March 19--Manager Joe Maddon tried his best to explain to infielder Jeimer Candelario why he was being optioned to Double-A Tennessee despite batting .417 this spring.
"How can we possibly send you out?" Maddon told Candelario in a meeting Friday morning. "You're the best hitter in the Valley right now. What's wrong with us?"
That was Maddon's way of making Candelario feel better and not think about life behind Kris Bryant. Maddon raved about Candelario not giving up at-bats, even in batting practice.
Candelario was one of 11 players sent to the minors. Pitchers Carl Edwards Jr. and Pierce Johnson; left-hander C.J. Riefenhauser; infielder Arismendy Alcantara, and catcher Willson Contreras were optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
Pitchers Stephen Fife, Felix Pena, Drew Rucinski and Edgar Olmos and catcher Taylor Davis were among the non-roster invitees assigned to minor league camp.
Maddon said there are no plans to switch Edwards to a starting role. Edwards reached the majors last September.
"People just see a potentially dynamic relief pitcher," Maddon said. "I see it, too."
The Cubs hope the switch-hitting Alcantara can regain his production from the left side and improve his defense on backhanded stops at second. Alcantara batted .360 in 25 at-bats.
Maddon had few reservations about Contreras' potential. "When he gets here, it's not going to be perfect," Maddon said. "But I think he'll grow into it."
