The Cubs current roster is at 36, with 11 players still in the conversation for about two or three open roster spots. What many thought would be an open and closed case for the final bench spots has turned into a gripping debate between taking a role player or adding a prospect to the roster.
With players like Tommy La Stella and Matt Szczur on this roster, both seemed like easy selections for Maddon to add on to his bench. But, with Miguel Montero, Javier Baez, and Albert Almora or Jon Jay all with daily reserved seats on the Cubs bench, the club is in need of a left handed-hitting bat to use for pinch hitting purposes, particularly one that plays the infield. And while La Stella makes the most sense, and with the Cubs reportedly trying to trade Szczur, the decision is not that simple.
For those who may be unaware, the Cubs No. 2 overall prospect Ian Happ is tearing up Mesa, AZ right now. And while everyone expected his spring training appearance as nothing more than a meet and greet of the actual major league ball club, Happ is making it difficult for the Cubs to send him back to the minors.
