Cubs Spring Training In Full Bloom

By Rob Winn in News on Feb 20, 2014 7:10PM

Spring training is officially in full swing and Cubs owner Tom Ricketts has updated the faithful on the ongoing rooftop negotiations and hinted that his team could make the playoffs. Even if spring feels like it's months away in Chicago, it's nice to know a little optimism exists in Arizona.

Speaking of late arrivals, Starlin Castro finally arrived at the Cubs' brand new complex on Wednesday. After turning in the worst year of his career in 2013, with a .243 batting average and .284 on-base percentage, one would think he'd be eager to get back to work. However Castro claims he has been hard at work during the offseason. "I feel really strong. I worked really hard to prepare for this year. It's a really important year for me," he said when meeting the media.

This promises to be a pivotal year for Castro with the Cubs' top prospect Javier Baez inching towards the big leagues at shortstop. Everyone knows Castro can hit, even with his bad 2013 numbers, but it is the continual mental lapses that has fans and possibly the organization questioning whether he is a long-term pillar or someone they can move to make way for younger players.

As a touted talent developer, new manager Rick Renteria will look to limit Castro's errors. When speaking to the media he attempted to deflect early criticism by pointing out that many other veterans have made similar errors. He said, "It happens to the best of them. We just don't want it to happen as often."

The Cubs have not given any indication if Baez could replace Castro should he fail to evolve as a player, but Baez will see time at different positions in the infield as spring training kicks into gear.

Cubs owner Tom Ricketts gave his opening spring training talk Thursday, addressing the rooftop negotiations as well as his hopes for 2014. He believes the Cubs should have total control over renovations, saying "Ultimately you have to have control of your own outfield. We can't live for the next 100 years with this kind of situation. We have to know it's going to be over if we're going to invest in the park. That's the full story."

Either way, the amount time it has taken the Cubs to start full-scale renovations is laughable. The plan was announced at the Cubs Convention in January of 2013 and approved by the city council last year, as well. If they wish to hold any respect in this town (as much respect as the owner of a historically bad Cubs team is allowed), it's time for a deal.

Lastly, Ricketts hinted at a possible playoff berth, "I think we have a team right now that can go to the playoffs. We have a good, young nucleus. We have to have guys step up, but we have depth in our system." Honestly what is the guy supposed to say? Admit this team is as bad at winning baseball games as his organization is at negotiating with a few lousy neighbors?