Chicago Cubs: Spring Training thoughts

The Chicago Cubs find themselves in the midst of an organization cross-road. After missing the playoffs in 2019 for the first time in four years, new manager David Ross has his work cut out to return the Cubs to October.

The following are thoughts from a dejected Chicago Cubs fan who stays up way too late watching spring training games. Consume my observations at your own risk.*

*Cubs baseball should be enjoyed with your preferred adult beverage of choice.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

Kris Bryant leading off is a great idea

The Cubs were the worst team in baseball last year with production from the leadoff spot, as hitters only managed a measly .212/.294/.383 line which translates to a 77 wRC+. It sounds stupid to say, but the leadoff hitter gets the most at-bats so it should be one of your best hitters.

Bryant is a star and if he can repeat or improve on his 135 wRC+ it will jump-start a Cubs offense that looked anemic at times last year. With improved production in the leadoff slot, the Cubs won’t be starting with an out (or dealing with back to back from the pitcher slot) every time the leadoff spot comes up.

It will also give an advantage to hitters lower in the lineup as they are more likely to come up with runners already on base. If Bryant at leadoff is the only thing David Ross does this year, it will be an improvement from the carnival attraction it was in 2019.

Cautious Optimism with Jason Kipnis and Steven Souza

Two of the veterans who used to be good fliers the Cubs signed in the offseason, both have had decent showings so far. Souza has been especially good notching 5 hits in 13 ABs.

That being said, Souza is 31 and Kipnis is 33 so they are feasting on minor leaguers getting their first taste of spring training who could be 10 years their junior. Baseball Reference‘s opponent quality index scores Souza at 8.2 and Kipnis at 8.4 which converts to AAA pitching.

David Bote will likely remain the 10th man so Kipnis is battling Daniel Descalso for the lefty bat infield reserve job. It’s good to see both are healthy but let’s see what they can do against MLB quality pitching.

Meet the next Rowan Wick, RHP Trevor Megill

Once upon a time, the Cubs acquired an obscure righty from the Padres named Rowan Wick, who became one of the go bullpen options in 2019. Going back to the well, the Cubs plucked Megill from the Padres in the Rule V draft so he will have to stay on the roster all season long.

Megill is a gigantic 6’8″ and has a fastball that bumps up to 96 with a slider. Megill should get every chance to prove that his 33% strikeout rate in AAA was legit pitching in middle relief. The Cubs have lagged behind the league in reliever velocity so Megill is a welcome shot at improving that.

Victor Caratini‘s quiet offensive development

One positive for the Chicago Cubs is they have one of the best offensive catchers in the league. The downside is that catchers play the least amount of games cause you literally have to wear armor so when Contreras get off days or injured someone else has to step in.

Caratini had his best wRC+ (108) and exit velocity (89.6) of his career in 2019 and has always been an excellent framer. Caratini is raking in spring training and if he can repeat last year’s offense, that would be a huge boon for the club to keep both catchers fresh throughout the year.