April 25, 2015 CSNChicago.com Cubs see Jon Lester trending in the right direction By Tony Andracki Has Jon Lester turned a corner with the Cubs? The $155-million ace wasn't willing to go that far after Friday night's outing against the Reds, but he and the Cubs saw some positive signs that could point to a turnaround. Lester picked up a no-decision in the 11-inning 7-3 Cubs win, but did collect his first quality start with the new team, going six innings and allowing three runs on five hits and a walk. He struck out 10 while throwing 104 pitches, lowering his ERA (6.23) and WHIP (1.57) in the process. That's a step up from his first three starts, in which he gave up 12 earned runs and 24 hits in 15.2 innings. "His last two innings were his best," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "I keep saying - it's getting better, better, better. It's trending in the right direction. He felt really good. I think he had a lot of fun tonight, which is a good thing." Lester got out to a rough start, surrendering a single to Reds speed demon Billy Hamilton to lead off the first inning. Hamilton immediately stole second, scooted to third on a wild pitch and then scored on a Joey Votto groundout. It was Hamilton again in the third, who led off with another single, stole second and third and then scored on a Brandon Phillips groundout. But Lester settled in after that, allowing only a solo run in the fourth - on a sacrifice fly by Cincinnati shortstop Zack Cozart - and retired the final nine hitters he faced. "After about the second inning, I got in a little better rhythm," Lester said. "Kept some guys off the bases. That's been kind of the thing that's been plaguing me - just the continued baserunners. "It was a lot better. Had a better feel for my cutter tonight. I'm learning. New league, new faces, new guys, kind of figuring it out as we go and keep adjusting." Lester was sidelined for part of spring training with a "dead arm" period and Maddon believes that has played a factor in the southpaw's slow start. The Cubs manager also admitted Lester may have been feeling some pressure from the megadeal he signed as a free agent over the winter. Lester said he has gotten back on the right track by focusing on the task at hand, instead of looking at the past start or the next outing coming up.

"It's a work in progress," he said. "It's a constant adjustment for me right now. We'll take what I did five days ago into today and what I did today into the next one and we'll just keep building. -- CSNChicago.com Cardiac Cubs come through again with another extra-innings win By Tony Andracki The Cubs are starting to feel right at home playing in close games. The Cubs pulled out another nail-biter Friday night in Cincinnati, coming from behind to take down the Reds 7-3 in 11 innings in front of 39,891 fans at Great American Ballpark. A couple of unlikely heroes emerged in the 11th inning, as utility infielder Jonathan Herrera lined a base hit to right field to plate Anthony Rizzo before David Ross added a two-run double and Travis Wood drove in another run with a broken-bat groundout. "That's what we need," Rizzo said. "That's what every good team has - every given day, all 25 guys can contribute." The Cubs are establishing an identity as a group that keeps fighting late in games, never counting themselves out of a contest. Friday was another example and led to good spirits in the locker room after a three-hour, 48-minute game. "I've always really thought highly of a team that can win in extra innings on the road," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "That really indicates you are totally focused and into the game in its entirety. "That's always been my measuring stick of a good team and we showed that tonight." Hector Rondon shut down the Reds in the bottom of the 11th to cap off an impressive performance for the Cubs relievers - hurling five scoreless innings with six strikeouts, pitching around six baserunners (three hits, three walks). Jon Lester didn't factor in the decision, but he did pick up his first quality start as a Cub, albeit with the absolute minimum requirements. The lefty ace gave up three runs on five hits and a walk in six innings while striking out 10. But he couldn't keep Reds speedster Billy Hamilton off base, who singled and scored a run in the first and third innings, stealing three bases in the process. "A good team win tonight, battling back," Lester said. "Seems like you continually give these guys chances to score runs and they're going to do it. That's a positive sign for us as pitchers that we can make mistakes, but at the same time, these guys will come back and pick us up like they did tonight." Rizzo keyed the offensive charge early for the Cubs with a two-run homer in the fourth inning and added a double, a walk and a stolen base before singling with one out in the 11th. Chris Coghlan also hit a home run, a solo shot to the opposite field in the seventh to tie the game at 3. Kris Bryant went 2-for-4 with a walk, a run and a stolen base as the back end of a double-steal with Rizzo in the ninth. The Cubs are now 3-0 in extra innings games in 2015. --

CSNChicago.com Cubs: Bryant, Stanton and the popularity of power prospects By Tony Andracki It's hard to imagine any prospect getting more fanfare than Kris Bryant got before his MLB debut last week. Cubs outfielder Chris Coghlan would agree, even after watching Giancarlo Stanton make his debut in 2010 as a baseball-crushing 20-year-old. Stanton debuted with the then-Florida Marlins just 10 days before Coghlan's 25th birthday, the year after Coghlan took home the National League Rookie of the Year Award. In Coghlan's eyes, the hype for Bryant was on another level, even though Stanton - a consensus Top 5 prospect leading into 2010 - was demolishing balls at almost the same rate as the Cubs' young slugger. "When Stanton came up, it was a huge deal," Coghlan said. "It was like, 'Hey, this dude hit 40-something homers,' same thing as Kris. "But when Kris came up, it was like a whole different planet. I mean, he's on ESPN and everywhere. So he has to deal with a lot of those pressures." The entire baseball world had been waiting on Bryant's call-up for what seemed like an eternity after the game's top prospect led all of professional baseball with 43 homers in 2014 and then again in spring training with nine longballs. The media helped play up Bryant-mania, but there were so many other factors, from the popularity of social media to the lack of power and offense in the game today. Stanton hit 39 homers in 2008 as an 18-year-old playing in A-ball, but the world was a different place back then. Minor-league home runs weren't broadcast on Twitter and nobody was asking the Marlins prospect to star in commercials before even taking an at-bat in the big leagues. Bryant filmed a Red Bull commercial just days before his promotion and the 23-year-old may be a huge motivation for changing the service time quota in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement. But even with all the hoopla surrounding Bryant, Coghlan thinks it's only a matter of time before another prospect comes along and demands even more attention. "In five years, there's gonna be some new guy that's going to be even more hyped than Kris was," Coghlan said. "Because that's just the way the game has evolved with social media and everything. "People didn't used to be that big as prospects. Fans didn't know prospects. There was no draft on TV. The game just keeps evolving like that." -- Chicago Tribune Jon Lester, Jonathan Herrera give Cubs plenty to celebrate By Mark Gonzales The post-game celebration late Friday night could be heard outside the visitor’s clubhouse at Great American Ball Park and was reminiscent of a football team winning a playoff game. The Cubs toasted role player Jonathan Herrera with a beer shower as well as feel more confident after left-handed ace Jon Lester struck out 10 in six innings in easily his best performance of the season.

