In two weeks the Chicago Cubs will line up alongside the third-base line for opening-day introductions at Wrigley Field.
Although a majority of their opening-day roster spots are locked in, barring any accidents earlier than the workforce departs Arizona on March 28, the Cubs will quickly start deliberating on how greatest to construct their workforce to open the yr.
And with that in thoughts, right here’s a projection of the opening-day roster:
Starting pitchers (5)
- RHP Marcus Stroman
- RHP Jameson Taillon
- LHP Justin Steele
- LHP Drew Smyly
- RHP Hayden Wesneski
Also in consideration: RHP Adrian Sampson, RHP Javier Assad.
Wesneski’s outcomes are beginning to communicate for themselves. Yes, it’s spring coaching and his shutdown efficiency by way of three Cactus League begins — no earned runs in 8⅔ innings — is available in an setting the place numbers might be robust to gauge. But his stuff has been nasty and at this level he needs to be thought of the front-runner to be the No. 5 starter.
If Sampson is the odd man out, the Cubs should weigh whether or not to designate him for task to make use of his 40-man roster spot on a non-roster invitee — ought to they should add somebody to the lively roster — or maintain him as an optionable participant who might be used within the rotation or bullpen if accidents come up.
Assad’s uptick in velocity by way of an offseason throwing program whereas sustaining his command was one of many Cubs’ greatest developments coming into camp. His electrical three scoreless innings in Team Mexico’s win in opposition to Team USA within the World Baseball Classic confirmed how nicely his stuff can play even when his fastball hits 95-97 mph.
Relievers (8)
- RHP Brad Boxberger
- RHP Michael Fulmer
- RHP Keegan Thompson
- RHP Adbert Alzolay
- LHP Brandon Hughes
- RHP Michael Rucker
- RHP Julian Merryweather
- RHP Rowan Wick
Also in consideration: RHP Mark Leiter Jr., RHP Cam Sanders, RHP Jeremiah Estrada, RHP Tyler Duffey.
The Cubs face robust choices setting up their bullpen, partially due to the variety of relievers who don’t have minor-league choices remaining. Those limitations may assist Merryweather and Alzolay land on the roster.
Leiter has a March 30 opt-out in his minor-league deal, a supply instructed the Tribune, which might enable him to go elsewhere if the Cubs don’t put him on the roster. The opt-out clause isn’t sufficient to ensure he can be within the opening-day bullpen. With two weeks to go, accidents may pop up that remedy who secures the unsure two or three openings.
Rucker’s camp efficiency has impressed the workforce. He and Wick nonetheless have minor-league choices.
Catchers (2)
- Yan Gomes
- Tucker Barnhart
The veteran catchers are anticipated to separate beginning duties, whereas prospect Miguel Amaya would possibly get a glance someday within the second half of the season because the Cubs attempt to consider his big-league potential throughout his ultimate minor-league choice yr.
Infielders (8)
- 1B/DH Eric Hosmer
- 1B/DH/OF Trey Mancini
- 2B Nico Hoerner
- SS Dansby Swanson
- 3B/OF Patrick Wisdom
- IF Nick Madrigal
- IF Edwin Ríos
- IF Zach McKinstry
In consideration: Christopher Morel.
Mancini and Wisdom are anticipated to issue into the nook outfield choices, predominantly in proper discipline with Seiya Suzuki beginning the season on the injured listing. Manager David Ross can have loads of mix-and-match choices on the nook infield positions.
Morel, 23, is coming off an surprising rookie season, making the leap from Double-A Tennessee to the Cubs. His defensive versatility and upside are interesting, however he wants on a regular basis at-bats. While the Cubs had been capable of finding him sufficient enjoying time final yr by utilizing him at second base, third base and heart discipline, these alternatives don’t exist proper now.
Morel is healthier off enjoying frequently at Triple-A Iowa, the place he can give attention to reducing his strikeout charge and creating extra defensive consistency.
Outfielders (3)
- LF Ian Happ
- CF Cody Bellinger
- OF Mike Tauchman
In consideration: Nelson Velásquez.
Happ and Bellinger are locked into the on a regular basis lineup, leaving proper discipline a probable rotating spot so long as Suzuki is sidelined by his left indirect pressure. Tauchman, a non-roster invitee, has seemingly solidified his opening-day roster standing. He can play all three outfield spots and provides the Cubs one other left-handed bat.
Mancini and Wisdom can play proper discipline too. Tauchman can shift to accommodate Happ or Bellinger getting a day without work. The lone wrinkle: Would the Cubs be comfy carrying solely three true outfielders on the 26-man roster? If they need a fourth outfielder, Velásquez, already on the 40-man roster, can play all three positions.
But like Morel, Velásquez would profit from common enjoying time. The greatest path towards that’s at Triple A.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com
