Cubs’ Bryant ready for quiet anniversary celebration

As his one-year Cubs anniversary approaches this weekend, Kris Bryant remains unfazed.

His teammates have already told the star third baseman to expect a party on Sunday, celebrating his major league call-up last April 17. But for someone who hasn’t yet adjusted to seeing his image on billboards around Chicago, Bryant won’t get wrapped up in any celebrations.

Even if they do take place in the Cubs sparkling new party room.

The reigning National League Rookie of the Year has managed to avoid the hype that has surrounded him since last year’s call-up. So as he looks to build on last season’s successful debut, Bryant will continue to quietly go about his business.

“I’ve always been about action,” Bryant said Friday. “I’m not worried about what people are saying about me or any of like that because I know deep down, I want to be better than what everyone is saying about me. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have that type of mentality and desire to just continue to learn and do better.”

Cubs manager Joe Maddon appreciates Bryant’s mindset – billboards and all.

“There’s no pretentiousness about him,” Maddon said. “He’s a baseball player, he loves to play, he comes ready, he doesn’t whine, he doesn’t complain. And it’s just one year.”

Creating space

Prior to Friday’s 6-1 loss to the Rockies, the Cubs had outscored their opponents by 43 runs. According to Elias Sports Bureau, the 43-run differential is tied for the second most over the first nine games dating back to the 1905 Giants. The 1999 Cleveland Indians registered a 44-run differential through nine games.

“It’s great that we have records that go back that far,” Maddon said. “The comparison stuff – this is the stuff people like to read. Is there any pertinence other than the fact that we’re doing great? I don’t think so…but it’s good.”

Same time tomorrow

Maddon isn’t the biggest fan of day baseball, but after a season last year when the Cubs’ starting times were all over the map, he is happy to see a little consistency. Friday’s game marked the first 1:20 p.m. start of the season – one that will continue throughout this weekend’s three-game series with the Rockies.

It may seem small, but Maddon – who discussed the matter with Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts and Crane Kenney, the team’s president of baseball operations in the off-season, thinks it could lead to big things.

“It really helps routine with all of us,” Maddon said.

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