Hey there! The Cubs play real baseball this week…well spring training games, so kind of real baseball. Anyway, here are the latest updates from Cubs spring training.
The biggest headline of the day was Tom Ricketts addressing the media and talking about how his dad is totally not racist, despite laughing at, forwarding and sharing racist emails with his pals.
Before the press conference, the Cubs and CAIR sent out a joint statement.
Ahead of Tom Ricketts’ meeting with the media today (later this morning), the Cubs announce that they are working with Muslim organizationa to combat Islamophobia, bigotry and racism. pic.twitter.com/r2lJGevtDT
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 18, 2019
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Another topic during the media session was the Cubs’ lack of spending in free agency. Ricketts once again brought up the team picking up Cole Hamels’ $20 million option for 2019, and other players getting raises through the arbitration process.
His excuse for not the Cubs not going after any of the top free agents? There’s no more money.
Cubs owner Tom Ricketts on why the Cubs didn't spend more money this offseason on the free-agent market: "Pretty easy. We don’t have any more.''
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 18, 2019
So, if you have any spare change, please help out a billionaire.
Hey #Cubs fans, Tom Ricketts is out of money and needs your help.https://t.co/pqQu4ZJu5i
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) February 18, 2019
All position players were scheduled to report to spring training on Monday, but Joe Maddon said Ben Zobrist still hasn’t arrived. It’s an excused absence.
Ben Zobrist not at camp yet. Excused absence for personal reasons.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) February 18, 2019
PECOTA now projects the Cubs to win 79 games in 2019.
Pecota now has the Cubs at 79 wins. I guess the rain at camp or Ricketts presser lost them a win today.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) February 18, 2019
The Cubs are definitely using that for motivation.
The Cubs Are Taking Full Advantage Of The Bulletin Board Material
Ian Happ is determined to get more playing time at second base. He only played three innings at second base last year. Oh, and check out his car.
Ian Happ Will Get A Shot To Play Second Base And HOLY SHIT LOOK AT HIS CAR!
Kris Bryant once again says his shoulder is 100 percent.
Kris Bryant is 100% healthy and back to finishing his swing one-handed:https://t.co/OZwDYDbY67
— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) February 18, 2019
And KB still can’t believe his little joke about St. Louis started a war.
Watch Kris Bryant react to the reaction he got for his comments about St. Louis during the off season. https://t.co/av687gKTBW pic.twitter.com/zxx44LrTzO
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) February 18, 2019
Anthony Rizzo and David Ross reunite to bring you a smile.
Look who’s back in Spring Training with the boys – it’s David Ross! Anthony Rizzo greets him with a sweaty bear hug. (Via @Cubs IG) pic.twitter.com/Br1fWehFgC
— Cubs Live (@Cubs_Live) February 18, 2019
And that’s the latest from Cubs spring training.