Cubs Warn Of Social Media Ills

CHICAGO—The Twitter frenzy following the presidential election offered a quick reminder to Cubs officials that they have no formal social media policy for their minor leaguers.

“Obviously, that’s something that’s going to be addressed during spring training,” farm director Jaron Madison said.

Team president Theo Epstein has said more than once he respects and embraces differences of opinions and perspectives among players in the organization, and their rights to express themselves.

But the Cubs also direct players, and other employees, on their responsibilities as representatives of the organization, including on social media.

Some players in the organization, including Triple-A Iowa reliever Corey Black, took to Twitter after Donald Trump was elected. Black engaged followers at length in the hours and days after the election, criticizing post-election protesters.

Madison didn’t suggest any specific problem with Black or others with their social media activity. But the highly charged post-election fury that spread on Twitter and other formats might lead to a harder look by the organization at possibly creating a more formal policy.

When it comes to social media, the club has public relations personnel monitor players’ activity, and consultants are invited each spring to meet with players in camp on avoiding social media PR land mines.

“Sometimes we’ll call guys just to make sure they’re thinking about what they’re putting out there, that they’re mindful of what they’re doing,” said Madison, who has had only “a couple” of brushfires to deal with in recent years. “It hasn’t happened very often. We’ve been fortunate.”

CUBBYHOLE

• Flooding created by the recent release of river flow near the Cubs’ Dominican academy caused enough damage, including five feet of water inside the main building, that the facility has been closed until January.

• Already having a good fall, Ian Happ hit his first Arizona Fall League homer with front office officials, including Epstein, taking in a game during the nearby general managers meetings. Happ still needs a lot of work defensively but is being groomed for work at both second base and in the outfield. “It’s nice to be in a system where versatility is paramount,” Happ told reporters. “If you hit, they’ll find a spot for you on the field.