The old is out and it's time for new blood to lead the way. The Cubs' backstop wants the job. So come on in to Cub Tracks for more on Castillo's Great Expectations, young pitchers leaving impressions, building buzz, and the dog days of spring.
From Comcast SportsNet
- The old guard is gone, so the team is counting on new leaders to step up.
- (Video) Travis Wood knows he has to prove himself every year.
- The team doesn't think pressure gets to Edwin Jackson.
- The team has great expectations for Welington Castillo. I know we like "Beef" as a nickname, but how about "Gatsby?"
- Lower case kyle will love that the Cubs are getting an up-close look at Armando Rivero.
From Cubs Den
- A guest writer digs into the numbers with Travis Wood.
- Arodys Vizcaino is a wild card for the pitching staff this season and beyond.
From Cubs.com
- (Video) Rick Renteria talks about why he likes to throw BP.
- Eric Hinske brings a fresh approach to the Cubs' coaching staff.
- Welington Castillo's education includes examples of greatness.
- Meanwhile, fellow catcher George Kottaras is making sure the Brewers aren't the only squad with a dog at spring training. Kottaras' yellow lab, Leo, is now a mainstay at camp.
- Arodys Vizcaino has been impressive.
- Jose Veras is settling in to his role as closer and mentor.
From ESPNChicago.com
- Mike Olt is seeing just fine, thanks.
- Kyle Hendricks is doing a spring-training diary for ESPN. Think Jesse Rogers will take it personally if (when?) Hendricks' work is more well written?
- Javier Baez is continuing to build buzz with his towering home runs.
- Albert Almora answered his player mailbag and thinks he can be a leader.
- Several Cubs weighed in on the possibility of having a gay teammate.
From the Chicago Tribune
- Mark Gonzalez also answers the mail.
- Justin Ruggiano thinks it's an exciting time to be a Cubs' fan.
- (Video) Javier Baez takes BP.
From the Chicago Sun-Times
- A ban on home plate collisions could benefit the Cubs.
- Travis Wood wants to prove he wasn't just lucky last year.
From the Daily Herald
- Can Starlin Castro find success again?
Today's food for thought
- This tiny blue crystal could be the oldest thing on Earth.
