Opening Day could not have gone any better for the Cubs, putting up four runs and holding the Brewers to none. Fans filled Wrigley Field fast full of anticipation and excitement and absolutely got their money’s worth on Thursday. Here are three way-too-early predictions for the team going forward.
Marcus Stroman is a Solidified “Ace”
Marcus Stroman absolutely dominated the Brewers, pitching six innings with no runs allowed, eight strikeouts, three walks, and three hits. He had the Brewers’ number, and there was never a time when it looked as though he didn’t bring his best stuff. It’s unlikely to assume most people thought that his performance would be as dominant as it was, but that is the perfect situation where Stroman strives. From his pregame ritual of greeting the fans in the bleachers, taking a walk around the outfield wall, and a quick prayer in center field, he riles all the fans up every single start. The amazing thing about Stroman is that he brings a huge amount of swag to the team, and has his playback it up. For the majority of his career, Stroman has been considered nothing more than a good starting pitcher. However, he has never had the responsibility of being a team’s ace pitcher. Always standing behind guys such as Jacob DeGrom in New York or Marco Estrada in Toronto, he has yet to have as much pressure as he does this year. How he handles it will be interesting to look at, but if Thursday is any inclination, he is fully capable of making the most of it. Stroman was also crowned with the first pitch clock violation in MLB history, but unfortunately, there is no trophy for that title. Overall, it was a fantastic performance and he proved why he can be a top pitcher in the National League this season.
There Is No New Cody Bellinger
Bellinger looked rough in his first start at Wrigley Field. 0/3, one strikeout, one walk, and that was it. His swing was way off and it looked like he was swinging for the fences every at-bat. Fans can point the blame at a variety of things, such as first-day jitters or facing the reigning National League Cy Young winner, but that didn’t stop the rest of the team from having a good day. With Bellinger being on a one-year contract, there is reason to believe that he considers this to be his make-or-break year and to prove that he can be what he once was.
Dansby Swanson Will Receive MVP Votes
Dansby Swanson made Wrigley Field his home as he had a fantastic outing on Opening Day with three hits and an RBI, along with some stellar defensive plays. He absolutely proved why he’s worthy of making $188 million and why he is one of the best shortstops in all of baseball. That being said, with an insanely pressurized role of being the Cubs’ best player on the roster, he made it happen and his success will be extended for the entire season. Both he and Nico Hoerner combined qualify for the best middle infield in the MLB, and Swanson’s defensive performance proved exactly that.
Jack, its one day. Im sure Bellinger will be an upgrade in the OF, over what they had. Particularly defensively.