We’re just a little more than three weeks away from Opening Day and the position battles in spring training for the Cubs keep getting interesting.
Ian Happ had another good day, leading off Tuesday’s game against the Rockies with a solo home run.
Happ hit his first spring training homer Monday against the Angels. He added an RBI-single and walk against Colorado. Despite Albert Almora Jr.’s early spring training success, I still have to think Happ is going to begin the season as the every day center fielder.
Jose Quintana, who missed some time because of the flu, made his spring debut. He pitched two innings and allowed three runs. Kyle Schwarber and Happ had some trouble with a couple hard-hit balls before Nolan Arenado drilled a two-run homer in the first inning.
Yet, Quintana finished off his outing recording three straight ground ball outs.
Again, it’s spring training and you can’t really base anything off the numbers. Quintana was also hurt by the sun, which was causing problems all day for the Cubs outfielders.
After a slow start in Cactus League action, Nico Hoerner is turning it on, going 3-for-4 against the Rockies, including this double over the right-fielder’s head.
Please, just have Hoerner as the starting second baseman on Opening Day.
The Cubs had split-squad action Monday and at night they played the A’s. Once again, it’s spring training, I really just care about guys staying healthy, but Daniel Descalso keeps looking bad. Absolutely looks overmatched at the plate. I know, I know, the Cubs owe him money in 2020, but you gotta accept the L and let him go.
Right-handed pitcher Alec Mills pitched three scoreless against the A’s, making that six scoreless innings overall so far in spring training. He hasn’t even allowed a hit yet!
Mills doesn’t have any minor league options left, so he’s definitely going to make the team. However, right now Mills is penciled into the bullpen with Tyler Chatwood slotted as the fifth starter. I wish those roles were reversed simply because of not knowing what you’re going to get from Chatwood every fifth day.
The battle for the 26th man on the roster is still up in the air, as Ian Miller, Josh Phegley and P.J. Higgins are all in the mix.
Personally, I like Miller’s speed being on the roster, but as spring training goes along Higgins really is becoming an intriguing option. Not only is he a catcher, but he has the versatility to play first, second and third base if needed. And you gotta love those contact skills.
Heading to the bullpen, lefty Brad Wieck just started throwing after having a heart procedure to fix an abnormal heartbeat. Entering the year he was almost looked as a lock to make the Opening Day roster, but now that he’s been delayed maybe it opens the door for Duane Underwood Jr.
Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel threw a bullpen session Monday and is scheduled to pitch against the Reds tomorrow.
David Ross expecting big things from Rowan Wick.
And in case you missed it, here are some more Cubs notes from earlier today.
