Spending the first four days in spring training camp with the Cubs feels like a pleasant eternity for left-hander David Rollins.
Rollins, 27, was a non-roster invitee after clearing waivers following the Cubs’ decision to designate him for assignment on Feb. 8 after acquiring pitcher Alec Mills from the Kansas City Royals.
Prior to that time, Rollins had been claimed on waivers five times during a span of five weeks, starting with the Cubs (Nov. 18), Texas (Nov. 22), Philadelphia (Dec. 2), Texas (Dec. 21) and the Cubs again (Dec. 23).
"(Relief) is the perfect word," said Rollins, who pitched over parts of two seasons with Seattle. "Going into this offseason, I really was expecting a move, or maybe two, but not six. I got a bit frustrated for a little while, then I ended up clearing waivers and now I’m here and excited about it."
After being designated for assignment, Rollins spent several long days in the Phoenix area awaiting his next destination. Fortunately for him, he was able to stay with the Cubs and not have to transport his belongings.
"I had to make the best of it," Rollins said. "I worked out at the hotel and got some throwing in at a high school field. It was one of those things that ‘what happens if I get picked up by a team that trains in Florida?’ I got my truck here, and I’d have to get that shipped. Just a pain, but it is what it is."
Caption Joe Maddon on Cubs’ team meeting, spring training plans
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses a team meeting and spring training plans on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses a team meeting and spring training plans on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Joe Maddon on Cubs’ team meeting, spring training plans
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses a team meeting and spring training plans on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses a team meeting and spring training plans on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs’ Chairman Tom Ricketts on speech to team, World Series trophy
Cubs’ Chairman Tom Ricketts talks about speech to team and the World Series trophy. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs’ Chairman Tom Ricketts talks about speech to team and the World Series trophy. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs’ Kris Bryant on being pranked by Greg Maddux
Cubs’ Kris Bryant on being pranked by Greg Maddux. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs’ Kris Bryant on being pranked by Greg Maddux. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs’ Joe Maddon on ‘heartbeat’ speech
Cubs manager Joe Maddon talks about "heartbeat" speech. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon talks about “heartbeat” speech. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs’ Jason Heyward on locker room speeches
Cubs’ Jason Heyward talks about giving team speeches. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs’ Jason Heyward talks about giving team speeches. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
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