Today, the Chicago Cubs are taking on the Cleveland Indians at Sloan Park.
And I sorta love the fact that these two teams, at least from Chicago’s perspective, will now be linked to each other for, well, ever.
Here’s the Cubs’ lineup:
- Tommy La Stella, 3B
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Miguel Montero, C
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Munenori Kawasaki, 2B
- John Lackey, P
- Jon Jay, LF
Starting Pitcher: John Lackey
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Tommy La Stella has been getting more and more starts lately, as the final roster spot decision approaches. And while we know his skill-set makes sense from a fit perspective, the off-field/roster-related concerns will play a role in the final call. It’ll be interesting to follow.
Albert Almora Jr. is another guy who’s gotten a ton of time this Spring – in fact, he’s got the second most at-bats, behind just Jeimer Candelario (who was just cut from camp). And so far, he’s putting up a strange (although perhaps not to him) line: .289/.298/.511.
Overall, obviously, you’d take that line, but it very clearly highlights Almora’s biggest flaws: He can make enough contact to yield a high average (and has some pop), but doesn’t walk enough (1 BB this spring) for a reasonable on-base percentage.
He’ll likely never be a .350+ OBP guy, but with his glove and other skills, there’s no reason he can’t be an above average contributor (especially considering his position). And by the way, he’s still only 22 years old. So, like, he has a TON of time to figure out Major League pitching.
We’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time.
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