“Here’s Johnny,” manager Joe Maddon quipped in his Ed McMahon tone in reference to Herrera, whose single in the top of the 10th inning snapped a 3-3 tie and fueled a four-run rally that enabled the Cubs to pull away to a 7-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Once again, the Cubs’ depth was stretched so far that Lester (who is 0-for-44 lifetime) was allowed to bat with two out in the seventh inning of a tie game after throwing 104 pitches, and pitcher Travis Wood was used as a pinch-hitter in the 11th. But it was Herrera who came off the bench in the ninth inning but saved his best at-bat for the 11th and was greeted with a beer shower after the game for his heroics. “Even when he wasn’t playing or on the bench talking, he was always upbeat,” Maddon said of Herrera’s demeanor in spring training. ‘He didn’t know about his status (as a non-roster invitee), and he didn’t ask about his status. He just kept doing his job. “This guy is a real professional. He’s totally exhibited that. He has the ability to play a variety of positions and works good at-bats. When he’s one of the guys on the bench, you feel good about him. You ask to put him out there, he’s going to be ready.” And Herrera, who played for the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox, appreciates his opportunity with the Cubs. “It makes you feel so comfortable when you have a manager like that who gives an opportunity to everyone on the bench,” said Herrera, whose insertion at third base in the ninth caused Kris Bryant to move to left field for the final three innings. Even Lester, who has a 3-0 record in the World Series and two rings with the Red Sox, enjoys the post-game victory celebrations. “It’s good,” Lester said. “It’s loose. I think especially for guys that haven’t won a lot, it’s good. For guys who have won a lot, it’s good. It’s fun. It makes you forget about the grind. It makes you have fun and smile and enjoy it. Sometimes people don’t’ understand how hard it is to win a game in the big leagues. “So for us to come in here and celebrate each one of them like it’s our last, it’s a good feeling when we come in here and win. Even when we lose, guys are upbeat about it. We had our chances but didn’t come through. It’s a good feeling to have when guys are loose, have fun and enjoy it. it gives everyone a chance to relax and play the game.” Lester credited an altering of a previous game plan and overall sharpness for his improvement from the last time he faced the Reds on April 13, when he allowed six runs on 10 hits in six innings and received no decision. Lester allowed only five hits this time, and he struck out 10, including four of the final five batters he faced on an array of pitches. “I’m learning,” Lester said. “I’m a visual guy. When I get to see how guys approach me, how they take swings off me, I think you learn. You get information. So it’s a work in progress. It’s a constant adjustment for me right now. And we’ll take what I did five days ago into (Friday), and (Friday) into the next one and keep building. There’s still room for improvement. I think the strikeouts stand out, so that gives it a better result than what the outing actually was. There’s always room for improvement, and we’ll keep learning.” So will rookie Addison Russell, who was 0-for-5 with four strikeouts and now has 10 strikeouts in 18 at-bats. Russell admitted he was baffled by the late movement on Mike Leake’s fastball to both sides of the plate that resulted in two called third strikes. But Russell made up for his offensive woes with two exceptional defensive plays at second base. Russell made a diving stop near second and fired to retire speedy Billy Hamilton for the first out of the fifth. It also marked the first inning that the leadoff batter didn’t reach safely against Lester.

“I knew who was batting, and I had to spit it out quickly,” Russell said. Reliever Pedro Strop was unavailable because of a foot infection, but Strop said he should be available to pitch Saturday. -- Chicago Tribune As Kris Bryant service time issue recedes, Scott Boras tempers rhetoric By Paul Sullivan Love him or hate him, Scott Boras will have a say in future of Cubs and White Sox. Chicago rookies Kris Bryant and Carlos Rodon share the most controversial agent in baseball. The futures of the Cubs and White Sox aren't in the hands of one agent, but rest assured we'll be hearing a lot from Scott Boras before Kris Bryant and Carlos Rodon reach free agency after the 2021 season. The two prominent prospects made their major-league debuts four days apart on opposite sides of Chicago within the last nine days, and are cornerstone pieces of their respective franchises. Boras is so famous his entourage has its own entourages, and he’s equally despised by fans, owners and fellow agents. But his clients love him, and no matter what your opinion, Boras is going to be in Cubs and Sox news for a while, and what he advises Bryant and Rodon may determine whether they stick around for years or test the free agent waters after seven seasons. During an interview at U.S. Cellular Field last week, Boras said he doesn’t view himself as a “lightning rod,” even after fueling the heated debate over whether Bryant should start the season with the Cubs. "My job is to clarify things," Boras said. "When the commissioner says (Bryant's status is none of my business), I don't agree with it, and the union doesn't agree with it. When the commissioner says it's none of our business to represent a player as an attorney … that's why I sent him (former union head) Marvin Miller's book. I said 'Apparently you didn't read this.'" The vast majority of Cubs fans I heard from disagreed, saying the team had the right to start Bryant out at Triple-A Iowa and 12 days at Iowa was worth an extra year of rights for the organization. Boras knows this, too. "Sitting a lot in the ballpark for a couple of days, I heard a lot from Cubs fans," he said, laughing. Boras spoke to Cubs' President Theo Epstein, general manager Jed Hoyer and Chairman Tom Ricketts during Bryant's debut weekend, but said there were no discussions of the service time issue he had been harping about during spring training. Now that Bryant is up, Boras said he didn't want to rekindle the debate, though he believes changes in the collective bargaining agreement are necessary. "Without mentioning any (specific) players, it's a huge problem for Major League Baseball when everyone knows that a talent belongs in this league and is not in the league," he said. "I've said all I need to say about it. I think in collective bargaining we have to remedy that issue. Obviously there is an integrity side for the sport, a players' rights issue and there are clubs taking the clubs as they are and using them. We have to take that formula and re-visit it." Commissioner Rob Manfred disagreed and basically told Boras to butt out this spring.

