March 30--Manager Joe Maddon had a quick response when asked what infielder Munenori Kawasaki was lacking in his failed effort to earn a spot on the Chicago Cubs' opening day roster despite a .381 batting average.
"Not a thing," Maddon said. "He couldn't have had a better spring training. What he's lacking is opportunity. That's about it. There is enough people right now, based on the personnel we have in-house.
"But we're just talking about the beginning of the season. This is a long year. We definitely need more than 25 guys. He's going to get his opportunity. He's going to help us. He's going to be a big part of his success this year."
Maddon didn't lose sight of Kawasaki's popularity with his teammates, especially with his karaoke performance before a workout earlier this month.
"And he's going to be one of the most popular athletes to ever play in Chicago when he finally arrives," Maddon declared.
Kawasaki, 34, has spent parts of the past four seasons with Seattle and Toronto, but his path with the Cubs is blocked with the likes of Addison Russell and Ben Zobrist up the middle, and Tommy La Stella as a backup at second.
"His unique way to attack life is desirable," Maddon said. "His unique way to express himself is desirable. I never want him to lose that."
