Chicago Cubs infielder Trey Mancini had initially signed up to play for the Italian team in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, but after signing with the North Siders he will instead report to spring training in Arizona and focus on getting to know his new teammates. 

Mancini, who signed a two-year deal with the Cubs earlier this month, said that he anticipates he’ll need to serve as a veteran presence for the club, and that establishing relationships in Mesa will be a key component to that role. “We thought it might behoove me to be there the whole time with the team,” he told media during an introductory press call on Monday.