NEWSLETTER
Aaaaaaaaaaand we’re back. Perhaps a little later than originally scheduled, but much sooner than we feared at the lowest points of the lockout. And the best part? We’re still getting a full, 162-game season. I call that a win.
Speaking of wins, the Cubs will likely be lucky to walk away with two this weekend, as they open up with a four-game set against the division-favorite Milwaukee Brewers. Chicago will have home field advantage, which is nice, but they’ll also have to face multiple 2021 NL Cy Young award finalists, including the winner Corbin Burnes. Of course, the Cubs have a new starter of their own to unveil this weekend, Marcus Stroman, but he’s not getting the ball until Game 3 against Freddy Peralta.
And with Wade Miley and Adbert Alzolay on the shelf to start the year, that means Justin Steele is getting a MASSIVE opportunity to start Game 2 of the regular season – a Friday, 1:20 start at Wrigley Field, against Brandon Woodruff and the Milwaukee Brewers, no less. Talk about showtime.
The Cubs also have a shiny new outfielder to show off, Seiya Suzuki, plus planned debuts for second baseman Nick Madrigal, outfielder Clint Frazier, catcher Yan Gomes, and infielder Jonathan Villar.
Patrick Wisdom and Frank Schwindel will return to the infield corners, in hopes of backing up their monster offensive performances from last season, and Jason Heyward is … still here and getting starts for reasons.
As a reminder, the universal Designated Hitter has hit MLB this season, meaning that the Cubs have an entirely new position to fill. And although there won’t likely be a dedicated player committed to that role, Willson Contreras, Ian Happ/Clint Frazier, Patrick Wisdom, and Nick Madrigal are expected to take the lion’s share of opportunities. We may also see Rafael Ortega there from time-to-time against tough righties, if Jason Heyward is still starting in center field.
If the Cubs hope to avoid a sell-off, they’ll have to start the season strong. So here’s to (1) A big Opening Day performance from Kyle Hendricks and (2) Spoiling the Brewers’ season.
We’re Going Streaking
The Chicago Cubs (0-0) enter the season as the favorites (…to finish third in the division). If they don’t get off to a hot start, another mid-season sell-off is on the way. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers (0-0) enter the season as the division favorites, behind the strength of their formidable run prevention unit.
Game Times and Broadcasts Info
• Thursday, April 7th at 1:20 CT on MARQ, MLBN, 670 The Score
• Friday, April 8th at 1:20 CT on MARQ, MLBN, 670 The Score
• Saturday, April 9th at 1:20 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
• Sunday, April 10th at 1:20 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
Pitching Matchups
Game 1: Kyle Hendricks (R) vs. Corbin Burnes (R)
Game 2: Justin Steele (L) vs. Brandon Woodruff (R)
Game 3: Marcus Stroman (R) vs. Freddy Peralta (R)
Game 4: Drew Smyly (L) vs. TBD
Chicago Cubs
• C – Willson Contreras
• 1B – Frank Schwindel
• 2B – Nick Madrigal
• 3B – Patrick Wisdom/Jonathan Villar
• SS – Nico Hoerner
• LF – Ian Happ/Clint Frazier
• CF – Jason Heyward
• RF – Seiya Suzuki
• DH – Rafael Ortega
Unavailable: Wade Miley, David Bote, Adbert Alzolay, Brad Wieck, Andrelton Simmons
Milwaukee Brewers
• C – Omar Narváez
• 1B – Rowdy Tellez
• 2B – Kolten Wong
• 3B – Jace Peterson
• SS – Willy Adames
• LF – Christian Yelich
• CF – Lorenzo Cain
• RF – Hunter Renfroe
• DH – Andrew McCutchen
Unavailable: Justin Topa, Luis Urías
By the Numbers:
Run Differential:
Cubs: 0
Brewers: 0
Runs Scored Per Game:
Cubs: 0.00
Brewers: 0.00
Runs Allowed Per Game:
Cubs: 0.00
Brewers: 0.00
