Stroman, Velázquez look to carry Classic momentum into season
SURPRISE, Ariz., — Standing at his locker within the residence clubhouse at Sloan Park on Tuesday afternoon, Marcus Stroman fielded numerous hugs from his teammates as they welcomed their starter again from Miami.
“The passion and the energy truly is different when it comes to playing for your country and playing for your family, your mom, your dad,” Stroman stated. “Putting that Puerto Rico across your chest. I can’t talk any more highly of the WBC. I wish it was every year, I’d play in it every single year if I could. I love it.”
The right-hander compiled a 3.00 ERA over two begins, giving up three runs on seven hits with one stroll and 4 strikeouts throughout 9 innings. Stroman received the nod vs. Team Nicaragua in Puerto Rico’s first sport of the event, and once more within the quarterfinal in opposition to Team Mexico.
Just two days earlier, one other Cub rejoined the group in Mesa — Stroman’s Puerto Rico teammate Nelson Velazquez. The Cubs outfielder appeared in two video games, recording one hit and scoring a run in his first Classic.
“The World Baseball Classic is different, you can feel it,” Velázquez stated. “To have the name of your country across your chest is … it’s crazy. It was just amazing.”
If there was any concern about carrying the momentum over from the event to Spring Training, Velázquez proved in any other case after he hit a walk-off residence run Sunday in his first sport again to Cactus League play.
Team Puerto Rico was eradicated by Mexico on Friday, however the expertise is one which Velázquez will maintain onto perpetually.
“I would say, the game vs. [Team] Dominican [Republic],” Velázquez stated of his favourite reminiscence from the event. “It was different. I think it was the [best] game in the World Baseball Classic. There was a lot of energy in the clubhouse, a lot of positive things. We just got there as a family and played the game, playing hard, and I think that I’ll never forget that day.”
Now, Stroman and Velázquez flip their consideration to Opening Day, with the Cubs set to host the Brewers on March 30 to kick off their 2023 season.
“I feel good, I’m very adaptable,” Stroman stated. “I work very arduous within the offseason, so I’ve an amazing routine [and] routine right here with our trainers and our employees. So I actually really feel like I may pitch anyplace from 4 days to seven, eight. Like I’m actually good with my physique and adjusting.
“So I’m not worried about it slightly. Now it’s just a matter of kind of getting my next start in, working on some things in the bullpen. But like I said, I feel ready. Especially after going out there and competing with that adrenaline and that pressure. I feel like I’m ready to go.”
After unpacking his baggage, Stroman threw a bullpen session on the again fields at Sloan Park on Tuesday.
“He was just on a really big stage, pitching in big games that mattered and had a lot of success in that,” supervisor David Ross stated. “So he’s been around long enough where we trust his process and we’ll start to try and pair him with, make sure him and the catchers are on the same page and working through any of that communication stuff that we might need to lock in before the season starts. … He’s a worker, man, you don’t have to worry about him. He’ll be ready.”
