Addison Russell spoke methodically, navigating his way through a series of questions several months in the making. When the Cubs shortstop took his seat in an interview room on Friday morning, it was his first time talking publicly about his ongoing suspension for violating Major League Baseball's Domestic Abuse Policy since being placed on administrative leave in September.
Standing at his locker, Cubs reliever Pedro Strop cracked a smile when asked for his thoughts on being the closer to start the season. "Did he tell you I'm going to be the closer?" Strop said with a laugh, referring to manager Joe Maddon.