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Morning Marquee: Chicago Cubs set to clash with Trout, Angels in season opener
By David Miniel
Major League Baseball returned yesterday with the Tampa Bay Rays hosting the Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals visiting the Pittsburgh Pirates and a World Series rematch. Now that the wait is officially over, it’s time for the Chicago Cubs to start their postseason run. It all starts on the West Coast in beautiful sunny California.
It feels like the offseason took over a year. After Dexter Fowler was called out on strikes for the final out of the National League Championship Series back in October, this team has been waiting for Opening Night. While Wrigley Field is going to have to wait another week, business will pick back up, later on, tonight.
But the Chicago Cubs were not the only ones who made a huge move of their own. The Los Angeles Angels surprised the league when they acquired infielder Andrelton Simmons from the Atlanta Braves. I personally thought Simmons was the future of the Braves organization but as we all know, nobody is promised to stick in one spot.
Take Starlin Castro for example. One of a handful of moves that Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer made over the winter. They shipped the all-star infielder to the New York Yankees in exchange for Adam Warren and Brendan Ryan. Ryan, who was released by the Cubs, is now with Dusty Baker and the Washington Nationals.
More from Chicago Cubs News
- Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
- Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
- Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
- Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups
- Cubs: P.J. Higgins deserves to be in the lineup on a daily basis
Now that the regular season is here, it’ll be interesting to see how many times this lineup will change. Skipper Joe Maddon has been known to move people around and surely, the pitchers will continue to bat eighth for the majority of the season.
The reigning National League Manager of the Year is seeking his first Central division title in his second year with the Cubs. Claiming the division should be at the top of their list aside from the World Series. Dethroning the Cardinals is something everybody will enjoy.
Or at least, Cubs players and fans will enjoy which is all that matters. But the Cardinals nor the Pirates are willing to go quietly. St. Louis lost two key veteran players to the North Siders while the Pirates are looking to redeem themselves after getting shutout in the Wild Card game.
Now here are a few stories you may have missed over the weekend.
‘Cubs: Veterans highlight minor league class‘ – Cubbies Crib
‘Cubs: Former Bear reflects on first pitch at Wrigley‘ – Cubbies Crib
‘Cubs: Reflecting on Two No-Hitters‘ – Cubbies Crib