Cubs manager Jim Lefebvre says he wants his players to get comfortable at the plate before he starts getting fancy with his offense.
”The first couple of games, I want them just to go out and have fun, loosen up and get the feel of the ball,” Lefebvre says. ”You`re not going to see a lot of offense as far as plays. I`m just going to get them a few at-bats. Then as the spring progresses, we`ll start adding more and more.”
– The Cubs play a home-and-home weekend series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Scheduled to pitch Saturday in Chandler are right-handers Shawn Boskie, Frank Castillo and Jeff Robinson and left-hander Paul Assenmacher. The Brewers plan to use Bill Wegman, Jaime Navarro, Bruce Ruffin, James Austin, Jesse Orosco and Doug Henry. Sunday`s starter for the Cubs is scheduled to be Greg Maddux.
– Pitching coach Billy Connors is keeping his staff on a short leash for the first few exhibitions. The loose target for starters is somewhere around 45 pitches, or three innings.
– Former Cubs broadcaster Bob Brenly was on the field instead of in the booth for the Cactus League opener. He`s in his first year as a coach with the Giants. A former catcher, Brenly is working with hitters and catchers.
