Hoyer hopes Zobrist will take on-field role with Cubs
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has been talking to former Cub Ben Zobrist about a possible expanded role with the team, but had no details available Tuesday.
"He's done some things for the business side, some alumni-type stuff," Hoyer said prior to Tuesday's game. "He's wonderful. He's got a real fresh perspective on baseball, for a lot of reasons.
"I think his versatility gives him a really fresh perspective. He's a little bit more self-made than some guys. He's a switch-hitter. I don't think the game came as easy to him as some. He really grinded, he prepared unbelievably well. I think there's a lot of value in having him around."
Zobrist is an Illinois native, from Eureka, and started his college career at Olivet Nazarene in Kankakee. He spent 14 years in the majors, retiring in 2019. Of course, he'll always be a hero to Cubs fans for hitting the go-ahead RBI double in the 10th inning of Game 7 in the 2016 World Series.
"We haven't talked about a specific role, but I'd love to have him in spring training and have him around the guys," Hoyer said. "I do think it's a perspective and a career and a work ethic that is unique.
"If you could have a team of Ben Zobrists, I think it would be amazing. A switch-hitter that puts the ball in play, who can play all over the place, is well prepared every game. I think when you look around baseball, look at good teams, they usually have a guy or two like that."
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