NEWSLETTER
There’s nothing like Friday afternoon baseball.
For today’s game against the A’s, Cubs Manager David Ross is rolling with a different-look “regulars” lineup, compared to the one he drafted a couple nights ago. Ian Happ is still leading off, Javy Baez, is still sixth, and Nico Hoerner is still near the bottom of the order, but Anthony Rizzo moves into the two-hole, Willson Contreras falls down to fifth, while Joc Pederson bats cleanup.
Here is today's #Cubs lineup against the A's. pic.twitter.com/tHKU15AQdj
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 19, 2021
Ultimately, the differences between today’s group and Wednesday’s would mean very little, even over the course of a full season, so I’m not stressing it too much. With that said, I do prefer Wednesday’s order, but only because I think Willson Contreras is just so ready to go off over the course of a full season and I want him getting a lot of early plate appearances.
Then again, without a more significant time-share backup catcher like Victor Caratini, maybe fewer chances is better for him long-term? Bah. Like I said, it doesn’t really matter, so however everyone is comfortable and happy and productive works for me. Go Cubs.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (9-5) at Oakland A’s (9-8) – Friday, March 19th, at 3:05 CT
Starting Pitchers
Athletics: Frankie Montas (R)
versus
Cubs: Zach Davies (R)
Chicago Cubs:
1. Ian Happ, CF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Joc Pederson, LF
5. Willson Contreras, C
6. Javy Baez, SS
7. Jason Heyward, RF
8. Nico Hoerner, 2B
9. Zach Davies, P
Oakland A’s:
1. Mark Canha, CF
2. Jed Lowrie, 2B
3. Matt Olson, 1B
4. Matt Chapman, 3B
5. Mitch Moreland, DH
6. Chad Pinder, LF
7. Stepen Piscotty, RF
8. Elvis Andrus, SS
9. Austin Allen, C
