Feb. 26--Dexter Fowler found himself Friday at a new locker location and almost without his jersey number 24.
"I just walked in and Otis (home clubhouse manager Tom Hellmann) put me over here," Fowler said Friday morning, one day after stunning many observers by re-signing with the Chicago Cubs. "He said he was about to give away my number. I said you better not have done that."
Fowler compared the tedious free agent process to being in "corporate America" with numerous meetings with prospective teams, owners and agent Casey Close.
But Fowler stressed he did not tell the Baltimore Orioles or All-Star center fielder that he was signing with them.
"I didn't tell (Jones) anything," Fowler said. "He texted me yesterday and said, 'my bad. I jumped the gun.'
"We did hang out this off-season. I said it would be awesome to play with him. He came to my wedding."
Fowler returned to the Cubs without any guarantees that he would receive the same playing time as 2015, when he played in 156 games.
"We knew there were four everyday outfielders, and we'll get a chance to play," Fowler said. "The most important thing is winning with whatever matchup Joe (Maddon) puts in there, I think everybody is ready.
"We understand. We're here for each other. Nobody is here for themselves. When you win games, everyone is happy."
Fowler wanted to return to the Cubs, especially after getting a taste of success with advancing to the National League Championship Series.
He'll also return to Wrigley Field with a new spacious clubhouse.
"I like to be surprised," Fowler smiled. "Obviously, I like to surprise."
