7/9/20
Bob Zayas, MLB Contributor/ 360 Sports Cubs Beat Writer
CHICAGO, Illinois- Is it possible that baseball will be back in two weeks? The MLB is still working out the logistics with the Coronavirus (Covid-19) and some notable players have decided to opt out. Those include Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond and Red Sox ace David Price. However, regardless of who ends up making it to opening day, the bottom line is that, according to current reports, we could be seeing live baseball very soon.
This season, I will be covering “all things Cubs”, as I will be the Cubs beat reporter for 360 Sports.
Already a few days into summer camp, the Cubs open the regular season on July 24th at home versus the Milwaukee Brewers. It will be a three-game series. The second series of the season will be played in Cincinnati versus the Reds in a four-game series. On July 31st, the Cubbies start a three-game series versus the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field. The Cubs play 27 games in August and 25 games in September. Their last game of the regular season will be a cross-town showdown with the Chicago White Sox on September 27th. To check out the full schedule, click here: https://www.mlb.com/cubs/schedule.
No fans will be in attendance for this season, although President Crane Kenney told ESPN 1000 in late June that the Cubs "are at a point where we believe we can bring some portion of our fan base back to Wrigley field", although that appears unlikely for this upcoming season.
My projected lineup, along with some insight from CBS Sports has Kris Bryant batting 1st and playing third base, followed by Anthony Rizzo at first base, Javy Baez at shortstop and Kyle Schwarber in left, batting in the cleanup spot. Wilson Contreras in the 5th slot and catching, followed by Ian Happ in centerfield, David Bote second base, Victor Caratini in the designated hitter spot and Jason Heyward in right, batting last.
The pitching rotation looks to be Yu Darvish, Kyle Hendricks, Jon Lester, Tyler Chatwood and Alec Mills. Craig Kimbrel, who signed with Chicago towards the middle of the 2019 season, has earned the duty of closer.
I read an article from CBS Sports that indicated that although David Ross, the new skipper, seems to have an easy demeanor, he can be a disciplinarian when necessary. Critics pointed out that former manager, Joe Maddon, who is now at the helm of the Los Angeles Angels, seemed to be too hands-off last season. Only time will tell.
Let’s hope this 60-game season starts as scheduled and we can enjoy some live and exciting baseball.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, MLB Media and CBS Sports
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