Because of his time as a minor-league hitting instructor in the Angels organization, Cubs manager Joe Maddon thinks twice before giving Jason Heyward any tips directly.
"I attempt to not muddy the waters," said Maddon, who prefers to convey his messages through hitting coach John Mallee and assistant Eric Hinske.
Maddon’s main concern is consistency of message to Heyward, whose attempt to change his swing has prompted an avalanche of attention and advice.
"I’ve been around situations where too many guys want to be involved in this solution," Maddon said. "And they want to have the player eventually say, ‘Well, so-and-so, this guy helped me and I became good again.’ That is such a bad mindset to coach from.
"So it’s important to have department heads do their job."
Safe in Arizona: The Cubs must keep left-hander Caleb Smith on the major-league roster for the entire season (and on the 25-man roster for at least 90 days) or offer him back to the Yankees for half of the $50,000 Rule 5 draft price.
"I feel like I’m a way better situation than I was before," said Smith, who has a 3.40 ERA in four minor-league seasons. "Being looked at to be on a big-league roster is good."
Smith, 25, credits a switch from starter to reliever for an increase in his velocity to 95 mph. He maintained that velocity when he returned to Double-A Trenton at the end of 2016.
Smith also displayed a sharp slider that could prove effective against left-handers.
With the Yankees, Smith appreciated the chance to meet organizational legends such as Reggie Jackson and Derek Jeter and absorbed the wisdom they shared. But Smith has gained a quick liking to his first spring training in Arizona.
"It doesn’t rain as much as in Florida," Smith said.
Extra innings: The Cubs’ four returning starting pitchers — Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and John Lackey — will make their spring debuts starting next weekend, Maddon said. The exact dates and order hasn’t been announced. … Infielder Javier Baez said he will stay with the Cubs through March 7 before joining his team Puerto Rico teammates in preparation for the World Baseball Classic.
Caption Cubs manager Joe Maddon on World Series Game 7 and spring training
Cubs manager Joe Maddon on World Series Game 7 and spring training.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon on World Series Game 7 and spring training.
Caption Cubs manager Joe Maddon on World Series Game 7 and spring training
Cubs manager Joe Maddon on World Series Game 7 and spring training.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon on World Series Game 7 and spring training.
Caption Jason Heyward on level of comfort with new swing, support from Cubs
Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward discusses his comfort level with his new swing and the support from the organization on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward discusses his comfort level with his new swing and the support from the organization on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Mike Montgomery on his expected role with Cubs, first exhibition start
Cubs pitcher Mike Montgomery discusses his upcoming role with the team this season and reacts to his first exhibition outing in which he threw one scoreless inning on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs pitcher Mike Montgomery discusses his upcoming role with the team this season and reacts to his first exhibition outing in which he threw one scoreless inning on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Manager Joe Maddon on the Cubs’ first games, at-bats and lineups
Manager Joe Maddon talks about the Cubs’ first games, at-bats and lineups. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Manager Joe Maddon talks about the Cubs’ first games, at-bats and lineups. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer on Pedro Strop’s contract extension
Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer discusses the contract extension of reliever Pedro Strop on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer discusses the contract extension of reliever Pedro Strop on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
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