Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 23, 2024
How Cubs’ Craig Counsell is thinking through rotation battle in spring training
John Antonoff / For the Sun-Times
Cubs manager Craig Counsell talks with catcher Yan Gomes (left) and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy (rihgt) at the Cubs Spring Training facility in Mesa, AZ. 02-14-2024. MESA. Ariz. – When evaluating a pitching staff, every manager weighs spring training performance differently. As the Cubs get ready to begin Cactus League play, Craig Counsell has made clear that he doesn't put too much stock in spring training performance.
“We take our evaluations going in as the most important, otherwise we're changing our mind on very small sample sizes,” he said. “Open to surprises, absolutely. But being smart with roster construction is what matters.”