THREE SPRING ISSUES
FIELD-GOOD STORY?
The Cubs are counting so much on left-handed-hitting Kyle Schwarber to pick up where he left off offensively after a powerful 2015 debut that they plan on him being their primary left fielder. Schwarber, whose struggles in his limited foray into outfield play last season were immortalized on Deadspin in October, has worked hard this winter on his defense. His progress in the field might be one of the most important storylines of the spring for a team that committed $184 million to upgrade a shaky outfield with Gold Glove winner Jason Heyward. Assuming Schwarber can close a sizable production gap in his left/right splits at the plate, he might be in left field for 150 or more games.
SUPER JAVY?
A year ago, Javy Baez’s exceptional infield skills and unrefined hitting skills created the biggest internal debate among team officials about a roster spot. This time around, Baez is viewed as a potential linchpin for the bench— a possible super-utility player in the mold of new teammate Ben Zobrist, team president Theo Epstein suggested. Already the best overall defensive infielder on the Cubs, Baez said he adjusted quickly to center field while working there during winter ball in Puerto Rico. He has the next six weeks to define his role for a projected contender— or start another debate about his future.
TAKING THE FIFTH
With the addition of John Lackey to slot into the rotation behind Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester, the back end of the starting five suddenly looks pretty deep. Despite some outside suggestions that Jason Hammel’s spot is in jeopardy, the Cubs are counting on him to be their No. 4 starter and to produce more like the pitcher he was before a knee injury in July hampered him for the rest of the season (2.86 ERA before, 5.10 ERA after). That would make the No. 5 job a spirited battle between newcomer Adam Warren (3.66 ERA in 17 starts for the Yankees in 2015) and incumbent Kyle Hendricks (15-9, 3.49 ERA in 45 career starts). Clayton Richard might be a fallback if they both struggle.