- Ian Happ – LF – doesn’t want to lead off but he does it anyways because he knows he’s the Cubs best option and it gives him the best chance of winning a baseball game and for that reason we really respect Ian Happ every time he takes the leadoff spot
- Seiya Suzuki – RF – 1st start of the year in RF which means Kyle Tucker gets a breather and Seiya gets to run around for the day. Great. Only problem is that I’m extremely sensitive to Seiya’s health and even just having him in the field makes me nervous
- Kyle Tucker – DH – 1st time DH’ing this season and well deserved after erupting onto the scene for the Cubs. Homers in 4 straight games and pacing the club in every statistical category, the only thing Cubs fans want to see right now is an extension and they want it immediately.
- Justin Turner – 1B – 2nd start of the season (I think) and a good opportunity to get some reps going into a brutal homestand before another brutal west coast road trip. Maybe the most mature and knowledgable hitter in the National League – enjoy every single one of his plate appearances because while old and weak, they’re masterful.
- Swanny – SS – looks like he’s playing the best baseball of his career. Lower half is strong. Upper body is tight. Timing is there and so is the overall presence. One of my favorite looking baseball players of all time and he’s our shortstop. That’s awesome.
- Nico – 2B – Always looking for some decent pussy, he’s the gear that drives the whole lineup and the reason we win 90+ in my opinion. If he’s healthy then he’s dynamic and then it’s hard to find a better 2nd baseman anywhere. Not impossible. Just very hard.
- Pete – CF – He’s been frustrated lately but I think there’s a power breakout coming today
- The Rookie Matt Shaw – 3B – I don’t love him but that’s subject to change at any moment. Right now I think he just looks a little weak to be an MLB corner infielder and he doesn’t make up for it with a tool or skill that’s special. He’s just a pretty good baseball player who can’t hit the ball out of the ballpark. It’s going to take some time for him to be an impact player and that kinda bothers me right now.
- Carson Kelly – C – Last time out he hit for the cycle so that’s nice. Maybe he doubles up. That would be sick.
On the mound is Jameson Taillon and I just want to see him pitch the kinda game dictated by the circumstance. It’s a getaway lunchtime game before the home opener. You have an off day tomorrow after a grueling schedule to begin the year. We’re a lot better than the opposition through the first two games of the series and the offense is fuckin ROLLING. Given all of that, don’t pussyfoot around today trying to throw a perfect game. Attack the lineup with quality strikes and let the NL’s best defense go to work. That’s the recipe today and just about every other time Jameson touches the ball.
Go Cubs.