The Cubs had their first real challenge of the spring on Sunday, coming back from an 0-5 deficit to earn a 6-5 lead in what truly looked like an early exhibition game. Sloppy defense was evident even when errors weren’t charged, and that went for both sides. Alas, all that really matters is that the Cubs are getting more and more of their everyday players extra at-bats at a time when most would be leaving after a trip or two to the plate.
Hitting coach Dustin Kelly mentioned during the Marquee broadcast that they’d like to get around 30 ABs for their regulars before heading to Tokyo in a little less than three weeks.