"I know," Boras said. "There's nothing in the collective bargaining agreement that supports anything he had to say about that. There's no codified right that says clubs can unilaterally determine their rosters in violation of CBA principles. "The CBA says you have to act in accordance with good faith and fair dealing. When you're talking about choosing the best players for the best team, and then saying 10 or 12 days later I'm going to put my best roster together later, I don't think any of that is good for baseball. To say there is a mandated right? There is none." Bryant aside, Boras said he agreed with the Sox's decision to start Rodon out at Triple-A Charlotte, and says he has a good relationship with GM Rick Hahn. It always hasn't been hunky-dory between the Sox and Boras. "I do not expect to sign any Scott Boras clients," former White Sox GM Ken Williams said after the 2004 season. "Let's just say that we both respectfully agree to disagree on the value of his players." So it's good that Boras and the Sox are talking again? "Quite frankly, I always got along with Kenny OK," Boras said. "I don't expect teams to agree with me on values or performance evaluations or whatever. … Rick did a great job in getting (Rodon) under wraps. We both agreed on who he was and we both agreed he was going to be a major-leaguer this year. That allowed us to get a deal done." Rodon says he knows whatever Boras advises will be in his best interests, including starting out in the Sox bullpen. "He's the best agent," Rodon said. "He's a bulldog kind of guy, kind of like me. When you're doing something that's going to affect your future, you pick the best. He has been through this a couple of times. I trust him." Papi vs. Palmer: Back in the day, the beef between Red Sox designated-hitter David Ortiz and Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer could have been settled with a variety of competitive events like bowling, tennis and track on "Battle of the Network Stars." But the two fan favorites of Boston and Baltimore, respectively, were going at it last week over a tweet Palmer made from his couch after Ortiz was kicked out of an Orioles-Red Sox game for disputing a checked swing strike. Palmer, an Orioles analyst sent a tweet that read: "FINALLY, Ortiz gets tossed. #disrespectful #zipitOrtiz Asked about Palmer's tweet, Ortiz was unhappy, (or unhappier than usual). "That's how he wants to get respect from us?" Ortiz said. "Is that how he wants me to respect him? It's not going to happen. I thought that he was one of my guys. All of a sudden now he's killing me, huh? I guess anyone who wants to get famous or make some noise comes to Papi, right?" No one explained to Ortiz that Palmer already is famous. Palmer told the Baltimore Sun he has "great admiration" for Ortiz, but believed he should have shown some restraint. "I saw 'Yaz' (Carl) Yastrzemski, Jim Rice …" he said. "I've seen some of the greatest Red Sox ever and I played against them. Never saw one of them do that. It was a tight game." The shame is that Howard Cosell isn't around to do the blow-by-blow. -- Chicago Tribune Jon Lester and offense deliver a bit extra in 11-inning victory over Reds By Mark Gonzales

CINCINNATI — The arm strength and sharpness were what the Cubs envisioned in the winter. Now if Jon Lester can find a way to solve Billy Hamilton, the Cubs can feel even better about their high-priced ace. The speedy Hamilton's two hits, three stolen bases and two runs scored were almost the only blemishes on Lester's performance Friday night. He was long gone when Jonathan Herrera hit a tiebreaking single in the 11th that sparked a four-run rally for a 7-3 victory over the Reds. David Ross provided insurance with a two-run double near the top of the wall in right-center. The Cubs had missed a chance to go ahead in the ninth off flame-throwing Reds closer Aroldis Chapman after pulling off a double steal with one out. Starlin Castro struck out on a 101 mph shoulder-high fastball, and Ross hit a feeble foul pop to third. Facing the Reds for the second time in as many weeks, Lester was more effective, even though he weaved in and out of traffic in three of his first four innings. Relying on a 93 mph fastball and a sharp breaking pitch, Lester struck out a season-high 10. Any lingering questions about the "dead arm" phase Lester experienced in spring training were diminished as he threw a season-high 104 pitches in six innings. He retired the final nine batters he faced, including four of the final five on strikeouts. Lester worked out of a jam in the first by striking out Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce in succession, and he whiffed both on off-speed pitches in the sixth. Because the Cubs are short-handed on the bench while carrying 13 pitchers, Lester batted in the seventh (and struck out) before being pulled before the bottom half. The only lingering issue is Lester's inability to prevent stolen bases since switching to the National League. He tried to disrupt Hamilton's timing by holding the ball longer from the stretch position, but Hamilton stole second on the first pitch to Joey Votto in the first and ended up scoring on a grounder after advancing to third on a wild pitch. After singling in the third, Hamilton stole second and third before scoring on a grounder by Phillips. Fortunately for Lester, he escaped without a decision when Chris Coghlan led off the seventh with a game-tying home run on an 0-2 pitch from Reds starter Mike Leake, who struck out nine in seven innings thanks to a tailing fastball to both corners of the plate. Leake retired the first nine batters before the Cubs broke through on Anthony Rizzo's game-tying two-run homer in the fourth. The Cubs missed a chance to add more when Hamilton robbed Castro of a go-ahead extra-base hit by making a running catch in right-center to end the fourth. Before the game, Cubs manager Joe Maddon elaborated on his thoughts that players don't want to be embarrassed or let their teammates down, adding that veterans and even Hall of Famers have doubted their abilities on occasion. "I'm a believer in the length of the season and know (Lester) is going to keep getting better with good health," Maddon said. "It's just him getting more comfortable. I really do believe the interrupted spring training bothered him a bit." --

