It may be one time around the rotation that he's set back, but hopefully that's the way it works out. |
It was a pretty good pitch. Dunn just went with it and hit it out, and that's going to happen sometimes. |
It was a very tough decision. Probably for about five or six days I went back and forth a lot, talking to people. With Dave Dombrowski and Jim, we won a World Series and I had a relationship with both of them. That made it tough, but in the end my obligation was more important. |
It wasn't getting loose so we weren't going to try it. |
It would be nice to have them here because the first couple weeks of games we spend a lot of time going over how we approach things. We have meetings every day, and they won't be here for them. But we'll manage and adjust. We have no choice. |
It'll amount to three innings facing hitters. It's going to be more than a batting-practice session. |
It's a distinct possibility. I anticipate it. |
It's a little slower process there because you've got to get that inflammation out of there. There's still a little discomfort there. It's considerably better, which is basically what we expected. |
It's a lot of travel for him. He's our Opening Day pitcher so there has to be some consideration there. The first time [in the World Baseball Classic] is not a problem. He'll get in a game and pitch on [March 7]. The second time, if he's not starting and getting extended a little bit, then there are some concerns. |
It's an outpatient procedure. You've got to believe it's not all that drastic. Hopefully, it's quick and not much and he bounces back quickly. |
It's been good to see where he is. Even with the 13 days off, he didn't lose a whole lot, and he might have actually gained some. ... The ball is coming out with some force. We can progress him as his daily work allows. |
It's been impressive to where they are up to now. They're throwing the ball with pretty good force behind it. It's not so much what they can do today, but can they feel like they can do it again tomorrow? That's the basis we pretty much use to go forward. |
It's getting better as time goes on, and we'll see in the next couple days where he is. I'll probably sit down with him [today] and figure out the first day we can play catch again. |
Obviously, every time he faces hitters he gets closer [to a rehab assignment], but he still has some stuff to do before that happens. |
Obviously, I think at some point an organization has to look at the importance of stability. I don't think Cubs have ever really spent time doing that. There's always been a big turnover in personalities. |