Bryant appreciates Las Vegas embracing Cubs

LAS VEGAS -- Kris Bryant gave his hometown fans a thrill, hitting a two-run homer in a six-run fifth inning in the Cubs' 11-7 victory over the Reds on Saturday at Cashman Field.
The reigning National League Most Valuable Player, who launched his fourth homer this spring, said that he's noticed a lot more Cubs caps in town since they won the World Series.
"It's nice to see a lot of Cubs fans here," Bryant said. "We bought our first house here and driving through the neighborhood, I see a ton of Cubs hats and people wearing Cubs hats while they're walking their dogs. I'm thinking, 'This is so cool.'"
Bryant was asked about a variety of topics, ranging from his favorite restaurant in Chicago (Chicago Cut Steakhouse) to who would play him in a movie about David Ross' life (he deferred).
What was Bryant thinking when the ground ball was hit to him for the final out of Game 7 of the World Series?
"Don't hit it to me," Bryant said, laughing. "At least it was a slow roller. At first I didn't think I had a chance to make the play."
Would he like to see a Major League Baseball team in Las Vegas?
"I would love to see it -- I think it'd be really cool," Bryant said.
The only downside for Bryant on his return home was trying to get a parking spot at Cashman Field. The attendants wouldn't let him into the players' lot.
• Javier Báez rejoined the Cubs in Mesa on Saturday and said he enjoyed his experience in the World Baseball Classic.
"I had so much fun and learned so many things from the veteran guys, Yadi [Molina] and [Carlos Beltran]," Baez told reporters in Mesa on Saturday.
Baez put on a show with his flashy defensive play and his baserunning for Team Puerto Rico.
"Everybody's got their style and their talent," Baez said. "I go out there and have a lot of fun. We're not showing anybody up. I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing."
• The Cubs have a decision to make regarding their bench, and Matt Szczur may have an edge. On Saturday in Mesa, manager Joe Maddon raved about Szczur and also said Tommy La Stella would report to the Minor Leagues if needed. La Stella has options remaining; Szczur does not.
• In Las Vegas, the Cubs were staying at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, where there was shooting early Saturday. Club officials said the team was in no danger and they were monitoring the situation. The man who police said shot two people, killing one, on a bus on the Las Vegas strip surrendered after a standoff.