Chicago Tribune Friday's recap: Cubs 7, Reds 3 By Mark Gonzales The summary The Cubs and Reds wore throwback uniforms Friday night to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Reds' 1990 World Series title. But it was the Cubs who celebrated as Jonathan Herrera snapped a 3-3 tie in the 11th inning with an RBI single that fueled a four-run rally for a 7-3 victory at the Great American Ball Park. At the plate Mike Leake retired the first nine Cubs batters with plenty of movement on his fastball. On the mound Jon Lester struck out a season-high 10 batters through six innings, but Billy Hamilton caused havoc with two singles, three stolen bases and two runs scored against him. In the field The Cubs positioned rookie Addison Russell to play deep at second base, and it paid off when he made a diving stop and strong throw to retire the speedy Hamilton in the fifth. Key number .818 — Chris Coghlan's career batting average against Leake. The quote "It's not just about (Lester). It's our starters, in general, getting a little bit deeper into games is all we need to get on a nice roll." — Cubs manager Joee Maddon. Up next At Reds 12:10 p.m. Saturday; ABC-7. -- Chicago Tribune Kris Bryant hopes service time controversy will result in change By Mark Gonzales CINCINNATI — Although Kris Bryant gave vague answers, the Cubs' phenom would like some form of a resolution on the controversy surrounding his assignment to Triple A before the regular season and his promotion that was delayed enough to cost him a year of free agency until after the 2021 season. "That would be the best way to handle it," Bryant said Friday. "Both sides get on the same page and figure out all that stuff." As Kris Bryant service time issue recedes, Scott Boras tempers rhetoric Bryant's comments came after a CBS Sports story reported the Major League Baseball Players Association is considering filing a grievance on behalf of Bryant, who wasn't promoted until April 17 so this season doesn't count toward his eligibility for free agency.

Many observers believe the Cubs purposely sent him down after a sterling spring training just to keep him under their control an added season, as per the letter of MLB's collective bargaining agreement with the players union. Bryant, 23, who is living up to his billing as the top prospect in the game with a .360 batting average in his first seven games with the Cubs, admitted he needed more information before elaborating on his options. He seemed lukewarm to welcoming the MLBPA pursuing a grievance on his behalf. "(The union's) entitled to what they're supposed to do," Bryant said. "For me, I'm just supposed to be on the field and be worried about what I do there. I'm not worried about the stuff off the field. I'm here to the help the team win now, so I'm having fun with it. If (the union's) there to do a job, them I'm here to do a job, too.'' Bryant didn't know details of agent Scott Boras' idea of appointing a panel to decide grievances involving players alleged to have been sent to the minors before the start of the season for non-baseball reasons, but "I do think something should change in the next CBA." Long and short: In an apparent effort to help with his transition to a new position, rookie Addison Russell has been playing deeper at second base. "Even though I'm at second base, it still feels like I'm at shortstop a bit because of how deep I'm playing," said Russell, who continues to talk with coach Gary Jones about both positions. "It doesn't feel like I'm so far (away).'' -- Chicago Sun-Times Cubs win in 11; big-money ace Jon Lester 'trending in the right direction' By Gordon Wittenmyer CINCINNATI – He didn’t get the win. Didn’t even pitch with a lead. But for all his trouble containing one of the top base stealers in baseball early in the game, the Cubs’ Jon Lester eventually found a semblance of his big-money groove Friday night in Cincinnati – contributing to a 7-4, 11-inning victory over the Reds. The bullpen pitched well, and Anthony Rizzo had a big night, including a two-run homer and the one-out hit that started the winning rally in the 11th. But the story was Lester for what that start — at least the finish to it – might mean for what comes next this season. “Jonny’s our horse. He’s the man,” Rizzo said. “And whenever he pitches we expect to win. We need to win for him. It carries over to the whole pitching staff. It was nice to play behind him tonight. It was fun.” The veteran lefty the Cubs promised $155 million over the next six years survived a heavy pitch count early to eventually retire the last nine batters he faced for his first quality start of the season. It allowed him to hand a 3-3 game off to a bullpen that got it through extra innings, where the Cubs broke out for a walk and four hits, including a go-ahead single by Jonathan Herrera and David Ross’ two-run double. “I keep saying better, better, better, better,” manager Joe Maddon said. “It’s trending in the right direction. I think he had a lot of fun tonight, which is a good thing. “If we can get him out of the chute hot and just build off that, he’s going to really pitch [in a groove].” Lester’s six-inning labor wasn’t exactly a gem, especially after watching Billy Hamilton turn a pair of singles into a pair of runs with his legs during a three-inning start to his night that cost him 60 pitches.

“After probably about the second inning, I got into a little better rhythm and kept some guys off the bases,” he said. “That’s kind of been the thing that’s been plaguing me is just the continued base runners.” When facing the Reds 11 days earlier, Hamilton wasn’t even in the lineup because of a finger injury. This time he singled in the first, stole second on the next pitch, took third on a wild pitch and scored on a grounder. In the third, he led off with another single, stole second two pitches later, then after Joey Votto struck out, stole third on the first pitch to Todd Frazier. He eventually scored again on another grounder. Lester didn’t throw to a base during the start, although he stepped off the rubber a few times to look runners back. In Hamilton’s case, the big difference was he didn’t reach base again, in no small part to a spectacular play at second by rookie Addison Russell, who dove to his right and threw as he leaped to his feet. “It was a lot better,” Lester said. “I got a better feel for my cutter tonight, was able to mix some off-speed pitches, which is obviously key against this team. I’m learning. I’m learning. New league, new faces, new guys. Kind of figuring it out as we go.” Lester said his season-high 10 strikeouts were a good sign but also made the outing look better than it might have been. Seeing the Reds for the second time might have been as big as anything. “I’m a visual guy, so when I get to see how guys approach me, how they take swings off me, you learn. I get information,” he said. “It’s a work in progress. It’s a constant adjustment for me right now. We’ll keep building. There’s room for improvement and we’re going to keep making adjustments.” Lester reached 93 mph, mixed speeds and struck middle-order guys Votto, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce twice each. The way he finished, including strikeouts of five of the last seven he faced, finally offered a glimpse of the vision Maddon talked about heading into Lester’s fourth start as a Cub. A vision of what a Cubs team might look like once its new ace started pitching like one. “Believe me I’ve thought about that,” Maddon said. “What’s it going to look like? I just think we can continue to anticipate better.” They were 8-7 despite a three-start Cubs debut by Lester that added up to a 6.89 ERA and .353 opponents average. Even before Friday’s start, Lester seemed confident he was on the right track – physically strong, back to full capacity after missing a start in spring training because of a “dead arm” period. “Usually it takes me a while anyway to get my velocity, consistent velocity,” he said. “Everything’s – obviously, other than the results – is right in a good spot. I think everything’s right in line to continue to get better as we progress through the year.” PEN NOTE — The struggling bullpen put together five scoreless innings from five relievers despite the unavailability of eighth-inning ace Pedro Strop. Strop was treated for a foot infection the team hopes will be well enough by Saturday to have Strop back in the mix. -- Chicago Sun-Times Bryant grievance still possible, but more likely a union bargaining issue By Gordon Wittenmyer CINCINNATI – The Kris Bryant service-time saga isn’t over.

