MESA, Ariz. – Before they were allowed to return to the Cubs’ spring training facilities, mid-lockout, middle infielders Nico Hoerner and Nick Madrigal were turning double plays on a high school field in Phoenix.
“Nice to keep building that relationship,” Hoerner said. “And we’ve played against each other so much but haven’t really spent that much time together.”
Over the winter, Hoerner and Madrigal didn’t know how much time they’d get to play together up the middle. Rumors were still swirling about which free agent shortstops could join the team. Hoerner took reps at shortstop, second base and the outfield.