Cubs Who’s Hot Who’s Not
I’m not talking looks here, this is a rundown of the hottest Cubs, and those that needed another week or two in spring training.
Who’s Hot
Daniel Descalso – Descalso has only started a single game, but got another AB in the series against the Texas Rangers. Descalso has three hits in six ABs, the most important of which came in the eighth inning. With Anthony Rizzo blasting a home run to pull the Cubs within one, Javier Baez reaches on a sharply hit ground ball up the middle. After stealing second, Descalso slapped the ball to left scoring the fleet of foot Baez. .500/.500/.667
Kyle Schwarber – a dominant Schwarber changes the dynamic of the Cubs lineup. His bat has the ability to extend innings, and because he’s untraditionally patient for a bopper, pitchers can’t expect that he will get himself out. So far this season, three of Schwarber’s five hits have gone for extra bases. Two of them homers. .417/.462/.1.000
Javier Baez – Baez has the most at bats on the club, but as a free swinging high-energy guy that is expected. While his star continues to rise, just two seasons ago there weren’t many that thought this level of play was possible. But here he is, opening day he blasted two homers, almost hit another, and the rest of the series seemed to be in the middle of several rally’s. He leads the team with 6 hits, 5 runs, and 6 RBI. .429/.467/.857
Honorable mention: Willson Contreras .375/.500/.625, Jon Lester 6 IP, 2 RA, Kris Bryant .308/.438/.615 1 HR 4 RBI
Who’s Not
Albert Almora Jr – Almora has struggled, but he has faced some tough righties and he struggles against right-handed hitters. One thing that is a bit surprising with Almora is his 4 K’s in 13 AB’s. His 29% K rate is second on the team after Contreras. .231/.286/.231
Carl Edwards Jr. – So, Edwards has pitched so poorly his ERA is infinity, sort of. Since he hasn’t recorded an out on the season, but certainly has given up a home run. Since you can’t factor an ERA without innings, you can’t get credit for innings (or partial) if you don’t record outs. *.** ERA
Mike Montgomery – What a disappointing early season performance from the man with the most important save in Cubs history. The problem with Montgomery is, he’s been tossed between the pen and rotation far too many times. Right now he has an 81.00 ERA, and even though he owns a career 2.95 ERA in relief, he just doesn’t appear to be a late inning dude. Save his arm for trouble games where a starter can’t get out of the third. 81.00 ERA 2 HR allowed
Honorable mention: Yu Darvish 10.13 ERA 7 BB, Tyler Chatwood 16.20 ERA, Cole Hamels 9.00 ERA 5 ER