Whether the players’ union eventually files a grievance on the Cub rookie’s behalf – and that’s still in play, according to sources – the issue is certain to be raised during upcoming negotiations on a new labor contract, say several close to the union, including Cubs’ player rep Jake Arrieta. As for a potential grievance, nothing is imminent, and Bryant said he hasn’t been contacted by the union about any possible action. His agent, Scott Boras, has said repeatedly, including this week in Pittsburgh, that the filing of any grievance up to the union. “They’re entitled to do what they’re supposed to do,” Bryant said Friday. “I’m not worried about the stuff off the field. I’m here to help the team win now. They’re there to do a job, and I’m here to do a job.” He said he doesn’t know what he would say if the union called to ask for his consent or blessing to seek a grievance over the 12 days he spent in the minors to start the season – a move that assures club control for an additional year (through 2021) before he would be eligible for free agency. Not even union members and officials believe such a grievance would necessarily succeed. In fact, it’s never been tried over what has become a routine industry practice of manipulating early-career service time to prevent an extra year of arbitration-eligibility for a player or assure the club an additional year of control. Union officials declined comment Friday. When Bryant was sent out of big-league camp in March, the union released a statement blasting the move and threatening litigation. “I think they’re just maybe spinning their wheels a little bit,” said Arrieta, another Scott Boras client, who had his service-time clock backed up twice to avoid Super 2 status – by both the Orioles and the Cubs. “The rules are the rules. The team has the ability to do that based on what we agreed upon. I think that’s the extent of it right there.” The union would need to establish a laundry list of “evidence” to demonstrate the Cubs violated some kind of intent or spirit of the rules in their decision to start Bryant in the minors despite arguably the best spring performance of any hitter in baseball this spring – such as the timing of Mike Olt’s DL move, the fact they made the rare move to bat Bryant cleanup since Day 1 in the majors, the fact their rationale of needing work in the field was mitigated by their willingness to play him in center field (twice) for the first time in pro ball. And even then, the language in the collective bargaining agreement would seem to clearly cover the actions. “Regardless of the reasons, that’s all hearsay really,” Arrieta said. “There’s no way to prove that really, by any means. And I don’t necessarily think anything really needs to be proven.” Ultimately, the rules are the rules. And in the end, that’s the obvious bigger point to all the posturing. According to several conversations with people familiar with the union’s thinking, such an unprecedented grievance could be used in part as a way to keep the issue in the forefront as CBA talks begin in the next year. The current agreement expires at the end of 2016. “I think it’ll be brought to the table for sure,” Arrieta said. “For me, you want your 25 best players on the field. And that should be the determining factor.” When the Sun-Times asked baseball commissioner Rob Manfred about the Bryant issue during an Associated Press Sports Editors event Thursday, he didn’t pretend the Cubs’ decision was anything but a service-time issue – and made it clear MLB’s position is that such rights are ironclad. “The Cubs acted in a way that was completely consistent with their rights under the agreement,” Manfred said. “Moreover, it is my view having been involved in multiple rounds of collective bargaining where this was discussed that everyone on our side of the table and their side of the table understood that we negotiated a system that was seniority-based and has lines in it that alter the rights of the parties. Whenever you have a seniority-based system with lines, people are going to manage around those lines.”

Boras said he believes one solution to the issue would be to appoint a panel of “unbiased” evaluators (ex-managers, scouts, players, etc.) to decide the rare cases when a potentially deserving player is denied a big-league debut on the opening roster. Of course, that has less of a chance at success on its face than a Bryant grievance. “I don’t know the best way to go about doing that,” Bryant said, “but I do think something should change in the next CBA. … But I don’t really care to speak on that anymore. That’s in the past.” -- Chicago Sun-Times Ex-teammates defend former Cub Jeff Samardzija's actions Thursday By Gordon Wittenmyer CINCINNATI – Lorenzo Cain and the Kansas City Royals may not have appreciated their time with Jeff Samardzija recently, but ex-teammates in the Cubs’ clubhouse had the White Sox right-hander’s back the day after his Thursday night fight card at the Cell. “It was a situation where things got out of line, and guys are going to stick up for their teammates. That’s the bottom line,” said Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta. “Samardzija’s a guy who won’t really take any crap from anybody. I love that about him.” Samardzija was in the middle of the bench-clearing incident started by Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura and Sox outfielder Adam Eaton. After the initial pushing match seemed to subside, Samardzija seemed to get angry all over again, and he carried the fight to Cain, the Royals center fielder, into foul territory. “Maybe somebody said something to him to make him react like that,” Cubs closer Hector Rondon said. “He probably had a good reason to do that. And he’s a tough guy. A really tough guy.” Samardzija and Cain have history going back at least to Opening Day, when Samardzija hit two Royals with pitches, including Cain. Whatever sparked the extended fireworks, former Cub teammates aren’t blaming Samardzija for defending his team. “That’s the way we are here,” Arrieta said. “That’s just kind of the end result of a situation where guys have each others’ backs.” Samardzija, Cain and Ventura were among the five players ejected and face likely suspensions. -- Cubs.com Herrera proves he's ready for anything with go-ahead single By Carrie Muskat CINCINNATI -- This spring, manager Joe Maddon wasn't quite sure what to expect from Jonathan Herrera, and he's discovering that the utility player is ready for anything. In his first at-bat of the game, Herrera delivered a tie-breaking RBI single to highlight the Cubs' four-run 11th in a 7-3 come-from-behind win over the Reds on Friday night. The Cubs had runners at first and second with one out when Herrera, who entered defensively in the ninth, connected on a changeup from Burke Badenhop.

