April 07--Younger Cubs players such as Kyle Schwarber appreciated they didn't have to endure rookie hazing that many experience in their first major-league seasons.
But that was just a sampling of the bigheartedness Cubs' veterans showed when they elected at the end of the 2015 season to issue 60 full postseason shares worth $122,327.59 apiece after last season.
Those shares were the most of the 10 playoff teams, and only players who spent the entire season on the major-league roster were eligible to vote on how to distribute the shares.
"We came up with a system and took care of everyone," Anthony Rizzo said. "For many, it was life-changing, getting that much money."
Rizzo said those full shares were extended to support staff people, such as clubhouse attendants and trainers.
"It was a token of our appreciation," Rizzo said. "A lot goes into their work. They do more work than any of us."
The Cubs also awarded 8.25 partial shares and 13 cash awards.
Szczur shuttle: Outfielder Matt Szczur wasn't discouraged last season when he made seven trips between Triple-A Iowa and the Cubs.
"It was a blessing because they were sending me down to get more at-bats," said Szczur, who has a three-run double and a home run in his first two games this year. "When I was getting called up, my confidence level was up after having success at Iowa and knowing I could have success up here as well.
"I didn't enjoy (getting shuttled), but it was good for me."
Cereal man: Rizzo is getting his own cereal. "RizzO's," a honey nut toasted oat cereal, is available now at some Chicago-area Jewel-Osco stories and through plbsports.com and amazon.com.
Rizzo is expected to introduce the cereal officially at an event April 14. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation.
Opening assignments: Ryan Williams will take the mound in Iowa's season opener Thursday against Round Rock. Williams was 14-3 with a 2.16 ERA in 26 games at Double-A Tennessee and Class A South Bend last season.
Jonathan Martinez, who led the Carolina League with a 2.56 ERA, returns to start Class A Myrtle Beach's opener Thursday against Frederick.
