May 24--PHOENIX -- Kyle Schwarber made a favorable impression on manager Joe Maddon during his first major league spring training.
So despite the fact that Schwarber, 22, has yet to play at Triple-A Iowa and was playing for Indiana University at this time last year, Maddon didn't rule out the possibility of Schwarber reaching the majors this season.
"It's possible," Maddon said Sunday morning. "Anything is possible."
Schwarber, 22, is batting .296 with 10 home runs and 26 RBIs in 39 games for Double-A Tennessee. The biggest issue will be Schwarber's defense as a catcher.
"He's work in progress as a catcher, but he's getting better," Maddon said.
Schwarber batted .250 in 20 spring training at-bats but made an instant impression by hitting a grand slam in his first at-bat against San Francisco on March 5.
"Every time I look at that scoreboard back home, it's 'Schwarber, 3-for-5, home run, 3 RBIs,' " Maddon said. "Even if it's 1-for-5, it's a game-winning RBI.
"So I got to know him in camp. He's definitely got the hitting chip. He thinks he knows he can."
A promotion to the majors doesn't seem immiment, but Maddon acknowledged the possibility of Schwarber joining the Cubs as a left-handed hitter when 25-man rosters are expanded in September.
