Oct. 04--As a former minor-league instructor with the Angels, manager Joe Maddon misses this time of year that he used to spend at Gene Autry Park in Mesa, Ariz., for the Instructional League.
So with the Cubs already assured of a playoff berth, Maddon devoted chunks of time to fundamentals last week that normally are dedicated to batting practice.
Maddon spent nearly five minutes talking to his players in the midst of bunt defense drills.
"I don't care if anyone is watching," Maddon said in reference to scouts from numerous playoff teams that have followed the Cubs in the last week. "It's all about execution, anyway. So we wanted to get some stuff done."
It's possible that the Pirates could try to attack Jake Arrieta differently in the National League wild-card game on Wednesday with more bunt attempts.
Maddon thought it would be more beneficial to conduct the drills during the time normally reserved for the start of batting practice to keep the players sharp, rather than subject them to arriving earlier and making the work schedule longer for everyone involved.
"The little things are important, whether it's relay catch, bunting properly on safety squeeze, throwing to the right base or backing up a base," Maddon said. "You have to have the guys believe it is important."
Motte starts rehab: Reliever Jason Motte waved as he left the visitor's clubhouse at Miller Park on a golf cart en route to the airport to catch a flight to Arizona to start a rehab assignment.
Motte has been on the 15-day disabled list since Aug. 24 because of a right shoulder strain, but there's a possibility he could rejoin the Cubs if they advance deep in the playoffs.
Motte is scheduled to pitch in simulated games and in Instructional League games in Arizona. Motte, who is 8-1 with a 3.91 ERA in 57 appearances with the Cubs, pitched in three postseasons with the Cardinals (2009, 2011-12).
"We know how much experience can matter out of the bullpen this time of year," Maddon said.
Cubs vs. Cole: Maddon was among the many who weren't surprised to learn that Pirates manager Clint Hurdle named Gerrit Cole to start the wild-card game against the Cubs.
"We pretty much figured that," Maddon said.
