The Chicago Cubs are now in summer camp and the first practice is coming up. That also means it’s finally time for manager (still new!) David Ross to return to the microphone to discuss the Cubs’ daily comings and goings. His first media session has just ended, and he wanted to share much of what he discussed. (To that end, if you’re on Twitter, we remind you to make sure you follow the best writers below so you can keep up to date with the latest.)
First Summer Camp Zoom session with manager David Ross on the books. They installed him in Wrigley’s empty interview room, with a large television in front of him with a Chicago media network. pic.twitter.com/p4x9RYeguY
– Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 3, 2020
The biggest note at the top of Ross is that, as of this writing, he is unaware that any Cubs player is coming today for any reason:
Ross: “I hope everyone is here.” You have not heard of anyone not reporting today for any reason.
– Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 3, 2020
The implication is that the Cubs don’t expect any exclusions or positive COVID-19 tests from the past few days, but I must preach with caution on the latter. It could just be that Ross hasn’t heard it yet. It would be mathematically very surprising if no Cub tested positive at this time.
From here, obviously, the objective is to avoid the risk of spreading in the Cubs’ facilities, and to trust the players and those around them to take all the precautions they can:
Ross: Player temperature checked twice in parking lot, different entrance to clubhouse, food served in lobby, cupboards spread out. “just a lot of extra space, there are no sofas in the living room.”
– Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) July 3, 2020
Ross: “You can’t hold these guys’ hands. They are adult men.” It would be “a selfish move” for players to go out and go against protocol when they are not in the stadium or with the team. Much confidence, responsibility and self-control involved in the protection of everyone and their families.
– Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 3, 2020
Ross says going to bars “would be an extremely selfish move” and will address the team on the importance of following protocol for the safety of the team and their families.
– Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) July 3, 2020
That last note here is a reminder of Ross’s mindset regarding how he works with these players. He is an extremely team-oriented guy, and, having been so close with so many of these players in the recent past, and having been part of the Cubs’ organization for several years, will probably help that feeling of mutual trust and confidence. .
Ross talking about what practice will look like initially, and how far the pitchers are:
Ross said the daily workouts will include non-pitching pitchers first, catchers below for the bullpens / BP, then position the players for their training. Planning of 3 intellectual property “scrimmage” between two intra-squad teams on Saturday. Wants to enter live is seen quickly.
– Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 3, 2020
The Cubs plan to have a “controlled inter-squad” scrimmage tomorrow.
David Ross: “Our pitchers are ready to pitch live. There are up to three innings … There is no substitute for live looks.”
– Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) July 3, 2020
Ross: “Our pitchers are ready to pitch live.” He says it’s really impressive that they put themselves in that position. Beginners can now launch more than 3 entries.
– Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 3, 2020
I mean, if the headlines are already releasing three LIVE tickets this weekend, that would suggest that they should have no problem, in terms of arm readiness, to go more than 5 tickets for opening day (three weeks). The Cubs seem to be very happy with the way the arms have been kept fresh, and I have to admit, I’m a little surprised that they’re ready to go into live simulations.
Ah, also … can we have that game intrasquad on television tomorrow, or …?
As for José Quintana’s injury and aftermath, Ross did mention a few pitchers by name (although note that Adbert Alzolay is currently in South Bend, so they probably haven’t mentioned it):
Ross: “Q is a great loss”, but “I have some confidence” in Alec Mills. He has also received good comments on Colin Rea and Jharel Cotton.
– Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 3, 2020
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