Spring training is a learning process for everyone, from rookies and veterans to managers and general managers.
Finalizing roster decisions is the biggest reason for Cactus League games, but other intangibles also play themselves out during the spring.
With five days before Opening Day, what have we learned about the Cubs?
Clubhouse leaders
Losing Kerry Wood was not only a blow to the bullpen but also to the clubhouse. As the Cub with the longest tenure, Wood was one of the team leaders, along with Derrek Lee and Ryan Dempster.
“Leadership didn’t become a problem until we lost in the playoffs,” Lee said. “We won 97 games, and everything was great. So I think if we would’ve won, no one would’ve said anything. I don’t think leadership was a problem last year.”
Mark DeRosa’s departure will also be felt in the clubhouse, but several young players are ready to step up, including Ryan Theriot and Geovany Soto.
“I like to think I lead by the way I play,” Theriot said. “Early in your career it’s hard to be really vocal. There’s a pecking order, so you don’t want to step on anybody’s toes.”
Bradley’s intensity
Milton Bradley is ready for the season, as evidenced by his .524 average, .583 on-base percentage and .929 slugging percentage.
“Camp’s good,” Bradley said. “I’m just ready to get it over with, do it for the season. Wasting all my good hits in spring training.”
The Cubs aren’t worried he’ll snap at the wrong time, and general manager Jim Hendry has said he likes his intensity. Lee agrees.
“Milton is a very smart guy, and I think he’s not just some guy that’s going to snap at every little thing,” Lee said.
“He’s had some episodes, but who hasn’t, really? I’ll help him out when I can and let him know what to expect.”
Fukudome’s confidence
Kosuke Fukudome started 1-for-11 before homering Monday.
“We need this young man to hit,” manager Lou Piniella said.
Fukudome added two more hits Tuesday and appears more confident in his second season. Still, Piniella said he must try to hit to the opposite field more often.
“[That’s] something he’s going to have to do somewhat,” Piniella said. “But I don’t care where they go as long as he’s on base and as long as he hits the ball reasonably well. I’m going to give him every opportunity to hit second in the lineup.”
Zambrano’s head
Carlos Zambrano has said all the right things this spring after making rash predictions about winning the Cy Young Award or winning the World Series in previous years.
“No predictions,” he said. “I’ll leave that to Dempster.”
Zambrano looks like someone trying to prove people wrong, though he denied that theory.
“I don’t have to prove anything,” he said. “I’ve been in the big leagues eight years, and they already know what I can do, what I’m capable of. Last year is in the past. The numbers stay in the past.”
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psullivan@tribune.com
