GLENDALE, Ariz. — Why would anyone want to continue playing baseball at age 40?
For newly signed Chicago Cubs infielder Justin Turner, the answer was simple.
Turner said he loves the game and still feels he can compete. As long as a major-league team believed he could still contribute, there was no reason to retire.
“I feel like I’m a student of the game,” he told a group of reporters Thursday morning at Cubs camp in Mesa. “I’m curious, always trying to learn new things, always trying to understand what makes guys tick. If I can apply that to what I can do to help make me better, I’m addicted to it.”
That addiction led to Turner signing a one-year, $6 million deal with the Cubs that was made official Thursday during the Cubs’ 12-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers before 10,959 in the Cactus League opener at Camelback Ranch.
Cubs pitcher Cody Poteet made history in the first inning, becoming the first player to challenge the ABS (automated balls-strikes) system that’s being implemented for the first time in major-league games.
Poteet’s challenge on an 0-1 fastball away to Max Muncy in the first inning was ruled a ball. After a review of the “robo-ump,” it was changed to a strike.
Manager Craig Counsell pretended to be excited in the dugout, though in reality he was not all that interested in the ABS system, which won’t be used in the regular season.
“It’s cool I guess to be the one to fire away,” Poteet said of his historic challenge. “I wasn’t shy with it for sure.”
The Cubs took only one regular position player — first baseman Michael Busch — to Camelback Ranch and will play several starters Friday at home, including Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Either way, Turner’s arrival took center stage at Cubs camp, thanks to his reputation as a pure hitter and clubhouse presence.
Fans may still think of Tuner as a Cubs killer from the Dodgers, thanks to his walk-off home run off John Lackey in Game 2 of the 2017 National League Championship Series, earning him co-MVP honors. No one knew it at the time, but that win, which gave the Dodgers a 2-0 series lead, basically ended the Cubs’ chances of a long reign. They have not won a postseason series since.
When I asked Turner about his bomb off Lackey, he laughed and said: “My answer to that is I’ve made a lot of outs (against) the Cubs too. My wife is from Northwest Indiana (Chesterton). That’s kind of Cubs country so I’ve been used to hearing it for a long time every time I go back with her.
“I always said I’ve made a lot of outs, and the year before you guys beat us (in the 2016 NLCS) and won a World Series. So it’s give and take a little, right?”
So signing is his chance to apologize to Cubs fans?
“I’m not apologizing,” he said with a grin.
Turner’s 7-month-old son is named Bo Jordan after Bo Jackson and Michael Jordan. He said his wife told him Wednesday night that now that he’s a Cub, the baby will now be called “Bo Jordan Turner III (for) three great Chicago athletes.”
To make room for Turner, the Cubs designated outfielder Alexander Canario for assignment.
Seldom has a 40-year-old reserve generated as much interest in Cubs camp. Counsell said Turner would be a mentor to young players, a role Turner said he is glad to fill.
While Turner said he would take grounders at third and do anything needed, Counsell confirmed he mostly would be used as a first baseman, DH and pinch hitter. Michael Busch, Turner’s former Dodgers teammate, will remain the primary first baseman.
Turner is the oldest position player in the majors, but age is just a number, according to Counsell.
“The longevity just speaks to (the belief) this is a really smart baseball player, so you regress physically as you age,” Counsell said. “We all do. There’s no question about that. But his instincts for the game, instincts for hitting are elite. Those don’t go anywhere.
“If anything they just continue to get better if you kind of use it the right way. That’s why he’s able to stay in the league and be an effective player and be a good offensive player.”
Turner said he wanted to come to an organization that could win in 2025, and the Cubs fit that description in his mind.
“At this point in my career the most important thing is going to a place that is going to win, that wants to win and is going to do whatever they can to compete and get in the playoffs first,” Turner said. “That’s obviously the hardest part, and then have an opportunity to win a championship.”
He said Wrigley is one of his “favorite places to play” and a historic park with a great fan base.
“I know they show up, their passionate, they understand the game,” he said. “The place is rocking and rolling when the Cubs are good, and we intend on being good this year.”
Reporting to camp 11 days after it opened, Turner didn’t have a time frame for when he would be ready. The season opener in Japan is on March 18.
“Three weeks isn’t a choice, it’s a fact,” he said. “So I’ll be ready in three weeks. … It’s my 16th or 17th camp. I think I have a pretty good understanding of where I need to be and what I need to do to get there. I’ll just use that feel.”
Turner had to wait for Alex Bregman to sign with the Boston Red Sox, which opened the door for him to come to Chicago.
“Unfortunately it took a little longer for Bregman to figure out where he was going,” he said. “But I think it all worked out perfectly, and I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”
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