MESA, Arizona – The thunderstorms forecast for Saturday in Phoenix already had backed up the Cubs’ spring opener five hours by Friday afternoon.
But it’s done nothing to dampen David Ross’ enthusiasm for starting his first schedule of games as a manager – or to cool the heat on the hottest, biggest fights for jobs in camp.
Heading into Saturday’s 7:10 p.m. (central time) Cactus League opener against the Athletics, these are three of the biggest fights playing out in camp – along with how they started and how they might finish:
Fifth Starter
Favorite: Right-hander Tyler Chatwood.