WATCH: Craig Counsell updates latest with Matt Shaw, evaluating roster |
Tony Crumpton
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- 5 hours ago
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell spoke to the media from Mesa, Ariz. talking about how pleased he's been with the starting rotation, what he see's from Matt Shaw coming back from injury and much more.
“I think he’s probably in the toughest situation of anybody coming into camp … I think he’s handled it with a lot of maturity and that’s led to really good performance," Counsell said on rookie third baseman Gage Workman. Watch the interview below:
Video summary/cliff-notes:
(00:00-00:37) Craig Counsell is pleased with the Cubs' starting pitchers, as they haven’t missed any preparation days and are on schedule.
(01:15-01:56) Matt Shaw is eager to play every day after his injury, which is a positive sign, but the team is ensuring he follows a structured recovery plan.
(02:32-03:11) Shaw’s potential trip to Japan is being carefully considered due to his limited preparation time compared to other players.
(03:48-04:26) Vidal Bruján and Gage Workman have impressed during spring training, showing strong performances and versatility.
(05:00-05:42) Counsell acknowledges roster constraints, balancing 13 position players and 13 pitchers, while considering how Bruján and Workman fit together.
(05:42-06:28) Evaluating players in spring training differs from regular-season assessments, with less weight given to short-term performance.
(06:28-07:27) The Cubs' trip to Japan is seen as a valuable life and baseball experience, coinciding with the rise of Japanese players in MLB.
(07:27-08:04) Jameson Taillon is working on maintaining or improving his velocity, as preserving performance levels with age is a challenge.
