Results tagged ‘ Vine Line Video Corner ’
Now Playing: In the Dugout with Dale Sveum, May 2013
This spring, manager Dale Sveum talked at length about the newfound depth in the Cubs system. That depth was tested early when the team suffered a rash of injuries and endured some early bullpen struggles. But the addition of players like Carlos Villanueva and Nate Schierholtz—and the emergence of Welington Castillo and Dave Sappelt—has made the Cubs a much more versatile team. During the first homestand of the season, Vine Line managing editor Gary Cohen talked to the skipper about dealing with injuries, platooning in the outfield and restoring Wrigley Field.
To read the full interview, pick up the May issue of Vine Line, on sale at select Chicago-area retailers. Or subscribe to Vine Line, the official magazine of the Chicago Cubs, for just $29.95.
Now Playing: Stretching Out with Fergie Jenkins
Prior to the Cubs’ home opener, starter Edwin Jackson probably could have learned a thing or two from the man taking the mound before him. Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins was on hand, along with fellow Hall of Famer and former teammate Billy Williams, to throw out the first pitch of the season at Wrigley Field. Arguably the best Cubs pitcher of all time, Jenkins tallied six consecutive 20-win seasons for the North Siders and won 284 games in his 19-year career. He talked to Vine Line about the enduring allure of Wrigley Field and getting back on the mound for the first pitch of the season.
To read the entire article, pick up the May issue of Vine Line.
Now Playing: Cubs Clinic with Dave McKay
Reading a pitcher’s move is an essential part of facilitating the running game and jump-starting the offense. According to Cubs first base coach Dave McKay, proper execution of the skill comes down to three key elements: establishing a fixed spot to observe the pitcher, knowing the pitcher’s habits and extending the coach’s box.
“I heard it said one time, ‘This guy’s as boring as a first base coach,’ but not anymore,” McKay said. “First base coaches, they have a job to do over here.”
For the May issue of Vine Line, McKay showed us what he watches for from a pitcher and how he helps Cubs base runners. For more insider access to the team, subscribe to Vine Line. And read the complete story in the May issue, which also features articles on the Cubs core, Carlos Villanueva and the Committed campaign.
Now Playing: 2013 Cubs Home Opener
There’s nothing like a fresh start to the season at the Friendly Confines. Though the Cubs ninth-inning comeback attempt fell short and the team ultimately dropped their home opener 7-4 to the division rival Brewers, it was still a beautiful day for baseball at Wrigley Field. After a rainy morning, the clouds miraculously parted, and the game-time temperature was in the mid-60s. Cubs Hall of Famers Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Fergie Jenkins were all on hand, along with Chicago dignitaries like Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ald. Tom Tunney. Vine Line shared the Opening Day festivities with Jenkins, Anthony Rizzo and several of the newest Cubs players.
Now Playing: Len Kasper and the Cubs are on the air
For Chicago residents, it can be a long, cold winter. One of the first signs that spring is finally on the way is the crack of the bat at Cubs Spring Training camp in Mesa, Ariz.
The Cubs played the first games of their Cactus League schedule over the weekend, giving fans a glimpse of future stars like Jorge Soler and Javier Baez, in addition to regulars like Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo. If you can’t wait for Opening Day (and you shouldn’t), all of the Cubs 37 remaining Spring Training games will be broadcast on radio, TV and the Internet.
We sat down with broadcaster Len Kasper just before the Cubs final home opener at HoHoKam Stadium to talk about the season ahead, getting his voice into game shape and the difficulties of calling Spring Training games.
Here are the other videos from out Spring Training series:
Mesa Cubscast: Kicking Back with the Cubs, Part 3
Mesa Cubscast: Top Prospects on the Rise
Mesa Cubscast: Kicking Back with the Cubs, Part 2
Now Playing: Top prospects on the rise in Mesa
Every season at the outset of Spring Training, organizations invite their top prospects to big league camp. The benefits are twofold: the prospects gain valuable experience watching how major leaguers prepare for the season, and coaches and staff get an opportunity to watch future contributors firsthand.
Top prospect Javier Baez, minor league player of the year Logan Watkins, minor league pitcher of the year Nick Struck, Brett Jackson, Cuban import Jorge Soler and many others have spent the first few weeks of camp with the Cubs’ major league club. This week, Vine Line talked to some of the talented young players who are trying to make a name for themselves in Mesa.
Here are the other videos from out Spring Training series:
Mesa Cubscast: Kicking Back with the Cubs, Part 2
