Feb. 13--Sure things
Barring a major injury, this appears to be the least suspenseful of any Cubs spring training in recent memory. After compiling a taxing workload that carried into the playoffs, expect Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester and John Lackey to be eased into games. Lester will have a better idea of pacing himself and avoiding the dead-arm symptoms that stunted his progress last spring.
That should allow Adam Warren, Trevor Cahill, Clayton Richard and perhaps Travis Wood to build endurance in the event of injury. Ample attention will be given to catchers Miguel Montero, David Ross and Kyle Schwarber and the pitching staff in an effort to slow opposing running games.
Schwarber might be the busiest player, with plenty of work devoted to improving his defense in left field and behind the plate. Jorge Soler can learn a lot about improving his defense in right field from Jason Heyward, who will start spring training in center field.
Pitchers
Jake Arrieta: Preparing for marathon, not spring.
Trevor Cahill: Will try to prove September wasn't a fluke.
Justin Grimm: Could be primary specialist vs. left-handers.
Jason Hammel: Bigger test starts during regular season.
Kyle Hendricks: Won't take 32 starts for granted.
John Lackey: Biggest asset for Lester, won't need many innings.
Jon Lester: Should be more comfortable in second Arizona spring.
Clayton Richard: Little difficulty handling multiple roles.
Hector Rondon: No Jason Motte, no insurance.
Pedro Strop: 1.91 ERA when not facing Cardinals.
Adam Warren: Will get a chance to start.
Travis Wood: Limited right-handed batters to .228 mark.
Catchers
Miguel Montero: Slowing running game a priority.
David Ross: Last spring, plenty of wisdom.
Infielders
Kris Bryant: Priorities include reducing strikeouts, fielding miscues.
Anthony Rizzo: Batted .172 last spring, .278 for season.
Addison Russell: Wants to steal more bases.
Ben Zobrist: Younger players can learn plenty from him at the plate.
Outfielders
Jason Heyward: Outfield teammates should watch his defense.
Kyle Schwarber: Determined to prove he's not one-dimensional.
Jorge Soler: Defense, health primary issues.
Good bets
Neil Ramirez said at the Cubs Convention he has a better understanding of building and maintaining a strong right shoulder. That could help him garner a share of the closer's duties if he can regain his 96 mph fastball. Manager Joe Maddon has downplayed the need for a left-handed specialist, but Rex Brothers has limited left-handers to a .224 batting average, and he has averaged 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings. The left-handed-hitting Tommy La Stella was 6-for-14 as a pinch hitter, and any defensive improvement by La Stella at third base could allow Bryant to play more in the outfield. Many teams, including the Rays, will continue to take a long look at Javier Baez. With Bryant, Russell and Zobrist entrenched at their positions, excelling in the outfield might be Baez's best chance of staying with the Cubs. Chris Coghlan also will get a look from teams seeking a left-handed hitter.
Pitchers
Rex Brothers: Could gain more consistency under pitching coach Chris Bosio.
Neil Ramirez: Health should allow him to regain 96-mph fastball.
Infielders
Javier Baez: Priorities include increased contact, versatility.
Tommy La Stella: Improved versatility will help chances of sticking.
Outfielders
Chris Coghlan: Playing time might not be abundant in regular season.
Matt Szczur: Speedster out of minor-league options.
Long shots
After using the bullpen frequently in the first month and final two, Carl Edwards Jr., Jean Machi, Edgar OImos and Spencer Patton will get extended looks. There are plenty of potential midseason reinforcements with major-league experience who are recovering from surgeries. The team has waited patiently for Armando Rivero, 28, who struck out 18 and walked two in 141/3 innings for Aragua in the Venezuelan Winter League.
This marks a prime opportunity for catcher Willson Contreras to work with the Cubs' starting pitchers and learn from coach Mike Borzello, as well as pitcher Duane Underwood gaining knowledge from the major-league starters as Pierce Johnson did with Arrieta last spring. Several opposing scouts haven't raved about Albert Almora in the same tone as team officials. But he will get a long look this season, as will Jeimer Candelario.
Pitchers
Andury Acevedo: Throws 94-98 mph from unusual arm slot.
Dallas Beeler: Needs to stay healthy this spring.
Luis Cruz: 136 starts over eight minor-league seasons.
Carl Edwards Jr.: Encouraged to throw changeup.
Stephen Fife: Missed all of 2015 after elbow surgery.
Brandon Gomes: 4.20 ERA in five seasons with Rays.
Pierce Johnson: Needs a successful, injury-free season.
Eric Jokisch: Limited to 14 starts in 2015 because of oblique injury.
Jack Leathersich: Isn't expected to be ready until July because of arm surgery.
Jean Machi: 2.58 ERA for 2014 World Series champion Giants.
Spencer Patton: 28 strikeouts, 24 hits allowed in 24 innings for Rangers.
Felix Pena: 149 strikeouts in 1292/3 innings at Double-A Tennessee.
Jonathan Pettibone: Returning from right shoulder surgery.
C.J. Riefenhauser: Lefty traded twice in offseason, then waived; made 17 MLB appearances in '15.
Armando Rivero: Still waiting for return on $3 million investment.
Zac Rosscup: 57 strikeouts but 5.40 ERA in 462/3 big-league innings.
Drew Rucinski: Pitched for Rockford in Frontier League in 2011-13.
Duane Underwood: First big-league camp should be great experience.
Catchers
Willson Contreras: Prime opportunity to work with big-league staff.
Taylor Davis: .311 batting average in 104 games in Double and Triple A.
Tim Federowicz: Started 42 games for Dodgers in 2013.
Infielders
Arismendy Alcantara: Better fit for another organization.
Jeimer Candelario: Will get a long look from other teams.
Jesus Guzman: .247 hitter over parts of five MLB seasons.
Munenori Kawasaki: .234 batting average over parts of four MLB seasons.
Kristopher Negron: Can play five positions, 92 games with Reds in 2014-15.
Christian Villanueva: Out of minor-league options, faces logjam at third.
Dan Vogelbach: Left-handed bat is intriguing.
Outfielders
Albert Almora: Will another impressive spring carry over to regular season?
John Andreoli: 33 stolen bases, .372 OBP at Iowa in 2015.
Matt Murton: Reunion with Epstein/Boston connection.
Juan Perez: Played 61 games for 2014 World Series champion Giants.
mgonzales@tribpub.com