"I was telling myself to stay back a little more and try to hit the ball somewhere where nobody can catch it," said Herrera, now 4-for-7 with runners in scoring position this season. "You need to prepare yourself for the situation," Herrera said. "I'm here to be in those situations. I'm ready for those situations." The Cubs had signed Herrera to a Minor League contract in December, about a month after Maddon was hired as the Cubs' manager. "The thing I really appreciated about him in Spring Training, because I actually focused on this, was that even when he wasn't playing or was on the bench, he was always upbeat," Maddon said. "He didn't know his status, didn't ask about his status, but kept coming out and doing his job. "I didn't know him that well," Maddon said. "I thought, 'This guy is a true professional.' He has totally exhibited that. He's got the ability to play a variety of positions. He's a pro, man. When he's one of the guys on the bench, you feel good about it because you know when you ask him to go out there, he'll be ready." The Cubs didn't have any position players left on the bench when the 11th inning ended. Maddon had to call upon pitcher Travis Wood to pinch-hit, and he delivered a run-scoring groundout. So far, it's been a 25-man effort. "When the [11th] inning began, I said, 'Let's get Johnny up there,'" Maddon said. "Johnny came through. Here's Johnny." Herrera, who played for the Rockies from 2008-13 and was in 42 games with the Red Sox last year, will do whatever Maddon asks. "It makes you feel so comfortable when you have a manager who gives opportunities to everybody on the bench," Herrera said. "He uses everybody. We appreciate that and feel really good about that." -- Cubs.com Lester improves, strikes out 10 against Reds By Carrie Muskat CINCINNATI -- Jon Lester has had to do a crash course on the National League, and on Friday, his studying skills paid off. The Cubs lefty did not get a decision in the 7-3, 11-inning win over the Reds, but he had his best outing to date, striking out a season-high 10 batters over six innings. "The thing that's been plaguing me is the continued baserunners," Lester said. "I got a better feel for my cutter tonight and was able to make some offspeed pitches, which is obviously key against this team. I'm learning. New league, new faces, new guys. I'm kind of figuring it out as we go and keep adjusting." This was Lester's fourth start, and he has yet to get a win with the Cubs. Perhaps the problem is that he's trying too hard? "I wouldn't think anybody's exempt from that," manager Joe Maddon said. "The word 'pressure' is utilized a lot of times. It's not wanting to let people down. I've talked about how Major League players don't want to be embarrassed, and they don't want to let anybody down. I think those are the two major thoughts or feelings we all have. You never want to let your teammates down and you never want to embarrass yourself.

"Regardless of how many years and how good they are, I promise you I've been around veterans, Hall of Famers, and I could not believe the conversations I was listening to," Maddon said. "We all doubt ourselves at different moments." Bottom line, the Cubs are simply trying to get Lester more comfortable and, therefore, more effective. The lefty faced the Reds on April 13 and was charged with six runs on 10 hits over six innings. On Friday, he held Cincinnati to three runs on five hits. "I'm a visual guy," Lester said. "When I get to see how guys approach me, and see how they take swings off me, and so forth and so on, you learn. I get information. It's a work in progress. It's a constant adjustment for me right now." -- Cubs.com Herrera drives in go-ahead run as Cubs win in 11th By Carrie Muskat and Mark Sheldon CINCINNATI -- A four-run top of the 11th inning gave the Cubs a 7-3 victory over the Reds on Friday, their fifth game won in their final at-bat in 16 games overall. Jonathan Herrera delivered the go-ahead run with an RBI single. It was a 3-3 game in the top of the 11th when struggling Reds reliever Burke Badenhop gave up three straight one-out singles. Anthony Rizzo started the rally with a lined single to center field that was stopped on the short-hop by a diving Billy Hamilton. Kris Bryant followed with a single up the middle before Herrera, who entered the game defensively in the ninth inning, came through with a lined RBI single to right field. David Ross drove in two more runs with a double to the right-field wall before pinch-hitter Travis Wood drove in another run on a comebacker off of Badenhop's glove that left him with only a play to first base. Cubs reliever Jason Motte earned the victory after he survived a bases-loaded rally in the bottom of the 10th when Jay Bruce popped out. The Reds were 0-for-14 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base. "A lot of times we were in the middle of our lineup, and we just weren't able to get the big knock," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "We had the guys up that you'd want in that situation. Tonight wasn't our night to get it done. We're going to have to fight the next couple of days to win the series." MOMENTS THAT MATTERED Missed chances, galore: The Reds were held scoreless over the final seven innings after having leads of 2-0 and 3-2 in the game. There certainly were no shortage of chances. In the eighth inning with runners on first and second and no outs, Brandon Phillips grounded into a double play and Bruce struck out. In the 10th after Phillips walked vs. Motte to load the bases, Bruce went into a 0-2 count before hitting a weak foul pop near third base for the rally-killing out. Lester on the mound: The Cubs needed Lester to go deep to avoid having to go to the bullpen too early. The lefty set season highs with 104 pitches and 10 strikeouts over six innings. This was his second career start vs. the Reds and first ever at Great American Ball Park. He might have enjoyed it more if not for Hamilton. "I got a better feel for my cutter tonight and was able to make some offspeed pitches, which is obviously key against this team," Lester said. "I'm learning. New league, new faces, new guys." No-decision for Leake: Coming off of a complete-game start on Sunday at St. Louis, Reds starter Mike Leake turned in another quality start vs. the Cubs. Leake gave up three earned runs and four hits over seven innings with one walk and nine strikeouts. However, he also blew two leads by allowing home runs -- Rizzo's two-run shot to right field in the fourth inning that made it a 2-2 game and Chris Coghlan's leadoff homer to left field that tied it at 3 in the seventh. Coghlan entered the game 8-for-8 against Leake for his career, but flied out in the two at-bats before the homer on a 0-2 fastball left over the plate.

