Cubs roll out plans for training center in the Dominican Republic

The Cubs will open within 18 months a new baseball academy in the Dominican Republic that will encompass 50 acres with facilities for baseball training, housing and an educational center. Team chairman Tom Ricketts, some of his family and Cubs staff were in La Gina, Dominican Republic, on Thursday to unveil plans that have been in the works since the family acquired the team three years ago. The facility will feature four fields (one with artificial turf), four covered batting cages, eight bullpens, a weight room, cafeteria and kitchen, two locker rooms, two meetings rooms and a large classroom that …