth overall in '14.
"I never was going to throw 97-98 (mph) like Hoffman, so I knew my job was to induce weak contact and stay focused," said Williams, who was a combined 14-3 with a 2.16 ERA at Class A Sound Bend and Tennessee.
Williams said he had no scholarship offers while pitching for West Valley College in Saratoga, Calif., before an East Carolina coach with Bay Area ties scouted him in the spring of 2012.
Extra innings: Montero said his left thumb feels fully healed after he missed four weeks last season because of a sprain. ... Cubs single-game tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday Feb. 26. A MasterCard presale will begin at noon Tuesday.
