Cubs Live
By: Ryan Melson (@RyanMelson1)
It’s The Cubs League will come out on Saturday’s and will focus on the weekly news, notes, highlights, and what to look forward to in Cubs land over the weekend. 1) With the loss to Milwaukee, the Cubs are already in last place in the division. Just kidding, it is only spring training and wins and losses are meaningless throughout the spring. In three seasons under Joe Maddon, the Cubs have never fared well in spring training, but they have the most regular season wins over that time period. Wins and losses over Spring Training has no bearing on how a team will perform in the regular season. It did seem like Milwaukee was very eager to get a win against the Cubs, though. Either way, how good does it feel to have baseball back? 2) Manager Joe Maddon said four Cubs are in the running for the leadoff slot: Ian Happ, Albert Almora Jr., Kyle Schwarber, and Ben Zobrist. This should be an interesting competition to watch this spring. While it is likely that they will be platooning in centerfield during the regular season, it would be perfect if Almora Jr. and Happ could become the trusted leadoff hitters. If no front runner emerges during the spring, Maddon will likely rotate this position on a daily basis. The regular season is long and players have ups and down. Early spring success may give someone an edge to start the regular season as the leadoff hitter, but that does not mean that person will be the leadoff hitter all season long. The only way someone would be the leadoff hitter for the entire season is if they had a banner year, and I am all for that happening. 3) Everyone is speaking about Kyle Schwarber’s body transformation. His work-ethic is truly unparalleled. We saw how hard Schwarber worked to get back from his ACL tear in 2016 to help propel this franchise to their first championship in 108 years. Schwarber proved once again that he will outwork anyone, and he looks like he is getting ready to make a superhero movie. Do you get the feeling Schwarber is about to have a major 2018 season? I sure feel that way. 4) One game into the spring, and defense appears to have been a priority for Ian Happ this offseason. In the spring training opener on Friday, Happ likely saved two runs when he made a sensational diving catch in centerfield. If Happ’s defense has gotten better in centerfield, look for Happ to have a major 2018 season. 5) Ben Zobrist has not practiced this week with a sore back, something he had an issue with in 2017. Joe Maddon said Zobrist is doing well, but they are “not hurrying” him into action. Zobrist was looking to have a bounce back 2018 season after a disappointing 2017. February Spring Training games do not have much significance for a veteran like Zobrist. The panic meter is not even close to being raised yet. However, if Zobrist’s back is still sore in a month from now, then I will be in full panic mode on whether he can shake the back injuries for the 2018 season. 6) “3 AM” Tommy La Stella drove in the first run for the Cubs this spring. Tommy can flat out hit, and he could definitely be starting on several teams in the league because of his consistency at the plate and in the field. 7) Your weekly Yu Darvish fix. Yu Darvish is hilarious. Darvish threw a 25 pitch session to several of the players the other day. The players wanted to see Darvish’s nasty arsenal of pitches up close. Schwarber watched some of Darvish’s pitches in the batters box and Darvish weighed in on Schwarber standing in against him. Darvish said, “If [Schwarber] swung, it would probably go over the fence. It’s a good thing he didn’t.” This is one of many one-liners Darvish has had since he put on the most beautiful uniform in baseball. 8) While I know the name Mike Freeman may not peak your interest, I am glad the Cubs have the shortstop back this year. Freeman will likely sign a minor league deal with Cubs after spring training when he does not make the 25 man roster. He provides a very serviceable depth option for the middle infield. 9) Bullpen competition. Dario Alvarez had a rough debut for the Cubs. In one inning of work, his command was erratic at times, he was hittable at times, and he was unhittable at times. While it is early in spring training, allowing two runs on two walks and two hits is something that cannot consistently happen if Alvarez is going to compete for the last bullpen spot. 10) On deck for the weekend. Today, Eddie Butler will take the mound for the Cubs. Remember Eddie B., Cub fans? Eddie Butler started 11 games for the Cubs in the first half of the 2017 season when the Cubs were dealing with many injuries to the starting staff. Butler started out hot in his Cubs debut against the rival Cardinals in St. Louis, flashing a mid to high 90’s fastball in that game. After that start in St. Louis, Eddie Butler was wildly inconsistent. Butler has really good stuff, but his command can be erratic as his 1.427 WHIP in 2017 shows that. Butler is intriguing and there is a reason he was a top prospect for the Rockies. Lets hope that Jim Hickey can work wonders with Butler’s command and confidence. On Sunday, the Cubs 2017 Minor League pitcher of the year, Jen-Ho Tseng, will take the mound. Tseng’s only start with the Cubs last year did not go well, but Tseng has a very bright future ahead of him.
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Kyle MalzhanFounder who is an aspiring journalist who covers the Chicago Cubs daily. Archives
April 2020
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