Retired Ben Zobrist Wants To Work For Cubs, Opening Day Starter And More

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Ben Zobrist has been in Cubs camp this week down in Arizona and although he’s no longer planning to play after his 14-year MLB career, he does want to remain in the game and eventually work for the team.

Ben Zobrist told us in a small group of reporters that he is of course retired and enjoying raising his kids. He said he would like to keep the door open with the Cubs to work in some capacity down the line.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) March 6, 2020

Ben Zobrist chatted with reporters briefly today outside the ballpark. Said his sole focus right now is his family. Not officially retired, but has no plans of playing this season. Has been reconnecting with team this week behind scenes. Wants to keep relationship with org going.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 6, 2020

Nothing but respect for the 2016 World Series MVP.

Yu Darvish pitched three innings in a simulated game Friday and during the broadcast of the Cubs and White Sox game, Bruce Levine sounded pretty confident that Darvish will be named the Opening Day starter.

For everyone who doesn’t have Marquee, here’s Bruce talking about Darvish eventually being named the Opening Day starter. pic.twitter.com/kSJ5obEHom
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) March 6, 2020

The Cubs begin the season on the road against the Brewers on March 26. David Ross still hasn’t announced it to the team or media.

Follow our new Twitter account for real-time updates and in-depth analysis of all things Chicago Cubs.

Jon Lester made the start Friday against the Sox and struck out six in 2.2 innings. He gave up one run and walked a couple, but overall was hitting his spots. Lester’s change up and cutter inside to right-handed hitters were both working well.

Lester after his start Friday pic.twitter.com/AGXD5nmI7K
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) March 6, 2020

.@JLester34 struck out 6 over 2.2 innings today.

Will he be the Opening Day starter? https://t.co/FmHRW3Qch7 pic.twitter.com/W9qUfD9Jin
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 6, 2020

Kris Bryant is still in trade rumors, but he’s not bothered by them, even having some fun with it.

Via MLB.com.

Earlier this week, for example, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the Cubs “talked to the Padres recently” about Bryant. Citing multiple sources, the report indicated that Chicago sought highly-touted pitcher Dinelson Lamet and also targeted catching prospect Luis Campusano, among other players.
“It hasn’t been a distraction at all,” Bryant said of the trade chatter. “I mean, Theo keeps asking for the moon for me, which is pretty cool, because I’m not going to get traded then. Keep doing that, Theo. ‘We want the team’s best player and their top two prospects.’ That’s all it’s going to take.”

Anthony Rizzo was out of the lineup for the second straight game because of a blister, but according to Jordan Bastian the Cubs will send him to Las Vegas this weekend, as the Cubs are set to play a pair of games against the Reds in Sin City.

Speedy, left-handed hitter Ian Miller keeps showing off his primary skill.