The Cubs’ GM spoke to the media today to address a variety of issues. Make sure to follow the Cubs’ rhythms on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news.
Among today’s bits …
Delays in ongoing testing are obviously a major topic of concern, particularly with the season starting in a week. It’s certainly on the Cubs’ radar:
Hoyer: MLB aware that pending test results can create problems during regular season, seeking remedy soon
– Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) July 16, 2020
Hoyer said he looks at other sports leagues regarding testing, adding that MLB has a challenge because they play bigger numbers every day than the NBA.
– Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) July 16, 2020
That the challenge is much greater for MLB is obvious, and there is no discussion here. However, MLB has to find a way to avoid teams having to decide between maximizing player safety and maximizing performance on the field. We don’t want teams to have the option of playing against a man when their test results were delayed by a couple of days because they are willing to roll the dice.
Behind Anthony Rizzo’s back, Hoyer left things ambiguous:
Hoyer says “it is not clear” about Rizzo’s availability for opening day. Losing valuable at-bats from summer camp and the Cubs don’t want to rush 2 months into the season.
– Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 16, 2020
Rizzo himself said almost the same thing: he wants to be there for opening day, but if he needs a little more time, so be it.
The Cubs signed another receiver last night, backup José Lobatón, and Hoyer explained:
Hoyer: The addition of Lobaton aids depth C, especially with taxi squad rules that dictate that a catcher be included. Even if the Cubs carry 3 receivers, they still must have a C in the 3-man taxi pool on the road.
– Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 16, 2020
As I said last night, my best guess is that as it becomes increasingly clear that Josh Phegley is going to be on the Opening Day roster, the Cubs will need a different receiver in the three-man taxi squad. If that’s not going to be a young man like PJ Higgins or Miguel Amaya, then the Cubs had to sign someone.
A little love for the Cubs’ first opening day:
Jed Hoyer said of Kyle Hendricks: “I love the fact that he does something at the highest level and does it differently than other people in the game.”
– Chris Emma (@ CEmma670) July 16, 2020
Jed Hoyer on the trade that brought Hendricks to the Cubs: “We had very good information about his makeup, his competitiveness.”
In the years since then, Hoyer said, Hendricks made them look good.
– Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) July 16, 2020
