Yesterday, the Chicago Cubs scored 3 runs on six hits over 10.0 innings for their second straight loss against the Brewers. And today, Joe Maddon said LET IT RIDE, BABY!
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Robel Garcia, 2B
- Willson Contreras,
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Jose Quintana, P
The Cubs lineup today is a carbon copy of yesterday’s group, which did not succeed. Now, obviously, that’s not a reason not to try it again, but the main question I had yesterday – Why is Robel Garcia (0-5, 3Ks) leading off? – persists.
To be clear, I *do* want him in the lineup right now, but I just don’t see how someone with his profile (5.7% walk rate, 39.6% strikeout rate) makes any sense at the top of the lineup.
If you want him high up in the order for whatever reason, that’s fine. I get it. Even if he’s a homer or bust guy, having that periodic homer come with higher likelihood of guys on base sounds great. But that’s not what happens at leadoff. So … what are we doing here?
The frustration is bubbling over. As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time.