Well, this is kind of interesting. For the second straight game, Kris Bryant will head to left field, and Javier Baez will start at third base:
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Kris Bryant, LF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Miguel Montero, C
- Javier Baez, 3B
- Addison Russell, SS
- John Lackey, P
I wouldn’t go so far as to say we’re suddenly seeing a significant shift in the Cubs’ defensive alignment, but the fact that this is happening two days in a row should jump out at you. And although I don’t think it means we’ll see this every day or anything like that, I do think it confirms that the Baez at third, Bryant in left alignment is something Joe Maddon likes to do when it fits that day.[adinserter block=”1″]
It’s also worth pointing out that, in our limited experience seeing Baez at third, he’s looked really good there. And in our experience seeing Bryant in left, he’s looked very solid there. There’s no question in my mind that this alignment improves the Cubs’ defense. But Bryant is still really good at third base for his own part, and some days we’re going to want to see a certain someone else getting those starts in left field.
As I said: this is interesting.
One caveat that should overshadow anything you try to take away from the lineup: it’s entirely possible that Jorge Soler is dealing with a minor, nagging-type-thing, and he’s just getting a little extra rest. I don’t know of anything like that, but I’m saying it’s important to remember that’s always a possibility when you see a guy out of the lineup.
Your full Pre-Gamin’ will come later today, closer to game time.[adinserter block=”2″]