MESA, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- Ben Zobrist arrived to Cubs camp Friday as the last player into the team's spring training. Given his place as a respected veteran, Zobrist's three-day tardiness wasn't of concern.
Zobrist had been absent due to personal reasons but didn't go into detail about why he was late. He did appear ready, according to Cubs manager Joe Maddon.
"Zo really sets a great example," Maddon said. "You see him after games and he will be in the weight room for an extra hour. He has always been a leader. He is now more apt to say something to someone about what he sees then he was in the past. He preferred being an example for people just watching."
The 37-year-old Zobrist is ready for what may be his final season in baseball. This will be the final season of his four-year, $56-million contract with the Cubs.
"I got a chance to address the group," Zobrist said about his arrival Friday morning. "I said hello to everyone. I am really excited to get out there. When I left Nashville, it was cold and rainy.
"I didn't realize that was going to be the same cold and rainy here too."
Zobrist was non-plussed by some projections that the Cubs will be around a .500 club in 2019.
"That is good motivation and bulletin material," Zobrist said. "That may be something we use to our benefit. I am focused on winning a championship this year. I am excited to be back with my teammates. I am not looking beyond that this season.
"Everybody feels excited to move on where we have been the last few years. We are looking to take the next step in progression as far as the organization goes. We want to get back to the top of the mountain. We recognized in the offseason there is a lot of work to be done. We believe that everybody has dedicated themselves to that end. We are going to get out there and get after it. We can't wait to prove we can be back there again."
Zobrist is coming off a terrific comeback season in 2018, hitting .305 in 139 games and finishing third in the National League in batting average.
However, the Cubs have a crowded infield and outfield this season -- even more so than years past. It remains unclear how big his role will be.
"We have not talked about that," Zobrist said. "I am really not concerned about it at all. I am just here to do what is necessary for this ballclub. There are a lot of capable guys and a lot of good players. So there is not much playing time to go around. Regardless, I am here to work . I am here to be ready. I am ready to jump into any situation for whatever they need."
A 13-year veteran, Zobrist has typically been the type to lead by example more than with his words. But the Cubs could use that type of vocal presence from a respected player like Zobrist after they struggled late last season and didn't meet expectations.
So Zobrist could approach leadership differently in 2019.
"I do think it is necessary to speak up when you have something to say," Zobrist said. "There is also a necessary tact it takes. That is especially true with younger players and guys who are great players in their own right. The experience does give you something. That does give you experiences where some of the young guys don't have it, you see how the game changes with different eyes. I do plan on saying something in the right way."
Maddon believes Zobrist will be an important figure on the field whom others can emulate.
"He has pro at-bats all the time," Maddon said. "I want to believe the guys observing him and wanting to be like that. It's a great way to be. I watch the guys, and they look at everything he does in the batter's box."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
