NEWSLETTER
I’ve written over 150 “Chicago Cubs Lineup” posts in each of the last three seasons, but every year, the same few really stand out: the first one of the regular season, the first one they can clinch a playoff spot, the first one of the postseason, and whenever they’re on the brink of elimination.
But the low-key BEST one of the entire year (in my experience) is the one you’re reading right now: the first Chicago Cubs lineup of the year. Check it out.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Daniel Descalso, 2B
- Willson Conteras, DH
- Jim Adduci, 1B
- Taylor Davis, C
- Johnny Field, LF
- Jacob Hannemann, CF
For the first time since heartbreaking losses at Wrigley Field in game #163 and the Wild Card tilt, we have REAL CUBS BASEBALL. It might not count for anything just yet, but that’s not stopping me from enjoying the heck out of it. I might have 150 more of them to write this season, but this one is the first.
As for the lineup, itself, I wouldn’t read too much into Jason Heyward leading off. For one thing, we more or less know the Cubs aren’t committing to any one lead off hitter this year, and for another, Heyward probably wouldn’t be that guy right out of the gate even if they were. With that said, in his prime, Heyward would’ve been a pretty ideal leadoff hitter with great patience, a good OBP, and solid base running skills. In any case, the regulars you see in there are at the top so that they can squeeze out an extra at bat and be removed earlier in the game.
The other notable lineup quirk is Daniel Descalso at second base. He’ll probably get plenty of opportunities to run away with the second base job early in the year, while Javy Baez is covering for Addison Russell at short, but he’ll also probably always split that time with Ben Zobrist and David Bote (and maybe Ian Happ, now, too). Ah … well, there’s so much more we could discuss, but it’s a long spring. For now, that’s your first lineup of the year and, as usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time.
