Morning Marquee: Chicago Cubs win 11-7; Breaking down the enemy: Reds

The Chicago Cubs topped the rival Milwaukee Brewers in the final spring game at Sloan Park, 11-7. Jason Hammel was once again effective, and the Cubs showed off the power stroke in the victory. The Cubs hit four home runs, including shots from Anthony Rizzo and Jorge Soler. Hammel’s performance this spring has been promising, as he looks like the pitcher he was before the trade to Oakland last season.

In our continuing “Know your enemy” series, we take a look at the Cincinnati Reds. After several seasons of success, the team is at a crossroads. Aging veterans with hefty contracts, and minimal financial wiggle room have made it a tough offseason for the Reds. Can they still be competitive in the Central? Or has their window of opportunity to win passed them by?

MLB.com’s Phil Rogers pointed out that once Kris Bryant and Javier Baez join Soler in Chicago, that’s not the end of the Cubs talent pool. Talent is “pouring in” through the pipeline he says, from top t bottom. So while Bryant gets all the headlines now, there are several on the horizon ready to snatch those headlines away once Bryant makes his way to Chicago.

These stories and more you may have missed:

‘Rizzo and Soler power Cubs to 11-7 victory’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Know your enemy: The Cincinnati Reds’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Talent flowing through entire Cubs pipeline’ – MLB.com

‘The Dodgers outfield and Yasiel Puig’s golden arm’ – Lasorda’s Lair

‘A’s Coco Crisp needs surgery, could miss 6-8 week’ – ESPN.com

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