March 03--Less than three months after making his center-field debut in Puerto Rico, Javier Baez is excited about starting there Thursday in the Cubs' Cactus League opener against the Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park in Phoenix.
"I've been getting better and better in the outfield since winter ball," said Baez, an excellent infielder who was asked to play some in center to enhance his versatility. "I'm reading the ball very well, working in the outfield every day with (coach) Dave Martinez and other guys back there."
Baez said he has improved his ability to judge the depth and speed of flies from the sound of bat meeting ball.
"It has been going very well," Baez said. "I'm very excited to start the first game and we'll see how it goes."
Manager Joe Maddon said Baez has looked like a natural center fielder during workouts.
"If he makes a couple or three great plays, don't be surprised," Maddon said, "He's just a really good athlete, a good baseball player and capable of doing those things."
Center of attention: Jake Arrieta is ready for the attention after being named the starting pitcher for the Cubs' season opener April 4 against the Angels.
"There are lots of questions asked and a lot of answers you have to give, but that comes with the territory," Arrieta said. "It's not something that throws me off or is uncomfortable. ... It's something you deal with.
"It's something that's exciting, not only for myself but the fans. There are questions that rightfully need to be asked and answered. ... I'm happy to do that and happy to start the first game."
Extra innings: Kyle Schwarber will start in left field and bat leadoff Thursday. Dexter Fowler, Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell and Jason Heyward are among the regulars who won't make the trip. ... Rotation's big three of Arrieta, Jon Lester and John Lackey are expected to make their spring debuts March 9-11. ... Outfielder Matt Szczur has been sidelined with left oblique soreness but is expected to return next week. ... Outfielder Matt Murton has increased his activity after undergoing an appendectomy Saturday. ... Pitcher Kyle Hendricks ($541,000) and Baez ($521,000) agreed to split major-minor league contracts.
