Rehabbing with Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Denorfia excited to rejoin rejuvenated Chicago Cubs

There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the Chicago Cubs to start the MLB season, and the team is tied for first place in the National League’s Central division.

And outfielder Chris Denorfia can’t wait to be a part of it.

Denorfia – who is on the disabled list with a hamstring injury and serving a rehab stint for the Cubs’ Advanced Class-A affiliate, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans – is excited about joining the major league club.

“Any time you’re in first place in the big leagues, it’s pretty special whether it’s the first week or the last week,” said Denorfia, who signed a one-year deal worth $2.6 million with Chicago in January. “Obviously we’re hoping [to be in first] the last week, but I think we’re showing offensively we can really put up some runs now and just support the pitching staff that they’ve had. Hopefully it’s the start of a special year for us.”

He noted that his hamstring is feeling good since joining the Pelicans. He wound up coming to Myrtle Beach after flight issues got in the way of a potential trip to Triple-A Memphis earlier in the week.

“It’s a pretty standard hamstring injury and it just usually takes a couple of weeks to kind of get over the hump [but] it’s kind of a tough time right now starting the season,” said Denorfia, career .272 batter with 38 career home runs in the majors. “I just had nowhere really to play last week so I was excited to get out here and get some ballgames in. … I’m just itching to play.”

Denorfia went 1-for-2 during a 5-0 loss to Wilmington on Sunday before being replaced by Shawon Dunston Jr. in the sixth inning, and went 0-for-1 and drew a walk during a 5-3 seven-inning victory over Salem on Tuesday. He said making the trip back to the minors gave him a view of the bigger picture.

“It was fun. I actually had a little jitters because I hadn’t been playing in a couple of weeks,” Denorfia said. “It’s a tough situation when you come back to the minors but just being around the guys and having some fun and seeing the hunger in their eyes – it definitely sparks a little something in me and makes me appreciate where I am.”

Having a major leaguer has been a plus for the Pelicans as well, coach Mark Johnson said.

“Chris is a super pro and he goes about his business. These guys can really take a lot in from what he has to say and we’re glad to have him,” Johnson said. “We wish him and the Cubs the best of luck with their season.”

Said Denorfia: “Just talking around the batting cage or in the dugout, some of these guys will pick my brain a little bit. It’s a long road being in the minors and it’s just a series of learning processes that these guys are kind of just getting going with. It’s a lot of fun and it’s a grind to be in the minors, but the reward at the end is pretty special; you can see it in these guys’ eyes – they’re all looking for that.”

While Denorfia has been on the mend, the Cubs have been winning games. Part of the excitement – and winning – has resulted from big-time offseason moves including the signings of manager Joe Maddon, ace pitcher Jon Lester and All-Star catcher Miguel Montero and a trade that brought in outfielder Dexter Fowler. Not to mention Denorfia, who said he’s just thankful to be a part of all the changes the Cubs have made.

“That was the reason I signed as a free agent is because I believe in the direction [the Cubs are] going,” he said. “At this point in my career, one of the deciding factors of where I was going to sign was how likely I was to make a playoff run and with [coach Joe Maddon], signing [pitcher] Jon Lester, Miguel Montero and trading for Dexter Fowler [we have a good chance]. Now you’re starting to see the young core the Cubs have put together with pieces here and there. I believe in where we’re going and what we’re doing.”

Maddon is one of the league’s most popular managers, known for his wide black-rimmed glasses and managing flare. He also brings a wealth of knowledge and past success in the majors.

“He’s a different cat, that’s for sure. He’s kind of like the Phil Jackson of baseball a little bit. He’s big on philosophy and getting guys to buy into his way of thinking,” Denorfia said. “I really like what he brings to the ballpark everyday in terms of positivity and attitude and it just sort of spreads among the players. He’s a really fun guy to play for but he’s all business, too. [He is] a guy who holds everybody accountable and wants everybody just to do the small things, the fundamentals of baseball. It shows that he respects the game and that’s how I like to play; I think it’s going to help the Cubs out long-term.”

While he hasn’t played at Wrigley Field yet this season, Denorfia has made plenty of memories at the park over the years and is excited about his future at the historic park.

“Obviously the first time you play there, it’s something special. What they’re doing right now is sort of making it into a 21st century stadium while respecting the history of it. Every player will be able to tell you stories about the first time they went there and playing on the field and everything,” Denorfia said. “But they’re really doing this for the fans more than anything, to show their appreciation and also to the history of the place to keep it up. We’re excited about what it’s going to turn into and next month when we can fill in those bleachers; I think it’s going to be pretty cool.”

The last time Denorfia played in Myrtle Beach was 2004, when he was a member of the Potomac Nationals, the Advanced-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds at the time. Coming back after all these years, Denorfia noticed the town has a different feel.

“It’s pretty cool. This place has kind of grown up a lot since then,” Denorfia said. “I remember staying over at the Broadway at the Beach area and it was a lot smaller; just a couple of restaurants and bars. It’s pretty impressive what’s going on here; It got me thinking and maybe [I will] take my family here one day.”

For now, though, his focus is on getting back on the field with the Cubs.

“Any time you’re on the disabled list, it’s not where you want to be. We’ve been doing some really good work and all the training staffs I’ve dealt with with the Cubs have been so first class,” Denorfia said. “[I’m] just trying to get this done as quickly and prudently as possible so I can get back and hopefully not re-injure myself.”

This story was originally published April 14, 2015 at 9:46 PM with the headline "Rehabbing with Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Denorfia excited to rejoin rejuvenated Chicago Cubs."