PITTSBURGH -- Pitcher Jake Arrieta and catcher Miguel Montero?arent the only Chicago Cubs players who want to move past the spring training feel to the final days of the regular season -- they are just the most vocal.Both bristled Wednesday night at the decision to remove Montero from the game while Arrieta was still pitching. The Cy Young Award winner had just given up three runs to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fourth inning when manager Joe Maddon pulled Montero in favor of Willson Contreras.Maddon said it was a predetermined move to give the rookie Contreras an inning with Arrieta in case that combination is together in a postseason contest. Arrieta wound up giving up three more runs in the fifth.They all knew what was going to happen before that game, Maddon said Thursday afternoon. There were no surprises. And theres been no surprises.But thats not what Arrieta indicated earlier in the day during his own radio show on ESPN 1000 in Chicago.Going into the game, I was really unaware we were going to go with a catching change, Arrieta said.Maddon shot back in his take on Arrietas night, in which he gave up a season-high 10 hits.I dont think it was attributable to a spring training attitude as much as the Pirates had a good approach last night, Maddon said.Even general manager Jed Hoyer chimed in, also on ESPN 1000.Its a difficult balance, Hoyer said. We mostly get it right, maybe yesterday [Wednesday] we didnt.In the long run, the disagreement probably will matter little as the regular season has just three days left, which means only three more days of meaningless games.Its a little weird at this time of the year to be doing that, Ben Zobrist said. I understand. I get it. Were preparing for something else than today. Its odd because [normally] at this time of the year, youre playing one game at a time and pushing.In other words, teams normally are not treating games like its a second spring training. To be fair, even the players who want to play more get what Maddon is trying to do. The strategy may prevent shortstop Addison Russell from getting to 100 RBIs, but he wasnt about to get upset.It would be nice to have the starters out there doing their thing, Russell said. People getting rest is OK and giving the bench guys a chance to see how they handle the pressure is good, too.When informed some players were griping about the atmosphere that Maddon laid out to them after they clinched a playoff spot, the manager had an answer ready to go.Were 7-2 in our last nine games, so I dont see any kind of negative pattern right there, Maddon said before Thursdays 1-1, six-inning tie with the Pirates.Furthermore, Maddon wont change much in the final three games in Cincinnati. Hes not pushing anyone more than he has over the past couple of weeks.The relief pitchers are still going to be choreographed, Maddon said. The team on the field, guys [will get] three to four at-bats. Its still going to be scripted.That might not be great news to hear for a regular starter, but that doesnt mean its the wrong move.Its been a little weird here knowing these games dont matter for either team, but at the same time they matter for the individuals to get their work in, Zobrist said. Its a place nobody is usually in.Its new for all of us. They have to do the best job they can to keep everyone healthy and at the same time keep everyone sharp. Thats a difficult task.As for spring training, the Cubs already have had one. They dont need another. Its time to get serious again.It does feel like spring training, Zobrist said. We want to get away from that as quick as we can and get back to playing competitive baseball. Armen Gilliam Jersey . -- Quarterback Will Finch threw for 252 yards and three touchdowns, and Yannick Harou rushed in two scores as the No. Dennis Johnson Jersey . Coach Mike Munchak says Fokou stretched ligaments in his left knee Oct. 13 against Seattle, which could keep out up to five weeks even though the linebacker didnt need surgery. https://www.cheapsunsonline.com/869z-shawn-marion-jersey-suns.html . LOUIS -- Alexander Steen scored a power-play goal with 59. Dick Van Arsdale Jersey . First off, the fans ripped the Cubbies introduction of a fuzzy new kid-friendly mascot named "Clark". Walter Davis Jersey . Bradwell was scheduled to become a free agent Tuesday. Born and raised in Toronto, Bradwell is entering his sixth CFL season, with all six played for his hometown Argonauts. Dwyane Wade grabbed the headlines when he signed with Chicago in the summer, but Jimmy Butler is reminding everyone that hes a force for the Bulls.The 6-foot-7 Butler has put Chicago on his shoulder the past week. The Bulls have won five of their last six games overall, and they are 3-1 on their current road trip, which continues Tuesday night in Denver against the Nuggets.Butler continued his strong play with 40 points, seven rebounds and six assists in Sundays 118-110 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. It capped a week in which he averaged 27.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists.It earned him NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors.Overall, Butler is averaging 25.1, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists this season and has blossomed with the departure of Derrick Rose as well as the addition of Wade.Hes playing with a tremendous amount of confidence, Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg told The Chicago Sun-Times. He feels like every time he steps on the floor that hes the best player out there. More often than not hes right.Butler has helped Chicago (9-5) dig out of an early hole this season to provide a challenge to the world champion Cleveland Cavaliers in the Central Division. He has taken to his expanded role and is learning from his new teammate and three-time world champion with Miami.Im talking to D-Wade before the game and hes just telling me how I have to approach the game, Butler told CBSSports.com. You go out there with a killer instinct every night. Make them adjust to you. Go out with a full head of steam and show theem why you are one of the best players on the floor.dddddddddddd Thats what I try to do every single night. If its coming from him, there has to be some truth to it.The Bulls have a chance to finish 5-1 on their road trip that wraps up in Philadelphia on Friday. First theyll have to get past the Nuggets (5-8), who have won two of their last three and are getting strong play off the bench from Wilson Chandler.Chandler, who missed all of last season following hip surgery, is averaging 22 points and eight rebounds over the last four games. The Nuggets have also started to get good production from rookie guard Jamal Murray. He had a team-high 18 points in the win over Utah on Sunday and is starting to feel more comfortable after a tough start.He just continues to grow in front of our eyes, Denver coach Michael Malone said. When he gets confident and he puts that ball up I think its going in every time he shoots it.The Nuggets are getting healthier, too. Guard Will Barton returned against the Jazz after missing nine games with a sprained left ankle. He had seven points in 19 minutes and is still feeling his way after missing so much time.I knew going in he wasnt going to be the Will Barton we love and want back because hes been out for so long, Malone said.Bartons presence will be needed against the Bulls, who rested Wade against the Lakers. The key to winning might be to stop Butler from having another great game. ' ' '