March 04--MESA, Ariz. -- It seemed like a simple discussion, but pitching coach Chris Bosio took note of what Jon Lester was telling C.J. Edwards during one bullpen session.
For Cubs prospects like Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Edwards, the wisdom their gaining from the likes of coach Gary Jones and Lester go a long way toward putting the finishing touches on their development.
"It was a great conversation about keeping it simple," Bosio said. "Remember what got you here. Pitch to your strengths and not necessarily worrying about scouting reports."
The microscope will zoom in on Edwards, Russell and Bryant once the exhibition games start Thursday as Cubs fans anticipate their eventual arrival at Wrigley Field.
Each of the three players have received impressive reviews for their talents, but the coaches and veteran players want to make sure they don't become too consumed with simply trying to impress the staff.
"We'll briefly touch these guys before each game because we got notes on all these teams," Bosio said. "But we're trying to find out as a staff and as teammates what these guys can and cannot do. So that's a learning experience for us as a coaching staff."
For Edwards, the Cubs' top pitching prospect who is participating in his first major league spring training camp, the chance to probe the mind of Lester was too good to pass up.
"I asked him how he goes about his business," Edwards said. "How to prepare yourself for better and for worse. When the stuff hits the fan, what's the one pitch you can depend on?"
Bryant, 23, received a pitcher's view of hitting from spring training instructor and former Cubs great Rick Sutcliffe between rounds of batting practice Tuesday. Bryant feels more comfortable participating in his second spring training and said he's isolated himself from the hype surrounding his eventual promotion to the majors.
"I'm not even thinking about the what ifs," Bryant said. "We're just taking each spring training game seriously and trying to help them win every game possible, then we'll see where we're at the end of spring training.
The 6-foot-5 Bryant also has heeded the tips from Jones, who instructed him to stay low and remain agile with his defensive work.
"You could field 1.000," Bryant said. "I don't know if that's a realistic goal, but I definitely did get better. I continue to get better, and I'm making sure I make the routine plays."
This marks the first major league camp and the first as a member of the Cubs for Russell, who is targeted to start at shortstop at Triple-A Iowa.
Russell, 21, has watched incumbent Starlin Castro while soaking in the knowledge Jones provides.
"Jonesy talks to me more than anyone else around here, and we see eye-to-eye on a lot of things." Russell said.
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