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: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports /

Shortstop: Russell vs. Seager

I would like to say this position battle is close. Truth is, it’s not. At least not offensively. Corey Seager will be the NL Rookie of the Year this year. The kid is an offensive machine. Not only did Corey crush 32 home runs, but also hit 40 doubles. And he scored 105 runs. However, he did ground into 12 double plays and his defense can be a liability. Seager committed 18 errors during the season, his defensive runs save is 0.

Not so for Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell. His stellar defense saved an average 19 runs this year. He as great range and instincts. And offensively, Russell knocked in 95 runs, but other offensive numbers are dwarfed by his counterpart.

So, maybe it is close. The numbers between the two players are separated by a wide margin. Seager produces runs. Russell saves them. Both were All-Stars.

Advantage: Draw