NEWSLETTER
Tonight’s game on ESPN between the Cubs and Giants is not just the final game of the series. It’s also the final Cubs game before the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline this Tuesday (scheduled off-day tomorrow, late game on Tuesday). Brett’s MLB Trade Deadline Blogathon begins tomorrow morning, but this is going to be your last chance to see some of your favorite players in a Cubs uniform. Savor it.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Chris Morel, 2B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ian Happ, LF
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Patrick Wisdom, DH
- Nelson Velázquez, CF
- David Bote, 3B
- P.J. Higgins, 1B
SP: Adrian Sampson, RHP
With a lefty, Carlos Rodón, on the mound for the Giants tonight, the Cubs are going righty heavy, with Chris Morel leading off and playing second base, as has become the standard against southpaws. With center field open, Nelson Velázquez is entering and batting seventh.
Surprisingly, Willson Contreras isn’t just in this game, he’s actually catching. I really can’t see the upside, even in terms of playing chicken with some other GM. Is there really any leverage to gain by putting him behind the plate instead of at DH? Especially when Yan Gomes is around and P.J. Higgins too?
The answer is no. There’s not. There’s only the marginal risk of getting injured while catching. Whatever.
Either way, this is very likely the last time we’ll ever see Willson Contreras in a Cubs uniform, so at least it’ll be fun(?) to see him catch.
As usual, w’ell have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:08 CT).
