Football season is over, baseball is back! Arguably the most exciting time of the year, if you ask me. I know I am a little late, considering the Cubs reported on Sunday BEFORE everyone else (setting the standard).

The anticipation is building. Every day on X, I see more and more videos of batting practice, bullpens, and infield work. These videos absolutely fire me up after a long off season. Now, especially after this year’s PECOTA projections, I have the most excitement I have had in a few years. And even better, the first spring training game is now only 8 days away from the time of me writing this blog.

The image above is the full spring training roster for the Chicago Cubs. One of the reasons I love spring training so much, (other than baseball being back of course) is the chance to watch the organization’s top prospects play. Especially the Cubs prospects which include Owen Caissie, Moises Ballesteros, James Triantos, Cade Horton, and Matt Shaw. Speaking of Matt Shaw, after this past offseason, he has a clear shot at the third base job this spring. There is a path for him to be the opening day starter at the hot corner, but he has competition with the likes of Vidal Brujan, Jon Berti, and Gage Workman. It looks as though those three will at least have bench roles- which is a major upgrade from last year’s bench, in my opinion.

There are still rumors circulating about the Cubs acquiring Alex Bregman. It appears that Bregman is now listening to short term offers (probably because nobody wants to sign him to a 6-7 year deal). Do the Cubs need Bregman? Not really. Would it be cool? Maybe for a year. Extend Tucker- that would be cool.

Some other notes for the Cubs:

• Javier Assad has a mild oblique strain, he will be shut down from throwing until symptoms subside
• The Cubs signed a 6’6″ 235lb right hander Brayden Spears out of Indy ball to a minor league contract
• If the Cubs do not sign Alex Bregman, Justin Turner is rumored to be the back up plan
• The Cubs first spring training game is Thursday February 20 at 2:05pm Cst. Cubs will be playing the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch