Spring training has been open less than two weeks, but manager David Ross already has players following his lead and changing their patterns of behavior. Case in point, the rookie skipper has veteran pitcher José Quintana following his lead and missing time due to the flu. Following the admission by Javy Báez that players weren’t always adequately prepared prior to games, Anthony Rizzo displayed a supreme level of readiness by showing up to the clubhouse on Monday wearing a surgical mask.
Before we go ascribing too much credit to Manager David, however, it’s important to note that Kris Bryant may have been Patient Zero here.