"I definitely put a little more focus on him this game," Leake said of Coghlan. "I felt like I did a pretty good job. I guess you can second guess yourself and take that pitch back. I executed the pitch I wanted, so I can't get mad about that." QUOTABLE "I've always really thought highly of a team that can win in extra innings on the road. That really indicates you're totally focused on the game in its entirety. That's always been my measuring stick of a good team. Everybody participated, and you can truly classify that as a team win." -- Cubs manager Joe Maddon WHAT'S NEXT Cubs: Jake Arrieta will face the Reds for the second time in 11 days. He took a loss in a 3-2 decision April 14 at Wrigley Field, giving up three runs over 6 2/3 innings. This will be the right-hander's fourth start, and he's the only Cubs starter to go at least 6 2/3 innings in each of his outings. First pitch, weather permitting, is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET/12:10 p.m. CT. There's a good chance for rain on Saturday. Reds: Coming off of two sensational outings, where he's allowed a combined four hits over 15 scoreless innings, right-hander Anthony DeSclafani will start for Cincinnati. On April 14, DeSclafani earned a 3-2 victory over the Cubs at Wrigley Field with seven scoreless innings. -- Cubs.com Russell makes diving stop to throw out speedster Hamilton By Carrie Muskat CINCINNATI -- Cubs infielder Addison Russell may have only been playing his fourth big league game, but he was well aware of how fast the Reds' Billy Hamilton is. Hamilton was 2-for-2 with three stolen bases in his first two at-bats Friday against the Cubs, and he led off the fifth with a grounder toward right-center. Russell dove to his right, snared the ball, and got to his feet in time to throw Hamilton out at first. "I knew off the bat that I had a chance to get that ball, and I got to it, and I also knew who was running and I had to spit it out pretty quick," Russell said after the Cubs' 7-3 win in 11 innings. The Cubs' No. 2 prospect, Russell had played strictly at shortstop, but he has been asked to make the switch to second because of injuries. He turned a double play in the eighth inning as well. However, the Reds' Mike Leake fooled Russell with some nasty two-seamers, and the rookie went 0-for-5 in the game, striking out four times. "I'm seeing the ball fine," Russell said. "They had a few guys who were throwing back-door sinkers, and that's something I haven't seen much of. My approach was fine. I just have to be a little more aggressive when I see the outside fastball. At the end of the game [in the 11th inning], that's the ball I hit to the outfield." Russell played just 11 games at the Triple-A level before he was called up. The youngest player in the National League at 21, he's still learning. "These are the adjustments I'm going to have to make day to day as I get more familiar with the pitchers," he said. "I haven't faced big league pitching before, obviously, but it's something I have to watch film on and take notes on." --

Cubs.com Arrieta looks for redemption against DeSclafani, Reds By Carrie Muskat It's deja vu all over again for the starting pitching in this weekend's series between the Cubs and Reds. On Friday, Jon Lester and Mike Leake squared off as the Cubs won, 7-3, in the 11th; the two had faced each other in the opener in Chicago on April 13. On Saturday, it'll be a rematch between Chicago's Jake Arrieta and Cincinnati's Anthony DeSclafani. DeSclafani took the first meeting on April 14, throwing seven shutout innings, while Arrieta notched a quality start but didn't get enough run support in the Reds' 3-2 win. Both teams are keeping their fingers crossed that they'll play. There's a 100 percent chance of rain Saturday. Things to know about this game: • Saturday will be Arrieta's second career start at Great American Ball Park and fifth career start against the Reds. The Cubs right-hander has thrown seven consecutive quality starts, dating to last season. • The Reds' Billy Hamilton stole three bases in the opener, and now is 12-for-13 this season, the most in the Major Leagues. • The Reds will honor the 1990 World Series champions with on-field pregame ceremonies, scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m. ET. Manager Lou Piniella, who also skippered the Cubs, is not attending because of a family commitment. -- ESPNChicago.com Late-inning magic propels Cubs again By Jesse Rogers CINCINNATI -- The mini dance party the Chicago Cubs entertain themselves with in the clubhouse after wins must be something special considering that five of their nine victories this season have come in their last at-bat, including Friday’s 7-3 come-from-behind affair over the Cincinnati Reds. “Celebrate each one of them like it’s our last,” the usually stoic Jon Lester said afterwards. “It’s loose. Especially for guys that haven’t won a lot, it’s good. It makes you forget about the grind.” It can’t feel like much of a grind right now. Seemingly every game is full of drama. Either they’re playing one-run affairs -- 8 of the last 11 games coming into Friday were decided by a single run -- or they’re going to extra innings and surviving. Friday’s theme was the role player. Yes, Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant continue to get on-base but spring invitee Jonathan Herrera was the hero with a go-ahead RBI double in the 11th inning -- along with a much-maligned bullpen. “That’s what every good team needs,” Rizzo said of those role players. With so many elite prospects in camp this spring, Herrera’s chances of making the team seemed slim. Being an integral part of it seemed even more unlikely. But here the journeyman is, getting some starts and appearing in 13 of the team’s 16 games. “The thing I really appreciated about him in spring training, even when he wasn’t playing or was on the bench or just talking to him, he was always upbeat,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. “He didn’t know his status, he didn’t ask about his status, he just kept coming out and doing his job. I thought this guy is a real professional. He’s totally exhibited that over the course of the 2-3 weeks here.”

