Levine: Kris Bryant Making Life Interesting In Cubs Camp

By Bruce Levine--

MESA, Ariz. (CBS) -- With the most talked-about player in Arizona, Chicago Cubs spring training games are appointment events for baseball scouts and national media alike. Lately, Sloan Park has been abuzz with energy as third baseman Kris Bryant has put on a power display that reminded veteran baseball people of the Barry Bonds/Sammy Sosa days of the late 1990s.

In the case of Bryant -- who has eight homers this spring after going deep twice more Saturday against the Mariners -- what you see is what you get. The raw power and explosive results are anticipated and delivered on what seems like a daily basis.

"Yeah, you know I said it all along, I am playing with a chip on my shoulder and at the same time having fun," Bryant said. "You can't beat baseball and hoping to get a win today."

That type of Ernie Banks-optimistic look at what is a simple game seems more like the All-American response you would have received from Banks or Willie Mays in the 1950s. One thing you need to know about Bryant is he is the real deal on and off the field. The Nevada native was raised with old-world morals and an instant respect for his fellow man.

The "aw shucks" approach by Bryant shouldn't be confused with a lack of street smarts or a young man's naive view of the world. Bryant knows where he's going and what he expects to do.

"I am still here and I am still standing," Bryant said of his likely return to the minors in April. "I still come out here every day and work as hard as I can at third base. I got my game hitting in and all my work in."

Bryant has one more barrier to hurdle before spring training ends. The Cubs will send him to the outfield to learn a second position.

"I can play anywhere," Bryant said. "If they ask me to play catcher, I can do that. I played (the outfield) before, and it was comfortable for me. I am sure I will need to take some reps to get used to it. I am looking forward to that challenge. I started playing there when I was nine years old. It's nothing new to me."

Setting records for home runs in spring training is usually looked at as not a big deal. Jake Fox hit 10 in the spring of 2007.

"This guy hits home runs on a great swing and then an emergency swing," a long-time National League scouts said. "He made adjustments and had a great idea with two strikes on him. I know 29 teams that would kill to have a talent like him coming along."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.