MESA, Ariz. — Outfielder Michael Conforto, now in spring training camp with the Cubs on a minor-league deal, had a tumultuous experience watching the Dodgers’ World Series run last year while left off the postseason roster.
“Super bittersweet, super conflicting feeling, honestly,” he said this week. “Felt like I didn’t earn [the World Series title] in a way. But still proud of that group of guys, proud of my ability to continue to be a good teammate and still uplift guys, show up in less ways than I wanted to — but I do still feel like I was a big part of it.
“But it leaves you hungry. It leaves you motivated. It was something I had to wrestle with through the offseason.”
Conforto, in strong position to claim a roster spot out of camp, is pursuing a bounce back after putting together the worst offensive season of his career last year with the Dodgers. He had a .199 batting average in 138 regular season games.
“Along the way, I lost the discipline in my routine and the things that really prompted the Dodgers to sign me,” Conforto said. “I kind of got away from that stuff and started trying to make adjustments in season, [which] is never a good place to be.”
Conforto worked this offseason with several instructors, including former super-utility player Howie Kendrick, who emphasized the lower half of Conforto’s swing.
“I wanted to get back to me, find myself again,” Conforto said. “And I feel great. Part of the reason I’m taking an NRI is because I feel confident, and I feel excited.”
By joining the Cubs, Conforto reunited with left-hander Matthew Boyd, his former Oregon State University teammate and fellow Seattle-area native.
“Mike’s amazing,” Boyd said Thursday. “Mike’s a winner. He won in college, he won in high school — because I’ve known him that long and longer. And he’s another guy that’s a natural leader. He’s a selfless dude. And it’s kind of fun, because I haven’t seen him as hungry as he is right now.”
Alcántara into game action
Cubs outfielder Kevin Alcántara is set to appear in a game for the first time this spring on Saturday, manager Criag Counsell said.
“You’ll see him regularly, but we’re just going to be a little cautious,” Counsell said.
Set to serve as the designated hitter against the Dodgers, Alcántara’s schedule has been a little behind as he continues to ramp up from offseason hernia surgery.
“We’ve got plenty of time,” Counsell said. “He’s ready to go, he’s kind of pushing us, so it’s the right time.”
Bethancourt reports
Cubs catcher Christian Bethancourt reported to camp on Thursday after a lengthy visa-related delay. He then had a full workout scheduled Friday morning. Bethancourt, a non-roster invitee, is scheduled to play Saturday and then leave again to join Team Panama for the World Baseball Classic.
Bethancourt at least had the advantage of training at home as he waited for the resolution of his visa issues. He’s essentially been playing with the Panama national team in recent weeks, Counsell said.
