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David Ross has been interviewed live a few times during spring training games and on at least two occasions you could hear the Cubs’ rookie manager rave about left-handed hitting outfielder Ian Miller.
Yes, Miller, the 28-year-old who signed a minor league deal with the Cubs this offseason and has 17 career MLB at-bats. Nothing really stands out during his minor league career (.274/.340/.357) except of course for his speed. He’s averaged 40 stolen bases in the last four years and he can drop down a bunt too.
This weekend in Las Vegas, Miller showed off his speed once again while Ross was interviewed live on the Marquee Sports Network and Ross was gushing over Miller.
To be clear, no one is suggesting that Miller is going to be the same hitter in the regular season that he has been in 2.5 weeks of spring training. However, his speed and base stealing threat are real and that’s something Ross has said he wishes to have on the roster.
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At this point, Miller is a serious candidate to win the 26th spot on the Opening Day roster, but he’s not the only one having an impressive camp.
What if the Cubs go with a third catcher that has the versatility to play in the infield too? How about, P.J. Higgins as the 26th man?
Whoever it is, hopefully it means no Daniel Descalso on the Cubs.
Craig Kimbrel made his second spring training appearance Sunday and he struck out two batters! He also gave up three hits, including another home run.
Jose Quintana also made his second spring training start and wasn’t all that sharp. No reason to panic about either pitchers at this point.
After missing a couple games because of a blister on his middle finger, Anthony Rizzo returned to the lineup, but then Steven Souza Jr. had a blister problem of his own this weekend.
I know it’s not a big deal, but you know, how about just taking a few days off like Rizzo for the blister to heal?
Do you still want to believe in Dillon Maples?
Just so inconsistent, but man does he have nasty stuff.
Danny Hultzen looking good.
And you can still expect Tyler Chatwood to begin 2020 as the fifth starter and Alec Mills in the bullpen.
