Kipnis no longer has to hate ‘Go, Cubs, Go’
MESA, Ariz. — Here are three takeaways from Cubs spring training Saturday:
1. Jason Kipnis doesn’t have to hate ‘Go, Cubs, Go’ now.
Jason Kipnis admitted the experience of joining the Cubs was a little bittersweet — he grew up about 20 miles from Wrigley Field and then fell short of beating them in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series.
“But now I don’t have to hate the ‘Go, Cubs, Go’ song,” Kipnis quipped Saturday after nine seasons with the Indians. “I don’t have to cringe at looking at all these championship banners. It’s fun. It’s really exciting to be on this side. I’m going to enjoy it.”
Despite hitting 70 home runs in the last four seasons and earning two American League All-Star selections, the left-handed-hitting Kipnis settled for a minor-league contract that will pay him $1 million if he makes the majorleague roster.
“I’m about to be 33, and in this game apparently that’s very old,” said Kipnis, who earned $14.5 million last season. “I have to weigh in winning, and this was one of the better teams.”
Kipnis said he contacted Anthony Rizzo to ask why the Cubs fell short of expectations in 2019.
“He said maybe they didn’t do the best job of rebounding right away, brushing off some losses or put emphasis on all the games,” Kipnis said. “I think he knew it right away, so I didn’t have to say anything. They got a good core here. I’m well aware of that. They’re well aware of it too.
“I think these guys don’t know how many years they have together. There’s always trades and other stuff that plays into that, but I think they want to take advantage of the time they have together, and I think they’re looking to get this thing going.”
Kipnis attended both Cubs and White Sox games as a kid, but his family and friends were delighted he signed with the Cubs.
“I’ve got to earn a spot,” he said. “Nothing is given to me. It’s an invite with a chance to play, and I’ve got to seize that opportunity and I’m looking to come it.”
2. Kris Bryant will likely play multiple positions again.
Cubs manager David Ross has been extremely reluctant to discuss specifics of his roster, rotation or batting order.
But he couldn’t avoid responding to an inquiry about whether he will employ Kris Bryant at various positions, as predecessor Joe Maddon did for five seasons.
“We’re just letting him come in and take batting practice,” Ross said a few hours after Bryant arrived at spring training. KB is very valuable because he can move around for our team, yes. He’s definitely valuable to us in that way.”
Bryant played third base, first base, left field and right field last season and has played every position in his majorleague career but catcher, second base and pitcher.
3. David Ross is still working on his message to the team.
David Ross says he’ll end up devoting a large chunk of his time to Cubs pitchers and catchers.
“I wasn’t a great hitter,” he quipped. “I also don’t want to step on anyone’s toes.”
Ross will convey his thoughts to his coaching staff, but only to make sure the message is consistent.
“I don’t think I’ll be talking to Willson (Contreras) about his (pitch) framing,” Ross said. “That’s Craig Driver’s job.”
He has been involved early at spring training, hitting grounders to infielders and assisting in flip drills.
“Somebody has to do it,” Ross said. “I got no ego here. I don’t mind being the bucket boy. It’s all right. I’m about W’s. If someone needs balls to be fed to him, I’ll do that too. If someone needs a ball on the tee, I can do that as well.”