Feb. 19--MESA, Ariz. -- Talent masked the few shortcomings Kris Bryant exhibited in his first spring training last February.
And after an amazing 2014 minor league season that enhanced his stature, the top prospect is determined to make Cubs officials struggle to keep him off the opening day roster despite service time issues that could delay his eligibility for free agency.
"Sure. I think I have a pretty good grasp of (service time)," Bryant said Wednesday after batting practice. "I don't look into it at all. I don't make those decisions. I make the decisions for me on the field and how hard I play. That's all I can control."
In an effort to remain at third base, Bryant has developed into a more polished fielder though many believe his 6-foot-5 height is a detriment. There's always the possibility Bryant could move to the outfield and even play there this spring, but Bryant made no secret of where he prefers to play.
"I've said before. I want to stay at third base," said Bryant, who received special instruction last spring from coach Gary Jones. "It's a position that comes naturally for me. I played there for a long time. I've been working at it very hard, day in and day out, trying to get as many ground balls as I can, as many drills as I can. And I'm here to show them what I've been working on."
And by arriving to Mesa earlier than he did last year, Bryant has a better understanding of a spring training routine.
"I really didn't know what to do last year," said Bryant, who hit two home runs but struck out 11 times in 18 at-bats last spring before he was reassigned to the minor league camp. "I was kind of the new guy, going through the motions. I didn't know what to do or what to say.
"This year I got here early trying to get settled in. I feel when you're prepared and have established a routine early, you set yourself up for a lot of success."
Bryant hit .325 with 43 home runs, 110 RBIs and 162 strikeouts at Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa, but doesn't possess any major league experience as he competes against Mike Olt, Tommy La Stella and Arismendy Alcantara for playing time at third.
The Cubs have been consistent in stating that Bryant, 23, will compete for a spot on the Cubs' opening day roster. But Bryant, who received a signing bonus of $6.7 million out of the University of San Diego in 2013, is considered one of the pillars of the Cubs' plan for sustained success.
Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, a player is credited with a full season of service if he has spent at least 172 days on the major league roster. Keeping Bryant off the major league roster for at least the first two weeks will delay his eligibility for free agency until at least until the 2021 season.
"I have a pretty good opportunity in front of me," Bryant said nevertheless. "I'm ready to go and excited to hear the crack of the bat, get some ground balls and have fun with some of my friends."
mgonzales@tribpub.com
