Suzuki and Counsell Work on Communication in Spring Training
Improving Communication
Seiya Suzuki is working on his communication with manager Craig Counsell, and Counsell says it’s his fault. Suzuki joined the rest of the Chicago Cubs for their first full-squad workout of spring training on Friday, looking forward to the team’s trip to his native Japan and his fourth season in the majors. While looking back at what he felt could have gone better a year ago, specifically, his relationship with Counsell in their first season together.
Learning from Last Season
“I feel like last year, we could have had better communication,” Suzuki said through a translator. “So going into this year, I feel like we’re improving upon that, and then making it better during the season.”
Counsell Takes Responsibility
Counsell, 54, was hired by Chicago in November 2023, and Suzuki, 30, attributed some of the communication issues to learning more about his new manager. But Counsell blamed himself for what happened.
“We both talked about it kind of at the end of the year,” Counsell said. “I’ll put it on myself, just doing a better job with talking to him. The language barrier makes you lazy, unfortunately. That’s on me, and I gotta get a little better at that, and will. That’s something that I promised Seiya, and will work hard to do.”
A Key Performer for the Cubs
Suzuki is a key performer for an improved Cubs team looking to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. He hit .283 with 21 homers, 73 RBIs, and 16 steals in 132 games last year.
Role in the Lineup
Suzuki is expected to continue in his role as the team’s regular designated hitter, a position he took over toward the end of last season. The Cubs acquired Kyle Tucker in a trade with Houston, and Suzuki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, said during the winter meetings that his client thought of himself as an outfielder, and Chicago had some conversations about a possible trade.
Focusing on Spring Training
Counsell said the DH role is not part of their communication issues. He said they have discussed that “a bunch,” and they are “in a good place there.”
Suzuki will play left and right in spring training as Counsell explores his options.
“My job is to give it my all to whatever my job calls for,” Suzuki said. “So if it is to DH, if it is to play the field, I’m giving my best and that’s my job.”
Excitement About the Upcoming Season
Suzuki and the Cubs open the season with a two-game set in Tokyo against Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Suzuki said he is very excited about the trip, especially when it comes to watching his teammates adjust to a foreign country for a change.
“I’m not going to tell them anything, so I’m looking forward to how they’re going to struggle,” Suzuki cracked.
Conclusion
The Cubs are looking to improve their communication and performance this season, and the efforts of Suzuki and Counsell are a crucial part of that process. With a key performer like Suzuki leading the way, the Cubs are hoping to make a push for the playoffs and end their two-year drought.
FAQs
* What is Seiya Suzuki’s role on the Cubs?
+ Suzuki is the team’s regular designated hitter and will continue to play in that role.
* What is the Cubs’ goal for the upcoming season?
+ The Cubs are looking to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
* How does Seiya Suzuki feel about the upcoming season?
+ Suzuki is excited about the trip to Japan and the opportunity to watch his teammates adjust to a foreign country for a change.
