After catching his first bullpen session Friday, Kyle Schwarber took off his gear before raising his fist and joked, "I made it," to catching instructor Tim Cossins.
Schwarber was eager to perform more work, but the Cubs simply were encouraged after their prized young slugger caught John Lackey for the first time after tearing two knee ligaments 101/2 months ago.
Schwarber extended his surgically repaired left leg while catching — a style he may continue to employ to alleviate stress.
"Tony Pena was very good at that," said manager Joe Maddon, adding that Jose Molina used a similar defensive stance. "Any catcher can incorporate that stance if they choose with less than two strikes and nobody on. I’m fine with that. With two strikes, you have to be able to block a pitch. With somebody on base, you have to be able to throw. "
Maddon is reluctant to predict how many games Schwarber, who is expected to play left field most of the time, would catch. The Cubs hope Schwarber can progress to the point he can catch one game per week, if needed, and serve as an emergency third catcher behind Willson Contreras and Miguel Montero.
"He feels great," said Maddon, who has consulted with the medical staff. "Obviously he feels he’s being held back a little bit, and that’s good."
Joe Maddon on Kyle Schwarber catching, batting leadoff
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses the effect catching might have on Kyle Schwarber’s injured knee at spring training in Mesa, Ariz., on Feb. 17, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses the effect catching might have on Kyle Schwarber’s injured knee at spring training in Mesa, Ariz., on Feb. 17, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
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Russell reminisces: Addison Russell said visiting the White House was the highlight of his offseason, but the Cubs’ prized shortstop shared an emotional moment with his mother.
"I remembered the memories of this past year, all the way from spring training to All-Star Game to the World Series run," Russell said. "It all hit me at once. It was (overwhelming).
"I started crying and said, ‘Mom, we got one finally.’ She said, ‘You’ve been dreaming about this your entire life,’ and that’s when it sunk in. It was just a magical moment."
Listen up: Chairman Tom Ricketts is scheduled to address the team before Saturday’s first full-squad workout.
Caption Spring training drills: Jon Lester fields and throws to first base
Cubs pitcher Jon Lester performing fielding drills at spring training on Feb. 17, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs pitcher Jon Lester performing fielding drills at spring training on Feb. 17, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Spring training drills: Jon Lester fields and throws to first base
Cubs pitcher Jon Lester performing fielding drills at spring training on Feb. 17, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs pitcher Jon Lester performing fielding drills at spring training on Feb. 17, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Closer Wade Davis on joining the Cubs
Closer Wade Davis on joining the Cubs. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Closer Wade Davis on joining the Cubs. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Joe Maddon on Kyle Schwarber catching, batting leadoff
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses the effect catching might have on Kyle Schwarber’s injured knee at spring training in Mesa, Ariz., on Feb. 17, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses the effect catching might have on Kyle Schwarber’s injured knee at spring training in Mesa, Ariz., on Feb. 17, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Brian Duensing throws a bullpen session
Cubs pitcher Brian Duensing throws a bullpen session at spring training on Feb. 17, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs pitcher Brian Duensing throws a bullpen session at spring training on Feb. 17, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Jon Lester on challenges of defending a World Series title
Cubs’ Jon Lester on the challenges of defending a World Series title on Feb. 17, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs’ Jon Lester on the challenges of defending a World Series title on Feb. 17, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
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