I’ve just decided – right this very second – to go into this series with a wide open mind and plenty of optimism. There’s at least a chance these are the last ten (or so) Cubs games until next SPRING. I want to enjoy every ounce of it.
Here’s the Cubs lineup for the all-important first matchup against Jack Flaherty and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Â
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Nicholas Castellanos, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Victor Caratini, 1B
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Kyle Hendricks, P
If this lineup looks familiar, it’s because it’s the same exact group the Cubs have used over the past two days. And while they haven’t scored many runs in that time (4 runs over 19.0 innings), it’s hard to argue with most (if any) of the decisions.
I do think Brett’s point about Ian Happ’s success against righty sliders does make sense (and you know I’m always down to squeeze him into the starting lineup), but it’s just so hard to actually get him in there right now.
You’re not going to replace Ben Zobrist at second base, less you leave a wide open leadoff spot. You’re not going to kick Kyle Schwarber or Nicholas Castellanos out of the lineup in the corners given the way they’ve been hitting, and Victor Caratini has been pretty consistent offensively, so you probably want to keep him at first base.
I think the most obvious sub could’ve probably been for Jason Heyward in center field (especially as he’s gone 1-13 with 4Ks against Flaherty lifetime), but Joe Maddon is rolling with the guys he wants and we’re just along for the ride.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time.
Also, be sure to check out Bryan’s latest and greatest that just published:
The Tireless Adjustments of Cory Abbott, Our Cubs Prospect of the Year https://t.co/BvQ6whHj8a pic.twitter.com/bMwgKkInjH
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) September 19, 2019