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The Cubs have a 2.5 game lead in the NL Central, with seven games left in the regular season and their magic number is down to five to win a third straight division title. So, because the Cubs don’t play until 7:05 p.m. tonight against the Pirates, let’s waste some time looking at what their 25-man playoff roster should be.
As the title suggests, it’s pretty much set because of two things. First, with Addison Russell on administrative leave for seven days, starting last Friday and with the chances that gets extended to seven more, I just don’t see the Cubs wanting him around. Plus, you know, he’s been garbage since coming off the DL on Sept. 1.
Second, Terrance Gore might actually be the fastest player in MLB? Even if he’s not, Gore’s the best weapon coming off the bench in baseball. In his short time with the Cubs, Gore has already stolen five bases, not caught once and has scored four times.
Gore makes it look effortless running on the base paths.
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He’s in. You can’t make an argument over not having a guy who can easily steal second and third in a close game.
By the way, before Russell was put on administrative leave, the biggest debate on the last man in was Gore or Ian Happ. Now, with Russell most likely out of the picture, Happ will probably be in.
OK, I said don’t argue, but here’s the only valid argument and the only real question left in deciding the playoff roster. Will the Cubs go with 11 pitchers or 12?
If it’s 11, then Happ is safe. If it’s 12, then Happ is probably out.
So, with all that being said, here’s my ideal 25-man playoff roster for the Cubs.
Catchers: Willson Contreras, Victor Caratini
Infield: Anthony Rizzo, Daniel Murphy, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Ben Zobrist, David Bote, Tommy La Stella
Outfield: Kyle Schwarber, Albert Almora Jr., Jason Heyward, Ian Happ, Terrance Gore
Starters: Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Cole Hamels, Jose Quintana
RHP: Pedro Strop, Jesse Chavez, Steve Cishek, Carl Edwards Jr.
LHP: Mike Montgomery, Justin Wilson, Jorge de la Rosa
So, if the Cubs do go with eight relievers then Happ is probably the odd-man out. But really, do you need Brandon Kintzler pitching? And the eighth reliever, whoever it might be, is only going to come in if something has gone terribly wrong. Why not just give those innings to Montgomery, de la Rosa and Chavez who can pitch multiple innings.
But yeah, Terrance Gore is definitely making the postseason roster, which is pretty cool.
