Cubs News and Notes: Cubs sign outfielder, Accountability, Ross and Maddon, Hot Stove
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Cubs News and Notes: Cubs sign outfielder, Accountability, Ross and Maddon, Hot Stove


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CUBS NEWS AND NOTES

Noel Cuevas: The Cubs have agreed to terms on a minor-league deal with OF Noel Cuevas. If Cuevas can make the majors, he’ll work for $575k.

During Cuevas’ inaugural season in 2018 (Colorado), he slashed .233/.268/.315 in 153 plate appearances, but made only two plate appearances last year, going 0-2. Baseball Reference projects him to do slightly better in 2020, slashing .242/.301/.384 with an OPS of .685 in 216 plate appearances (198 official at-bats).

Albert Almora Jr.: A few weeks back, the Cubs changed their stance on Albert Almora Jr., now viewing him as someone they deem valuable enough to keep. According to hitting coach, Anthony Iapoce, “ If I feel my back is up against the wall and I have to make adjustments, and I know I’m a really good player, then I’m making these adjustments, and I’m going to help this team win. Which I know Albert is totally capable of.”

It seems the Cubs have gone down this road with Almora before, but to Almora’s defense, his opportunities to come alive at the plate have been limited by a crowded outfield, made further complicated by the signing of Nicholas Castellanos. While the likelihood of Castellanos re-signing remains slim, Albert is still going to have to battle with teammates Jason Heyward, Ian Happ, and Kyle Schwarber for playing time, not to mention anyone that the Cubs may sign or trade for.

Kyle Schwarber: One thing that could buy Almora playing time would be the New York Yankees, who are now reportedly interested in Kyle Schwarber. According to reports by Ken Rosenthal, the two teams have talked, but the proposed deal hasn’t gained any momentum and is probably not likely.

Ross on accountability: “Accountability” has become the new keyword for David Ross and the 2020 Cubs. The word is simple, generally defined as taking responsibility, but how does David Ross define what he expects out of his team?

"It's just about the quality of at-bats and the things that you expect. When you communicate with your players and your team of what you expect, and you don't see that, then you have to say something. I equate it a lot to being a dad. I want to have fun with my kids. I want to love my kids, but when my kids act up and do things that I don't expect them to do or things that I feel like is misbehaving, I got to call that out or else they’re not going to have any structure in their life.

"I just want to create a little structure from the top now, from my seat, and get these guys back to what I know they’re capable of doing and again, what winning looks like and holding them accountable of when you see it may be going the other way."

CubsCon: It’s getting closer: The 2020 Cubs Convention.

The old and the new: Joe Maddon’s Respect 90 Foundation kicked off their fundraising efforts over the weekend in Hazelton, Pennsylvania. Onboard, was former Yankees’ CF, Bernie Williams, and Cubs’ new manager, David Ross.

Cubs’ Birthdays Celebrating today, were Tyler Chatwood (30) and ex-Cubs Paul Noce (60), Adolfo Phillips (78); and posthumously, Joe Berry (115), Tony Kaufmann (119), and Sammy Strang (143).

Baseball Quotes: “I learned a lot from not having success and realizing when you do have success, how hard it is to maintain it, and what you have to do to maintain it.” -Randy Johnson

MLB and the Hot Stove

NL Central News:

Brewers: Milwaukee has signed RHP Josh Lindblom to a three-year/$9.125M deal and has also now signed former Rays’ outfielder, Avisail Garcia to a two-year/$20M contract.

"I'm not going to close the door on adding more. But if we were to go into the season today, we feel good about where we are. We've made progress." -David Stearns

Pirates: Pittsburgh has signed catcher Luke Maile to an MLB deal; financials not yet released.

From the Rest of MLB:

Indians: With Kluber off the books, the Indians have now begun showing interest in recently non-tendered, (Phillies) second baseman Cesar Hernandez.

Yankees: The Yankees have signed free-agent righty Adam Warren to a minor league deal. He’ll receive an $800k salary if he reaches the majors, plus $100k each for 30-60 appearances in five-game increments.

Rangers: The Rangers continue to add. This afternoon, the club announced a flurry of minor league deals: Catcher/OF Blake Swihart, LHP Bruin Flynn, and righties Tim Dillard and Arturo Reyes, each of who received invites to Spring Training. Reliever Matt Bush also signed a two-year agreement (minors), but no invite is guaranteed.

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