Herrera took some swings in the indoor cage to be ready for his moment, a moment in which Herrera battled Reds pitcher Burke Badenhop for eight pitches with the lead run on second base in the top of the 11th inning on Friday. Finally, he got a changeup he could pull. “I’m here for those situations,” Herrera said. “I’m ready every day to do my little things.” When David Ross followed with a 2-run double, the Cubs completed another improbable victory. Maddon had used up his bench once again while one of his best relievers -- Pedro Strop -- was unavailable due to a foot issue. (He says he’ll be better by Saturday). Maddon even let Lester, who is 0 for 42 in his career, bat in the seventh inning in a 3-3 game and then pulled him, trying to save his bench. He still used up everyone. In the end, he loved the idea of an extra-inning, road victory that saw everyone contribute once again. “That’s always been my measuring stick of a good team and we showed that tonight,” Maddon said of the win. Rizzo added: “It’s our M.O right now. We keep fighting.” And more times than not, they keep winning. And dancing. Addison Russell: The recent call-up struck out four times but made the play of the game in nailing speedy Billy Hamilton at first base in the fifth inning. “I knew off the bat I had a chance to get that ball,” Russell said. “I also knew who was running so I had to spit it out pretty quick.” As for the strikeouts, Russell has 10 in four games. He was fooled by the movement on Reds starter Mike Leake’s 2-seam fastball. “That’s something I haven’t seen much of,” Russell said. “I’ll learn from it.” -- ESPNChicago.com The real Jon Lester starts to emerge By Jesse Rogers CINCINNATI -- OK, that’s a little more like it. Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lester started to show why the organization signed him to the biggest free agent contract in team history as he threw his first quality start of the season in Friday’s 7-3, 11-inning victory over the Cincinnati Reds. It was far from a masterpiece, but it was closer to one than any of his previous three starts in a Cubs uniform. “After the second inning, I got in a better rhythm,” Lester said. “Kept some guys off the bases. It’s kind of been the thing that’s plaguing me, just the continued baserunner. It was a lot better. I had a better feel for my cutter tonight. I’m learning.” The baserunner he couldn’t keep off for a while Friday happened to be the fastest man in the game, Billy Hamilton. Twice Hamilton led off innings with singles and twice he stole bases -- three in total -- and twice he scored runs. But a great play by young Addison Russell at second base kept Hamilton off the basepaths in the fifth, allowing Lester to sail through his final two innings. He struck out 10, his most since last July. “It tells me I’m executing,” Lester said. “We got some awkward swings. As far as stuff-wise, obviously we did something right tonight with the 10 punchouts.”

Here’s what pitching coach Chris Bosio said before Lester’s outing on Friday: “This guy is a thoroughbred, he’s a horse. Sometimes you can’t find it if you’re throwing 80 pitches. Last year he averaged 106 pitches.” Lester threw 104 pitches against the Reds. Bosio was right. And Lester was right about his cutter. According to ESPN Stats and Information, he got a season-high four strikeouts off the cutter and gave up a season-low two hits. He started to find the feel as his pitch count became extended. Six innings, five hits, one walk and 10 strikeouts. Yes, he gave up three runs but as much as everyone wants him to flip a switch and be a $155 million pitcher that’s not necessarily realistic. And by the way, Lester’s career ERA in April and May is over 4.00. In the final four months of the season, it’s in the low 3.00s. He’s a feel pitcher and he’s just starting to get it. New team, new opponents, a shortened spring training. They’re not excuses -- there are no excuses when you’re making that kind of money -- they’re reasons. But it’s starting to come around. When Lester was struggling, there were two schools of thought: Either this was going to be one of those signings that would haunt the Cubs or maybe he just needed time. After Friday’s performance, the latter looks to be true. “It’s a work in progress,” Lester said. “It’s a constant adjustment for me right now. We’ll take what I did five days ago into today and today into the next one. We’ll just keep building. There’s still room for improvement tonight. The strikeouts stand out, that gives it a little better result than what the outing actually was, so there’s room for improvement. I’m going to keep learning.” And history says he’ll keep getting better. -- ESPNChicago.com Rapid Reaction: Cubs 7, Reds 3 (11 innings) By Jesse Rogers CINCINNATI -- The Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-3 on Friday night in 11 innings. Here’s a quick look at the game: How it happened: Jonathan Herrera battled through an eight-pitch at-bat in the top of the 11th inning before knocking in Anthony Rizzo with the go-ahead run. That was followed by a two-run double by David Ross and an RBI ground out by Travis Wood. Billy Hamilton singled twice, stole three bases and scored two runs getting the Reds out to a 2-0 lead after three. Rizzo tied the game in the fourth with a two-run shot, his second of the season. But the Reds regained a one-run advantage in the bottom of the inning on a Zack Cozart sacrifice fly. Chris Coghlan homered to left field to the tie the game in the seventh inning, improving to 9-for-11 in his career off Reds starter Mike Leake. Jon Lester labored through the early innings, allowing Hamilton to steal those bases and score, but threw well in his final two innings, his only two 1-2-3 frames. What it means: Joe Maddon emptied his bench and then some, but his mixing and matching eventually worked out as Herrera was the right man at the right time as the Cubs improved to 9-7 on the season. And the game means a lot for Lester. He totaled 10 strikeouts over six innings, earning his first quality start with the Cubs. But it wasn’t a masterpiece as he’s given up eight stolen bases already this year after being on the mound for just 16 all of last season. Everyone knew Hamilton would be running, but the Cubs couldn’t counter. It cost them runs. It was a stressful outing for Lester, but still his best as a Cub.

Addison Russell struck out four times, looking overmatched at the plate for the first time in his young career. But he made the play of the game that turned the tide for Lester as he snared a Hamilton shot up the middle and quickly threw out the speedster leading off the fifth inning. The bullpen: Gonzalez Germen, claimed from the Rangers in January, has come up from Triple-A and pitched well. He struck out two in the seventh with the lead run at second, then got a ground-ball double play when he needed it in the eighth. Zac Rosscup was effective, striking out three, and Jason Motte got out of a jam in the 10th. They’ve been much maligned but the bullpen came through on Friday. Curious move: Lester hit for himself with two outs and no one on base in the top of the seventh inning with the scored tied 3-3. Even with a short bench, Joe Maddon could have sent a pitcher up to bat for him, either Travis Wood or even Jason Hammel, who’s been swinging a hot bat. Lester struck out looking and then was pulled from the game after 104 pitches. What’s next: Game 2 of the series takes place on Saturday afternoon -- weather permitting -- as Jake Arrieta (2-1, 1.74) takes on Anthony DeSclafani (2-0, 0.86) --