Clearly, Ben Zobrist’s insane numbers, including a huge .424 OBP, have forced Joe Maddon’s hand, and Zobrist is now the new leadoff hitter.
… or it’s just game one of a doubleheader and Dexter Fowler is getting a blow:
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Kris Bryant, RF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Jorge Soler, LF
- Javy Baez, 3B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Tim Federowicz, C
- Kyle Hendricks, P
[adinserter block=”1″]Lot’s of moving parts, as Jason Heyward covers for Fowler in center, Kris Bryant covers for Heyward in right, Jorge Soler (kinda) covers for Bryant in left, and Javy Baez (kinda) covers for Bryant at third.
Such is the benefit of the Cubs’ versatility – a guy can get a break in the first game of a doubleheader, and the lineup and defense isn’t that much worse for the wear.
It’ll be interesting to see who gets a break in game two. My guess is it’s a similar group, but with Fowler back in (maybe Soler out), David Ross catching, and Tommy La Stella in for Ben Zobrist.