Trey Mancini already is embracing a flexible position with the Chicago Cubs.
Mancini’s expertise at first base, each nook outfield spots and designated hitter provides supervisor David Ross choices for how one can use the 30-year-old.
Mancini is the eighth free agent the Cubs signed to a major-league deal since Dec. 14.
“I have never played with any of the other guys that were signed by the Cubs this offseason, but I played against them and have such a high respect for all of them,” Mancini mentioned Monday throughout his introductory video convention. “That’s a huge step and a huge message that maybe this won’t be a long process, and I think we can get things turned around really quickly.”
The Cubs felt like the fitting match for Mancini all through the free-agent course of. He attributed it to his Midwestern ties, having performed three seasons at Notre Dame earlier than the Baltimore Orioles picked him within the eighth spherical of the 2013 draft.
Mancini’s first expertise at Wrigley Field got here in 2004, when he went to a couple video games that summer time with certainly one of his greatest mates. He wore a goatee giveaway in honor of then-Cubs pitcher Matt Clement to 1 recreation.
The Cubs’ addition of first baseman Eric Hosmer didn’t diminish Mancini’s and the staff’s curiosity in one another. Mancini is aware of the place he performs — or if he’s even within the lineup — will rely upon the opposing beginning pitcher, which Ross conveyed to him throughout a telephone dialog. The left-handed-hitting Hosmer and right-handed-hitting Mancini present platoon choices at first base and DH.
Mancini, who signed a two-year, $14 million cope with an opt-out after 2023 if he reaches 350 plate appearances, can also fill in for Ian Happ or Seiya Suzuki if Ross needs to present both outfielder a time off or get them off their toes because the DH. Mancini is the kind of participant an improved Cubs roster wants: a constant hitter with an above-league-average OPS+ who can play a number of positions whereas offering a robust clubhouse presence.
“I told him: ‘I don’t care where I play at all, I just like playing. Wherever you want me, I’m there,’” Mancini recalled of his speak with Ross.
Ross could have alternatives to see how Mancini matches up greatest throughout the lineup throughout Cactus League video games.
It appeared Mancini was going to overlook a bit of spring coaching as a result of he deliberate to play within the World Baseball Classic for Team Italy. However, after discussing it with president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and the Cubs entrance workplace, Mancini won’t play within the WBC.
He determined to spend the whole camp along with his new staff to organize for the season. The journey would have added to the hectic schedule. Italy is slated for pool play March 8-13 in Taiwan, and if it advances to the quarterfinals, it will play March 15 or 16 in Tokyo.
“We thought it might behoove me to be there the whole time with the team, especially since I’m going to be a more veteran presence in the clubhouse,” Mancini mentioned. “I knew going into free company, a number of instances if you’re round a brand new staff and desirous to get to know the blokes, it’s essential to be there all of the spring.
“So that’s on me for not holding off (on committing to play in the WBC) until I knew what situation I was going into.”
Mancini is coming off a World Series title with the Houston Astros after the Orioles traded him Aug. 1. He performed nicely initially for his new staff, hitting six dwelling runs in his first 18 video games, however struggled in September, particularly down the stretch when he hit .132/.231/.279 over his last 21 regular-season video games.
His droop continued into the postseason in a platoon position. He was 0-for-18 till he singled within the Astros’ World Series-clinching Game 6 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
That was Mancini’s first begin of the World Series. He was referred to as on to interchange Yuli Gurriel, who suffered a postseason-ending harm the earlier recreation.
“You have to stick through those tough times and even when you’re not feeling great, you’re playing for something much bigger than yourself,” Mancini mentioned. “That’s one thing I knew even earlier than that, however particularly everytime you’re going by it, it’s powerful.
“But you have to stay the course because your number is going to be called when you least expected, and that’s what happened. … You’ve got to be ready every time.”
Last 12 months marked the primary time Mancini felt totally recovered since beating Stage 3 colon most cancers that sidelined him in 2020. His leg energy took the longest to return, and the offseason after the 2021 season helped him get again to regular.
“It definitely took a toll on my strength and my legs, and as the season goes on, it can be reflective of that,” Mancini mentioned. “Your legs are extremely important to hitting and everything you do, so having my legs back under me is pretty important.”
Mancini has reached out to White Sox reliever Liam Hendriks as he undergoes therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
“I wanted him to know I have some advice, at least on what makes you feel better during chemo and how to get through it a little bit better,” Mancini mentioned.
Mancini considers this a second likelihood after defeating a high-risk, aggressive most cancers that originally muddied his outlook.
“I haven’t changed a lot as a player — it’s all the same intensity,” Mancini mentioned. “I nonetheless actually need to do nicely and contribute and be a huge effect on the staff.
“But it does make you realize what a real problem is and what a baseball problem is and you can get through any of them. It’s given me a lot of perspective.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com