WATCH: Craig Counsell talks Cubs pitching depth, Matt Shaw's development

Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - 13 hours ago

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell spoke before the game to discuss how he looks and evaluates the starting rotation, what he's seen out of Colin Rea so far in spring training and much more.

Watch the interview below:

Video summary/cliff-notes:

Cubs' Pitching Depth (00:00) – Counsell believes the team is in good shape with pitching depth but acknowledges the need to prepare for more than eight starters.

Managing Young Starters (01:19) – Some pitchers will switch between starting and bullpen roles during the season, though it’s not always a smooth transition.

Flexibility with Pitchers (01:53) – Players like Colin Rea and Ben Brown have experience in both roles, but switching between them remains challenging.

Brad Keller’s Role (03:05) – His workload is being evaluated as other starters stretch out, and innings management is becoming a challenge.

Depth Planning (03:43) – Counsell emphasizes the importance of depth in handling inevitable injuries and adjustments throughout the season.

Spring Training Success Metrics (06:04) – Success is not just about hits; matchups and quality at-bats are crucial for evaluating players, especially those fighting for roster spots.

Matt Shaw’s Development (08:51) – Counsell is confident in Shaw’s future as a Major League player but stresses long-term health and preparation over short-term spring results.

Matthew Boyd’s Role (10:10) – Cubs hope to get a healthy version of Boyd, seeing him as a dependable left-handed starter with significant playoff experience.

Boyd’s Personality (10:45) – Described as a great communicator and engaging personality, Boyd was a communication major in college, which aligns with his leadership qualities.