Auburn Baseball in the Big Leagues: MLB Spring Training Begins
Feb 22, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross (3) looks on during a workout at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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Thirteen-year Major League veteran catcher David Ross enters Spring Training with his eighth big league team. Ross signed a two-year, $2.5 million contract with the Chicago Cubs this winter following a two-season stint with the Boston Red Sox.
The 37-year old has also played with the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates after breaking into the big leagues with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a 25-year old rookie in 2002. He was selected by the Dodgers in the 7th round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft.
Ross played in 50 games as a backup backstop in 2014. The right-handed hitter posted a .184/.260/.368 line across 171 plate appearances with seven home runs and only 15 RBI. It was a modest offensive performance, but Ross is known more for his leadership in the clubhouse and ability to manage a pitching staff than his skills in the batter’s box.
In Chicago, Ross is expected to compete with Welington Castillo as the primary backup to Miguel Montero. Because of their history in Boston – specifically as members of the 2013 World Series Champions – Ross is also a candidate to become Jon Lester’s personal catcher in 2015 for the new look Cubs under new manager Joe Maddon.
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