Montgomery was acquired from the Seattle Mariners in 2015 for a pretty solid prospect in Dan Vogelbach. The other likely option is Mike Montgomery. If he can accomplish both he will be a very solid fifth starter The Cubs are taking a small chance on Anderson hoping he can pitch to what his potential once was. In 180 innings (a career high) Anderson went 10-9 with a 3.69 ERA. He only made four appearances in 2016, pitching to an 11.91 ERA. He has had a lot of trouble staying healthy, as well as being a consistent pitcher. The two likely candidates are Brett Anderson and Mike Montgomery.Īnderson was acquired during the off-season on a one-year deal. Joe Maddon has tossed the idea of using a six-man rotation or at least having a sixth starter grab about 10 starts throughout the season during long stretches of games. However, with Jason Hammel not returning, the fifth spot is up for grabs. Then, Jake Arrieta should be their two, while Kyle Hendricks and John Lackey will slot in as the three and four. Jon Lester has already been announced as the opening day starter. The Cubs, much like their lineup, are returning their first four starting pitchers. Coach Joe Maddon has already praised the improvements he’s seen. 280 year with 30 homeruns, they should look to see him taking steps in the right direction. He’s been working on improving his swing and is looking to make an improvement this year. He never seemed to be right and his swing mechanics were just off. Heyward is coming off an abysmal offensive 2016. His projected wRC+ is 83, well below league average.įinally, the one returning outfielder, Jason Heyward, has worked all winter in revamping his swing. However, Fangraphs has Jay taking a slight dip offensively. Jay has proven himself as a viable hitter, with a career. Jon Jay will be the other option patrolling center field. Although his bat hasn’t been all that impressive, Almora will be a large upgrade defensively in center. In just over 100 at-bats, Almora is hitting. They lost Dexter Fowler in the off-season, and they plan to replace him with a combination of youngster Albert Almora and veteran Jon Jay. The Cubs outfield, in its own way, should be revamped. Chicago Cubs 2017 Season Preview The Revamped Outfield With Spring Training underway, it’s time to look at what questions revolve around this team heading into the year in the Chicago Cubs 2017 season preview. Many believe it could come down to an NLCS rematch between the Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers this fall. Louis Cardinals club and a sneaky Pittsburgh Pirates team. The Cubs are yet again viewed as a favorite in the NL Central over solid a St. Theo Epstein worked his magic and found replacements, although the front office didn’t make an explosion this winter like they had previously. The young core is returning, with just the loss of center fielder Dexter Fowler and fifth starter Jason Hammel. With hopes exceptionally high yet again, it’s time to get back to work and begin the journey of attempting a repeat performance. Video: We check back in with Paris at Wrigleyville.After one of the most exciting World Series in the history of the game, the Chicago Cubs and their fans spent the off-season celebrating a championship. Lose, and it’s time to pack it up for the long cold winter. If the Cubs win, it’s on to Los Angeles to face the team with the best record in baseball, the Dodgers, and their ace Clayton Kershaw in a rematch of last year’s exciting NLCS of course. As the celebration goes on, mounted police generally push the revelers into the intersection of Addison and Clark. The plan for these events in the past has been to close off Addison and Clark streets for a few blocks in each direction with salt trucks. Having a guy like Hendricks on the mound calms those nerves a bit.Īnd fans are obviously hoping for a celebration. If it does happen, police are on call after a heavy week of overtime. Fans are wary about the Cubs lack of offense in this series, hoping the bats bust out. Manager Dusty Baker says ace starter Max Scherzer will be available should they need him.Īs for the mood Thursday: there is a cautious optimism. On the mound for the Nationals is Gio Gonzalez, a solid pitcher who gave up three runs to the Cubs in Game 2-a game the Nationals eventually won. The Cubs are hoping for that magic again from him for Game 5, but if he has to be taken out, manager Joe Maddon says a full complement of relief pitchers, and starter José Quintana will be available to go. He dominated in Game 1, throwing a shutout and striking out 6. On the mound Thursday for the Cubs is ace Kyle Hendricks. and security will be on hand until the final pitch. They’re giving away folding chairs, and there’s a full complement of vendors and security personnel. The Cubs are charging $10 to get into this event, with the proceeds going to charity.
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