WATCH: Michael Busch on Cubs' offseason moves, defense, his first base role |
Tony Crumpton
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- 20 hours ago
Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch spoke to the media ahead of the first game of spring training talking about the recent Cubs' offseason additions, challenges of the ABS system and much more.
Watch the interview below:
Video summary/cliff-notes:
(00:00) Busch expresses excitement for the start of the season, including exhibition games, Tokyo, and Opening Day.
(00:34) Discusses the ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) system, stating it doesn’t significantly impact the game but is an interesting factor to monitor.
(01:02) Acknowledges the difficulty of an umpire’s job and remains open-minded about how ABS could affect calls.
(02:34) Praises Cubs’ offseason additions, including Tucker, Presley, and Turner, noting the mix of experienced players and those trying to establish themselves.
(03:03) Talks about Justin Turner’s leadership and impact, describing him as a great player and teammate.
(04:00) Expects a continuous cat-and-mouse game with pitchers making adjustments to him, focusing on sticking to his strengths.
(04:24) Aims to improve all aspects of his game, including power, walks, and reducing strikeouts.
(06:12) Takes pride in his defensive improvement at first base, learning from teammates like Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner.
(07:08) Discusses the challenge of hitting left-handed pitchers, expressing confidence in his ability and acknowledging Turner's versatility.
(09:37) Praises manager Craig Counsell for his leadership, noting his competitiveness and ability to connect with players.
