Alcantara DFA’d, Wick’s Injury, Hendricks and Arrieta, Tatis Particulars, Wilkins, and Other Cubs Bullets – bleachernation.com

The snow. It just wont stop. Leave me alone. Nobody wants you here anymore.

David Ross confirmed that Rowan Wicks intercostal injury (ribs) is related to the oblique strain that ended his 2020 season, which is mildly concerning, even as hes right that its early (Cubs.com): It was feeling better and then he started throwing. Its just still a little bit uncomfortable. Theres just literally zero reason to rush anything right now, and we want that guy to be healthy. As important as Wick can be for the Cubs this year, its important to remember that guys might not be able to pitch a full six months (plus postseason) anyway this year. So with an overload of possible bullpen options for the Cubs this year (some without minor league options remaining), it really wouldnt be the worst thing in the world for Wick to begin the season on the IL anyway. In fact, if there arent long-term concerns, bringing him along slowly and pushing back his season debut may actually wind up the best thing for the team and his own performance.

Speaking of the bullpen overload and roster decisions, the Brandon Workman signing is official as of this morning, and the Cubs DFAd infielder Sergio Alcantara to make room on the 40-man roster. The Cubs will have a week to trade, release, or waive Alcantara. Given the need to keep some middle infield depth around especially a guy who can play top-tier defense at shortstop if needed I expect the Cubs to waive Alcantara, hope he clears, and then outright him to Iowa. The Cubs will need to soon clear out one more 40-man spot for Jake Marisnick.

On Workmans terrible 2020 after a dominant 2019:

Adding to that, Workman got wrecked on his curveball in 2020, which is probably why he started throwing it less often as the year went on but you also always wonder about how the whole pitch mix is working together. Its not always just that a guy doesnt have a single pitch for a season.

Kyle Hendricks on the return of Jake Arrieta: We both kinda said it was weird, like no time ever passed. I dont know where those three years went, but its almost like he never left. Me and him have had an awesome relationship since day one. One thing thats great about the two getting back together is that theyre both such cerebral, hard-working, dig-in-behind-the-scenes types and now both such long-standing successful veterans that their comfort in helping each other, maybe even with things the other isnt seeing, is probably going to be huge.

Folks:

Fernando Tatis, Jr.s massive extension is, as you might have guessed, tremendously backloaded:

Given how much its backloaded, the lack of opt-outs may not really matter, as he wouldve been a lot less likely to exercise one. That said, the fact that its hugely backloaded AND hes getting full no-trade rights means that he is now entirely in control of his career going forward. If there ever comes a time when the Padres decide they need to get his contract off the books, then Tatis is going to get to dictate that process. So, even without the opt-outs, Tatis still has a lot of control here.

Random, indeed:

The podcast I do over at The Athletic is back on our regular schedule for Spring Training, so go ahead and find Onto Waveland wherever you get your podcasts, and smack that subscribe button:

This *might* be my favorite locker room picture in the history of baseball. Emphasis on history:

This ends tonight at midnight:

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Alcantara DFA'd, Wick's Injury, Hendricks and Arrieta, Tatis Particulars, Wilkins, and Other Cubs Bullets - bleachernation.com