New battery, unhappy farewell and other notes from Cubs Convention
The return of the Cubs Convention featured plenty of players, prospects and alumni. That also means lots of leftovers, so here are some notes from the weekend:
• New pitcher Jameson Taillon told a story that might help explain why the Cubs wanted to sign veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart, a two-time Gold Glove winner.
"Tucker texted me a week ago while I was in Mexico," Taillon said. "I was on the beach drinking a margarita and he sends me a screen shot of all my scouting reports. He's like, 'Dude, I'm doing a deep dive on you right now.' I was like, 'We are not the same.'
"In all seriousness, seeing the care he has, when we're in the thick of a big game, that moment's going to be in the back of my mind. This guy cares for me, he's done his research, let's trust him and go with what he says."
• Speaking of catchers, one of the more unpopular moves of the offseason was the Cubs letting Willson Contreras walk away as a free agent and join archrival St. Louis. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer took a question about it from an annoyed fan.
"Ultimately we never quite lined up on where the right place was on a long deal," Hoyer said. "I'm excited about our team going forward. I don't wish him luck, because he's with the Cardinals, but I certainly wish him well as a person."
• One good sign among Cubs prospects was 2020 first-round pick Ed Howard walking normally around the hotel. The Mt. Carmel High School grad played just 23 games at Class A South Bend last season before suffering a hip injury and needing surgery.
"I've been running on the AlterG (antigravity treadmill), I started hitting on the field, taking ground balls and (will be) starting my running progression on land very soon," Howard said. "I think I'll be playing this season. I can't put a date on it, it's God's timing. When I get back on the field, I'll be ready to go."
Experiencing the Cubs Convention reminded Howard of the possibilities of being the rare hometown baseball star.
"It's electric. It excites me," Howard said of the convention. "Every single day I wake up and I think about the future and think about what can possibly be and I just work hard, that's all I can control."
• Pete-Crow Armstrong was named the Cubs' top prospect by MLB Pipeline this winter, but said he couldn't care less.
"I don't pay attention to it," he said. "I don't know when I get moved in the rankings, I don't really care."
By signing center fielder Cody Bellinger to a one-year deal, the Cubs seemed to be keeping a spot available for Crow-Armstrong in 2024. Los Angeles native Crow-Armstrong and former Dodger Bellinger met a few times in Southern California.
"He's a good dude," Crow-Armstrong said. "I only heard good things about him before I ever met him, then I got to meet him. He's going to be a good Cub."
Both players are known for defense. Crow-Armstrong said he prefers to watch and learn when it comes to a veteran's influence.
"I don't need to hear it as much, I want to see what he does," he said. "I like mirroring and applying. I'm really excited to seeing how he works defensively."
• Another top prospect coming off a significant injury is outfielder Brennen Davis, who missed time last season with a back injury. The current No. 2-rated prospect returned to Iowa late in the season, then cut short his Arizona Fall League experience.
"I had a little soreness. It made no sense to push through something after what I'd been through," Davis said. "(Now I'm) 100 percent, ready to roll."
• Two Cubs prospects may get a chance to play in the World Baseball Classic this spring. First baseman Matt Mervis is on the roster for Team Israel and outfielder Owen Caissie for Team Canada.
"I want to get out there and hopefully show Canadians can play," Caissie said.
Cubs legend Fergie Jenkins was the first Canada native to win the Cy Young Award and the first to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame. Caissie said he didn't talk to Jenkins at the convention because he didn't want to interrupt a conversation.
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