Feb. 19--MESA, Ariz. -- Jake Arrieta played long toss from a distance of about 160 feet -- a sign that he won't be placed on any limits one year after missing the first month of the 2014 season because of shoulder stiffness.
"I think in the transition to this offseason we really had a good plan in place," he said. "I was able to go through throwing progression and training as I have normally. I'm ahead of schedule, which is a good thing coming into spring when we get into our side sessions and get into games.
"It's nice to put on the brakes rather than having to ramp up quicker than you would like to. It has been a great progress, and we're ready to get started again."
Extra innings: The Cubs have hired Kevin Youkilis, who played a significant role in the Red Sox's 2004 and 2007 World Series titles, as a special assistant.
Youkilis, who compiled a .281 batting average in 10 seasons with the Red Sox, White Sox and Yankees, is expected to work with the Cubs' minor league players. Youkilis, 35, retired after spending the 2014 season with the Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Japanese Pacific League. Youkilis batted .215 in 21 games but asked to be released from his contract because of plantar fasciitis. ... Newly-acquired ace Jon Lester threw a bullpen session to new catcher Miguel Montero, who was very demonstrative in praising the sharpness of Lester's pitches. ... Manager Joe Maddon had a lengthy on-field meeting with his new coaching staff, moving to various parts of the infield to illustrate several points.
