2/25 Sveum “perfect fit” for Cubs

The Cubs are underdogs in the NL Central this year but very much in the spotlight since Theo Epstein & Co. took over in late October. Their task is to end the 100-plus year old drought since the team last won a World Series in 1908. Look at the lineup, and there isn’t much star power but manager Dale Sveum has made it clear this is a building year, not a rebuilding year. Can he handle all the attention that comes with being in a big market?

“Actually, I think he’s perfect for it,” Cubs bench coach Jamie Quirk said. “He’s not an ego guy. He’s a baseball guy, and you ask him a question and you’re going to get an answer. He’s not trying to give you the right answer, it’s just the answer.

“I think the market fits perfect for Dale,” Quirk said. “There’s no nonsense in him and there’s no trying to perceive — he’s not going to try to talk to [the media] so you accept him. He is what he is, and that’s the guy you’re getting.”

– Carrie Muskat