Cubs’ Opening Day roster from A(lmora) to Z(obrist)

SHARE Cubs’ Opening Day roster from A(lmora) to Z(obrist)
screen_shot_2019_03_26_at_2.49.53_pm.png

Albert Almora Jr., left, and Ben Zobrist celebrate after a victory.

MESA, Ariz. — All you need to know about the Cubs’ Opening Day roster, from Almora to Zobrist:

CF Albert Almora Jr.: It’s the opportunity of his career for more playing time after platoon partner Ian Happ was optioned to Class AAA Iowa.

SS Javy Baez: Understated spring makes it easy to forget last year’s MVP runner-up was the most exciting player in the National League. He says he’ll be better.

IF David Bote: Backup spent the spring looking like he’s ready for another shot at the Nationals with the bases loaded in the ninth.

RHP Brad Brach: Biggest free agent added is nearing full strength after a winter bout with mono.

3B Kris Bryant: The 2016 MVP looks healthy after a shoulder injury that sapped his power in 2018. Will he be the impact bat the team didn’t add?

C Victor Caratini: Survives after the front office searched all spring for more catching depth.

RHP Tyler Chatwood: Even after an encouraging spring, the Cubs can’t trust the former starter’s command for much more than mop-up work after a cringe-worthy 2018.

RHP Steve Cishek: Last year’s bullpen savior is even more important for a thin-looking bullpen. How will he bounce back from career highs in games and innings?

C Willson Contreras: After an All-Star selection and a second-half slump, Contreras is on a mission to refine his entire game — from a new receiving technique to a timing mechanism at the plate and a vow to contain his emotions.

RHP Yu Darvish: The smiles, one-liners and swagger have Darvish looking nothing like the guy who started poorly before finishing hurt last year. Well, that and a 97-mph fastball and an even better slider.

IF Daniel Descalso: The lone free agent added to the bench just returned from a sore shoulder and looks ready to show off the left-handed swing he reinvented in recent years. He should start at second base a lot in April.

RHP Carl Edwards Jr.: If the hesitation move he added to his delivery continues to feed the command he showed this spring, he could become the key for the bullpen.

RELATED

Cubs lock up starter Kyle Hendricks with $55.5 million extension through 2023

Cubs spring-training video report: Final week of spring training

LHP Cole Hamels: Is he the aging lefty who struggled with the Rangers before last summer’s trade or the longtime ace who seemed regenerated after joining the Cubs?

RHP Kyle Hendricks: With the security of an extension, the 2016 ERA champ looks for more success, in part through improving his curveball.

RF Jason Heyward: Happ’s demotion means a heavier dose of center field for the Gold Glove outfielder. Whether he improves at the plate, he remains an important voice in the clubhouse.

RHP Brandon Kintzler: After trying to please within a new system following last summer’s trade, the former All-Star reliever plans to return to less thinking and more sinker.

LHP Jon Lester: Doubt his spin rate or point at his FIP? The veteran points at last year’s All-Star scoreboard, then takes ball on Opening Day again.

LHP Mike Montgomery: The swingman who saved 2018 with a career-high 19 starts opens this year as the bullpen’s most trusted lefty.

LHP Jose Quintana: The fifth starter expects to pitch more like the All-Star he was in 2016, and renewed command of — and faith in — his changeup could make the difference.

1B Anthony Rizzo: If he avoids another slow start, it could answer a lot of the questions the lineup takes into the season.

LHP Randy Rosario: He earned the final bullpen job after Brian Duensing was designated for assignment.

LF Kyle Schwarber: Tell him he can’t get better than his .356 OBP and 26 homers. “Then get out of his way,” manager Joe Maddon says.

RHP Pedro Strop: The de facto closer in April returned from a strained hamstring with a vengeance Monday, striking out Andrew Benintendi and Mookie Betts in a 1-2-3 inning against the Red Sox.

OF Mark Zagunis: He got healthy, tweaked his swing, had a big spring and earned the final bench spot with Happ’s demotion.

UT Ben Zobrist: Though slowing on defense, the versatile veteran remains one of the most dangerous hitters on the roster.

The Latest
Four from North Central have combined to capture six national titles since the program’s inception, and six are scheduled to compete next month in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials at Penn State.
The Bulls have 13 games left in the regular season and an opportunity to break even when they visit the Rockets on Thursday.
“Joakim [Noah] is very driven and motivated,” coach Billy Donovan said. “He’s all about the team, about winning. You can put Coby and Ayo into that category in terms of how they view things.”
Maybe Fields will develop with the Steelers, become a franchise star. It’s more likely he’ll be an updated Mitch Trubisky.