Instant memories for Cubs, Rajai Davis in exhibition opener

Memories of Game 7 of the 2016 World Series will automatically flash Saturday for the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs will face the Oakland Athletics and leadoff batter Rajai Davis, known more for his game-tying home run off Aroldis Chapman in the eighth inning of last year’s Series.

"He’s a good little player," Maddon said of Davis, who signed with the A’s as a free agent. "I’ve always been a fan of Davis. That makes Oakland a little more interesting."

Maddon recalled a situation on the final day of the 2011 season, when his Tampa Bay Rays rallied to earn a playoff spot thanks to some help from Baltimore infielder Robert Andino.

Andino eliminated the Boston Red Sox with a game-winning hit within minutes after the Rays rallied to beat the New York Yankees.

"The next spring, (Andino) is leading, and we all got up and gave him a standing ovation in the dugout," Maddon smiled.

As for Davis, "no, we’re not going to do that," Maddon said.

Caption Manager Joe Maddon on the Cubs’ first games, at-bats and lineups

Manager Joe Maddon talks about the Cubs’ first games, at-bats and lineups. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Manager Joe Maddon talks about the Cubs’ first games, at-bats and lineups. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Caption Manager Joe Maddon on the Cubs’ first games, at-bats and lineups

Manager Joe Maddon talks about the Cubs’ first games, at-bats and lineups. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Manager Joe Maddon talks about the Cubs’ first games, at-bats and lineups. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Caption Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer on Pedro Strop’s contract extension

Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer discusses the contract extension of reliever Pedro Strop on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer discusses the contract extension of reliever Pedro Strop on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Caption Joe Maddon on the Cubs’ relay and bunt drills

Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses Jason Heyward’s progress as well as the team’s relay and bunt drills on Feb. 24, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses Jason Heyward’s progress as well as the team’s relay and bunt drills on Feb. 24, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Caption Pedro Strop on signing a 1-year extension with the Cubs

Relief pitcher Pedro Strop discusses his new one-year deal with the Cubs on Feb. 24, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz.

Relief pitcher Pedro Strop discusses his new one-year deal with the Cubs on Feb. 24, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz.

Caption Javier Baez on driving a Polaris three-wheeled sports car

Cubs infielder Javier Baez describes driving a Polaris three-wheeled sports car on Feb. 24, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Cubs infielder Javier Baez describes driving a Polaris three-wheeled sports car on Feb. 24, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

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