(670 The Score) Second-year Cubs manager David Ross likes to keep his his Opening Day message to his players in house, but he divulged a little bit of his mindset as Chicago prepared to host the Pittsburgh Pirates in its opener Thursday.
“Everybody is on a different mission,” Ross said. “There are guys who are young that are trying to establish themselves as everyday big leaguers. There are guys who are on one-year deals who are trying to show they are able to play every day as well. I think everyone is kind of on their own journey.”
Ross is well aware that 2021 could mark the Cubs core’s final season together, as longtime stalwarts are set to become free agents after the season and others are working on one-year deals as well. He has encouraged his players to focus on their daily tasks and support one another.
“It is really a powerful thing to prove to people what they believe themselves,” Ross said. “I have heard the heart and the words from all of these individual players. I just think a lot of them are on a mission to accomplish some special things. When you see it come out of their mouth and then see it in their work, it's a very powerful thing.
“This is a hard-working group for sure. They are a blue-collared, lovable type that goes out and competes their tails off. It’s a group that cares immensely about performing for the C on their chest, the Cub organization and the fan base. The fan base here makes you feel like a king. I know these guys feel that. Yes, they are blue-collar, but with a very likable, fun approach to the job that is out to prove something.”
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Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward echoed Ross’ mindset.
“We are just going to have to go play baseball and see what we need to lean on,” Heyward said. “How we jell together is still to be determined. What is evident when you walk in the door here is you see world champions, you see guys with accolades. You also see a very well-balanced squad. I think we all know how we want to go at it as a group. It feels like a very young-old veteran team. We will go out and have some fun here. We have a group that is willing to make sacrifices for each other.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.