Cactus League report: David Bote’s ‘new adventure’ for the Cubs includes books — and how Michael Kopech is doing in the White Sox bullpen

Rougned Odor still stands to earn $27 million over the next two years after being designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers. If he’s released, any team claiming him will pay only the prorated salary, with the Rangers assuming the rest. … Diamondbacks pitcher Madison Bumgarner will start his seventh opening day— and his second with Arizona. … MLB’s effort to “deaden” the baseball a bit apparently is working, leading to a decline in spring training home runs at 1.11 per game, according to ESPN Stats and Information. It was the lowest in preseason games since 2017. … Even with 25% capacity at American Family Field (formerly Miller Park) because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Milwaukee Brewers probably won’t have the lowest attended home opener in history. According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, only 8,968 showed up for their 1972 opener at County Stadium against the Minnesota Twins. … Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout expects a big season in the Big A thanks to second-year manager Joe Maddon. “We couldn’t get the full effect,” Trout said of 2020. “The Maddon effect.” So what’s it like to play for Maddon? “I’m trying to explain myself,” he said. “Um … to get the best out of a person.” Sounds like a plan.