Manager Joe Maddon seemed eager and optimistic to perform the Cubs' first gimmick of the 2017 season before Monday's workout.

Finances don't seem to be an issue, as evidenced last spring by the array of gimmicks orchestrated by strength and conditioning coordinator Tim Buss with Maddon's consent.

"It’s combustible," said Maddon, who has hired disc jockeys and drove his 1970s van onto the conditioning field before workouts. "It’s interesting. If I think of something, I’ll throw it at him. And he knows he doesn’t have to clear it with me unless it’s absolutely insane. But it works very well."

When asked about the funding of stunts, which frequently featured Buss in various costumes, Maddon praised traveling secretary Vijay Tekchandani.

"He's very good about taking care of all that," Maddon smiled before recalling a tactic used during his days in the minor leagues.

"When it doubt, always write it off to ice. We just bought some ice."

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