Chicago Cubs: How the Cubs match-up with their NLCS opponent

May 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) looks on during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) looks on during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Second Base: Baez vs. Utley

Chase Utley may not be the same as he was earlier in his career, but he is still dangerous. Sure, his 2016 splits are .252/.319/.396, but he did not hit into a double play all year. Get behind him in the count and he gets on base 44% of the time.

Javier Baez is half the reason the Chicago Cubs made it to the NLCS. His performance against the Giants built his and his teammates’ confidence. In that series, Baez hit .375/.412/.563 with a home run and two batted in. He also scored four runs. His bat won Games 1 and 4, and his defense saved games.

We could also state that the Cubs have Ben Zobrist, who was the everyday second baseman, but he played the outfield in the NLDS. The Dodgers do have a few others that can play second but not to the caliber of the Cubs depth.

Advantage: Cubs

Schedule