Manager Jim Lefebvre is spending a lot of time behind closed doors these days.
Before the Cubs left Arizona Thursday evening, Lefebvre had a series of one-on-one meetings with players to make sure they understood his plans for them.
There were, of course, the unpleasant meetings earlier this week when Lefebvre had to tell a half-dozen promising players, including pitcher Lance Dickson and outfielder Derrick May, they were being sent back to the minors.
But then there was the happy task of informing young pitchers Frank Castillo and Shawn Boskie they were his fourth and fifth starters. That came Thursday morning.
Lefebvre also had a closed-door session Thursday morning with Jerome Walton, who was disappointed when he was put on the 15-day disabled list.
”I just wanted him to know that he`s still my center-fielder,” Lefebvre said. ”Things haven`t changed.”
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– Lefebvre also had a one-on-one meeting with Andre Dawson. Dawson was upset when the Cubs refused to negotiate an early extension to his contract, which expires at the end of the season. ”I told him I understand his feelings because he has given Chicago great service,” Lefebvre said. ”He is a very integral part of this ballclub and he`s going to be fine. But I just wanted to let him know how much I appreciate what he brings to this ballclub.”
– Lefebvre also called in Gary Scott to tell him he had won the starting third base job. ”I said you`re the guy, you earned it.” Lefebvre said he was confident Scott would grow into the job, which he won last year and then lost after starting poorly in the regular season. ”I told him: `Just do what you can do. Don`t feel you have to go out and carry the club.` ”
– As expected, Frank Castillo and Shawn Boskie, the fourth and fifth starters, stayed behind in the warmer weather when the club left Arizona Thursday. Castillo is scheduled to pitch the home opener against St. Louis on April 10. Boskie is slated to go the next day.
– Despite a forecast of heavy rains, the weather in Arizona was fine for the final Cactus League game. Lefebvre started what could be his Opening Day lineup against the Brewers and it looked pretty impressive. Shawon Dunston had a walk, a bunt single and a stolen base in his first two appearances as a leadoff hitter. Luis Salazar, who has been slumping all spring, had a triple. And the Cubs coasted to a 9-1 victory.
– Sammy Sosa went 3 for 5 and had his first home run as a Cub in the third inning. With one out, he hit a low liner to the power alley in right center. Lefebvre, who worked with Sosa on his hitting Wednesday, shoved his fist in the air after the homer.