MESA, Ariz. – Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he’ll let the spring play out before making one of the few decisions he figures to have in camp: the 1-2 spots in a reconfigured top of his batting order.
Newcomers Ben Zobrist (a switch-hitter) and Jason Heyward (a lefty hitter) will occupy those spots either way, with Maddon likely setting the rest of the order according to his left-right-left-right-etc. preference.
“We need to decide on No. 1, and then everything will flow after that,” said Maddon, who plans to talk to the less familiar Heyward about what he likes. “So I keep an open mind. I have not written anything down in pen whatsoever.”
He also said he hasn’t decided how often he’ll bat the pitcher eighth this season.
