April 11--Kyle Schwarber is out for the season with torn ligaments in his left knee, but his teammates hope the injured young slugger can participate in Monday's opening-night introductions.
"It would be awesome for him," said Jon Lester, who will start the home opener. "Absolutely. He earned that to be there for opening day. He should get that chance to do that.
"It would be awesome for him and for us, and the fans would love it as well."
Schwarber wasn't sure Saturday if he would be able to participate after suffering his injury Thursday. A protective boot and crutches are now part of his daily life.
Manager Joe Maddon said he believes fans would be thrilled to see Schwarber, 23, who hit 16 home runs in 69 games last season and five more in the playoffs, including a tape-measure shot against the Cardinals in the National League Division Series.
"No one wants to see him get hurt, but there are a lot of people who appreciate the way he got hurt, if that makes sense," Maddon said. "The love fest will continue. ... The fans are enthralled with them."
Leading by example: Lester said he believes newcomer Jason Heyward has been a positive influence on the Cubs' youngsters with his smart baserunning and defense.
Heyward, who signed a franchise-record eight-year, $184 million contract in December, said he is content to fit in with his teammates.
"Early in my career in Atlanta, there was a lot of focus on me, and there were guys who were (going) to the Hall of Fame and guys that put up good numbers and had good seasons," Heyward said. "The (Cubs') focus is all about what the team wants to have, what ownership wants it to be on. The coaches and front office, to a point, does a great job of making it about the team, not one person.
"I understand there's marketing and (people) you promote. But as a group, you want everyone to understand this is your team, the Chicago Cubs, and not just one player to look at."
