NEWSLETTER
I said last night’s matchup with the Padres would be a must-watch game, but I didn’t expect the Cubs to throw their first Spring Training no-hitter!
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Nico Hoerner, 2B
- Ian Happ, LF
- Cody Bellinger, CF
- Eric Hosmer, 1B
- Patrick Wisdom, DH
- Edwin Rios, 3B
- Zach McKinstry, SS
- Tucker Barnhart, C
- Mike Tauchman, RF
SP: Justin Steele, LHP
Although I think Trey Mancini should (and probably will) get most of the starts in right field in the absence of Seiya Suzuki, the Cubs sure are giving Mike Tauchman a lot of run out there. And he’s made the most of it, with five hits in his first nine at-bats, including a double, plus a walk. I wonder if he’ll be the “surprise” roster spot winner of the spring.
Meanwhile, Nico Hoerner is back up top of the order, playing second base, even with Dansby Swanson getting the day off. That’s another thing. The Cubs haven’t had Hoerner and Swanson in the lineup together all that much, instead letting each play with one of the alternate SS/2B options. Today that’s Zack McKinstry at short. He’s gotten in a lot of work there, as well. Getting in some reps/building some familiarity just in case? Nico’s had a quiet spring offensively, but whatever. I think we know his baseline by now.
After his massive moon-shot homer last night (seriously, go watch it if you haven’t yet), Edwin Rios drew another start at third base. He’s also battling for a roster spot, so the performance does matter quite a bit.
Beyond that, we’ve got Belli in center, Barnhart behind the plate, and Happ batting second, playing left field. I’m starting to think he’ll bat second behind Nico Hoerner to start the season. Maybe something like:
- Nico Hoerner, 2B
- Ian Happ, LF
- Dansby Swanson, SS
David Ross had Swanson in the two-hole for the first lineup of the year, but I think I like this order better. Well, personally, I’d go Happ (gets on base, sees a lot of pitches), Hoerner (hits him over into scoring position), Swanson (hits for the most power to drive them all in). But that’s not happening. Hoerner is up top and I’m pretty cool with that, too.
That said, losing Suzuki really shortens up this lineup. The Cubs are going to need one of Bellinger, Mancini, Hosmer, or Morel to hit right out of the gate. They can’t throw a no-hitter every night.
Go Cubs.
Angels vs. Cubs Game Info
Los Angeles Angels (4-2) at Chicago Cubs (4-4) – Saturday, March 4 at 2:05 CT on Marquee Network
Angels vs. Cubs Pitching Matchup
Angels: Reid Detmers, LHP
Cubs: Jameson Taillon, RHP
