NEWSLETTER
Well, I can’t say I saw this lineup coming, but hopefully the Cubs have enough to beat Jacob deGrom and the Mets for the sweep today.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Nicholas Castellanos, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Victor Caratini, 1B
- Addison Russell, 2B
- Tony Kemp, LF
- Jonathan Lucroy, C
- Jon Lester, P
Boy! I sure do miss Anthony Rizzo, Willson Contreras, Ben Zobrist, Ian Happ, and Kyle Schwarber … all of whom could absolutely improve the offensive potential of this Cubs lineup – and someone of them are even available to Joe Maddon! – but instead we’re getting Tony Kemp in left field, Victor Caratini at first base, and Jonathan Lucroy behind the plate against Jacob deGrom, who’s tougher on righties than lefties.
Indeed, Schwarber and Happ went a combined 4-8 with a 2B, 2HRs, and a walk last night, but you’ll find neither in the lineup this afternoon, as Joe Maddon apparently looks to … I don’t know maximize the defense, I guess.
On those decisions, I tend to think Ian Happ would’ve been at least as good defensively as Kemp in left field or as Victor Caratini at first base, with a FAR (FAR) better chance against the righty, deGrom than either of them (Schwarber is better against RHP too):
Happ v. RHP: 114 wRC+
Kemp v. RHP: 74 wRC+
Caratini v. RHP: 100 wRC+
Schwarbs v. RHP: 111 wRC+
But alas … Joe loves Kemp. My ideal lineup would’ve probably had Caratini behind the plate, Happ at first base, and Schwarber in left field, for what it’s worth, but this is what we’ve got. So let’s hope for the best.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:10 CT).
