WATCH: Craig Counsell finally going home to Wrigley, injury updates, more |
Tony Crumpton
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- 6 hours ago
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell spoke to the media ahead of the Cubs' home opener talking about the long journey to get to the home opener at Wrigley Field, whether the energy around the group has improved through the beginning of the season and more.
Watch the pregame video below:
Video summary/cliff-notes:
(00:00–00:37) Counsell describes the Cubs' early season as a “journey,” noting the Japan trip helped build team chemistry before their home opener.
(00:37–01:21) He emphasizes that a stronger roster doesn’t automatically improve coaching; hard work and improvement are still necessary.
(01:58–02:30) Counsell highlights how shared experiences like international travel have strengthened team bonds early in the season.
(03:02–03:39) He praises Kyle Tucker as a great hitter, noting teammates admire and learn from Tucker’s approach at the plate.
(04:12–04:43) Counsell says Tucker prefers to let his play speak for itself, and he’s likely to hit a lot of balls hard, including potential home runs to left/center field.
(05:25–06:00) On Seiya Suzuki, Counsell describes his incredible power and hard contact, especially evident during recent games in Sacramento.
(06:00–06:38) Suzuki is learning from Tucker, especially Tucker’s aggressive, ready-from-pitch-one mentality.
(06:38–07:25) Regarding Matt Shaw, Counsell says the staff is letting him grow naturally despite his unconventional style—acknowledging that learning and failure are key parts of development.
(07:56–09:05) Shaw is still adjusting to Wrigley and the home clubhouse, with some humorous missteps, but Counsell enjoys watching players like him experience their first home opener.
(09:40–11:08) Injury updates: Assad is progressing with a starter’s plan in Arizona; Bruján is still dealing with a lingering contusion but had an MRI showing nothing serious; Rays’ situation remains unchanged.
