(670 The Score) As the Cubs continue to prepare for the regular season, manager David Ross has a message for a few of his sluggers.
"Be a bit selfish," Ross said.
That applies to third baseman Kris Bryant, among others. Ross and the Cubs believe their hitters will slug more and perhaps strike out less with a more aggressive approach at the plate. In Ross' view, some of the Cubs' stars have gotten away from their identities as hitters and become too defensive in their approach at times in past seasons.
"I'm OK with them being a little selfish this year," Ross said. "Sometimes you have to take care of yourself and get your numbers. And if they all get their numbers, we are going to be just fine."
The Cubs ranked third in MLB in pitches seen per plate appearance (4.11) in 2020, but they ranked 20th in runs per game (4.42). So while having longer at-bats can help wear down opposing pitchers, it didn't translate to offensive success.
"It's a weird word to say," Bryant told reporters. "Nobody wants to be labeled as selfish. I don't think I can ever go out there and think 'me, me, me.' I think what (Ross) means is inherently in this game you are defined by what you do, the back of your baseball card. That's what you're defined as."
Bryant hit .206 with four homers, 11 RBIs and a .644 OPS in 34 games in an injury-riddled 2020 season. If the Cubs are to rebound offensively as a team, getting big production out of Bryant will be key as he works in the final season of his contract. Ross likes what he has seen out of Bryant this spring.
"I saw this good version of Kris coming at the end of last season," Ross said. "Right now he along with every other player is trying to find their timing in spring training. There are some really good swings in there and some really bad ones. That is everyone right now. I wouldn't single him as being any different. His strengths will be the ability to command the strike zone and driving the ball to center field. I think he is on a normal progression to get to where he needs to be at the start of the season."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
