Grote: Cubs Veterans Nurture, Don't Resent Young Stars

By Mark Grote--

(CBS) Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and now Kyle Schwarber.

In the Cubs' year of the super prospect, Schwarber, a catcher, is the latest to have touched down on the big league roster and to have made clutch contributions amid the spotlight. The hyper-attention each player has received has been relentless. Microphones are planted their faces from the second they land in Wrigleyville, and Snapchat-ing fans hope to pose with the young phenoms or score an autograph.

It's generally accepted as a healthy exercise for a sports franchise to infuse itself with young, talented players. But it also tends to put veteran players on alert for their jobs and, in some cases, might create resentment toward those rookies.

That doesn't appear to be the vibe in the Cubs clubhouse, as catcher Miguel Montero pointed out.

"As a professional athlete, you should know that this is coming at some point in your career," Montero said. "All you can do is just help him."

Both Montero and fellow catcher David Ross approached Schwarber immediately upon his arrival in Chicago.

"I told him to sit next to me and if he has any questions about where to go or where to be, or how to prepare, to just ask," Ross said.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon was running the show in Tampa Bay when it had a parade of prospects pushing their way into the big league clubhouse and ultimately squeezing out the veterans. Young stars like Evan Longoria, David Price, James Shields, and Melvin (formerly B.J.) Upton wouldn't be denied.

"Believe me, there are some guys that may not be that nurturing, but I think the guys that stick around are," explained Maddon. "I think the real good veteran kind of enjoys this moment because it happened with him. I think the hazing days are kind of a thing of the past."

Montero agrees with Madddon and added that there can be a payoff down the road.

"It's a good feeling when a guy leaves a team and then they say, 'Thanks for everything you've done for me,'"said Montero. "It's happened to me in the past with other catchers, and it's a good feeling."

Scwarber smiled when he was asked about his older teammates.

"They've accepted me fully," Schwarber revealed. "They have been really professional, which is great."

Aside from all the niceties and human nature, which at times can create limitations, there's only one bottom line, according to Ross.

"We are a better team with him here," Ross said.

That's all the Cubs really care about.

Mark Grote is the Cubs pregame and postgame host on WBBM. Follow him on Twitter @markgrotesports.