WATCH: Craig Counsell on bullpen depth, leadership, and roster challenges |
Tony Crumpton
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- Thursday, February 13 2025
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell spoke to the media at spring training talking about what has stood out to him about Shota Imanaga using spring training to get better, what he's looking for in Ben Brown, how players are providing different forms of leadership and more.
Watch the interview below:
Video summary/cliff-notes:
Bullpen Progression: Counsell believes the Cubs' bullpen is in a "good spot," with pitchers building up volume and working on deliveries. (00:00–01:41)
Pitcher Development: Last year, the focus was on simplifying mechanics and boosting confidence in fastball effectiveness; this year, it's about refining skills. (00:33–01:05)
Ben Brown’s Status: He is fully operational, healthy, and increasing his workload after recovering from injury. (01:41–02:22)
Pitcher Utilization: Some pitchers, like Nate Pearson, will work multiple innings but won’t be stretched into starter roles. (02:58–03:27)
Roster Decisions: Managing bullpen fatigue is crucial, while the position player group doesn’t face the same concerns. Finalizing the roster will be a key challenge. (04:18–04:50)
Leadership & Experience: Players like Presley and Tucker bring leadership through their postseason experience, helping the team maintain high standards. (04:50–06:01)
Verbal Leadership Debate: Counsell questions the concept of a "verbal leader," emphasizing that leadership comes in various forms beyond vocal presence. (06:33–07:44)
Dansby Swanson's Ramp-Up: Swanson is healthy but will have a gradual buildup in intensity during spring training. (07:44–08:28)
New Additions: Cody Poteet, returning from Tommy John surgery, provides starting depth, while Theilbar adds left-handed bullpen depth. (08:28–09:44)
