Hey, all right! The Cubs don’t play their first two Spring Training games until tomorrow at 2pm CT, but we already have lineups to enjoy! (And, you know, read way too much into.)
The lineups, and some discussion below.
Versus A’s at Sloan Park:
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Willson Contreras, C
- Jon Jay, CF
- Matt Szczur, LF
- Ian Happ, DH
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Now, then. If I were going to read too much into this one, I’d point out that it sure looks like it could be the “regular” lineup, with a couple tweaks: you’d have Kyle Schwarber leading off instead of Heyward, and you’d have the pitcher in there in place of Szczur’s spot. That could leave the nine-hole open for Jay/Albert Almora to move down, and Heyward would slot into that seven-hole.
For today, though, it’s just nice to see Heyward leading off. Why? Because you want him to get a whole lot of Spring Training game at bats to continue working on his revised swing in-game.
And, hey, Ian Happ gets a start in front of the home crowd!
Versus Giants in Scottsdale:
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Jeimer Candelario, 3B
- Miguel Montero, C
- Albert Almora, CF
- Chris Dominguez, 1B
- John Andreoli, RF
- Munenori Kawasaki, SS
- Mark Zagunis, DH
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It’s funny that, although the game at Sloan features essentially a starting lineup, this lineup here in Scottsdale is full of starting-caliber talent, too.
There’s no holding Schwarber back, as he’ll immediately start, and immediately play in the outfield. It’s nice to see Candelario, Andreoli, and Zagunis getting early starts, as each could very well be a factor at the big league level this year.
We’ll have your usual Pre-Gamin’ tomorrow in advance of the games.