Chicago Cubs: The best bench for Cubs in 2017 is not what you think

In building a championship team, creating a bench of the right players is paramount. The Chicago Cubs proved that last year. This year, the bench will look different.

You are only as strong as your weakest link. Thus says the paraphrased proverb originating from the late 1700’s. In baseball, that could mean anything. The team is only as strong as their pitching rotation, or eighth batter. Or the backup catcher. Anything.

And, when the chain breaks or is weakened further–through injury or transaction–fixing it is challenging. Having the right pieces to fill the gap and continue the strength of the chain becomes critical. For the Chicago Cubs, that means having a bench of quality players. These men allow for rest after long or late games and can be the epoxy to cover the vacancy when injury occurs.

The bench for the Cubs in 2016 proved their value. Javier Baez played amazing defense at second base in the playoff, but also produce all season. The only positions he did not play in 2016 were catcher and center and right fields. Outfielder Matt Szczur earned a 0.4 WAR last year with timely hits and an OPS of .712. Not bad for a part-time player. Willson Contreras played his way onto the bench after being called up mid-season. And then, Tommy La Stella was awarded the nickname “3 am” by Manager Joe Maddon, as he could be called on at any time to hit.

Add to this list the departed Jorge Soler, David Ross, and Chris Coghlan, and you have a solid bench on the roster. However, the bench for the Chicago Cubs in 2017 will look very different. And will be much improved.

Miguel Montero

It is hard to be a veteran starter that is being asked to take a step back. At least, I imagine it is difficult. For years you played at the highest level of competition and fared well overall. But now, here comes this young stud and he is taking over. Cannot be easy.

After a brief falling out, Miguel Montero is back in the good graces of the team. Or is it the team is in the good graces of Montero? Either way, communication appears fixed. It was a down year performance wise overall for the 11 year veteran. He endured slumps at the plate and heckling on twitter. Yet, time after time, he stepped up and hit.

With only a two-man rotation at catcher, Montero will see more consistent play than last year. And there will not be any need to look over his shoulder. Capable of solid numbers, he provides experience the young team needs. Even though is average the past two years is .235 overall, his on-base percentage is .338. That will do just fine.

Javier Baez

I will be the first to admit it. After all Baez did during the postseason, it is difficult to put him on the bench. But between him, Ben Zobrist, and Kyle Schwarber, the decision on whom to play is a bit easier. Zobrist’s bat deserves to be in the line-up as often as possible. He understands and executes situational baseball better than any player on the Chicago Cubs. Maybe better than anyone in the MLB.

The choice then comes down to Baez and Schwarber. While the strikeout percentage was lower in 2016, Baez still leaves the plate with a bat on his shoulders 24% of the time. Only 3.3% of his plate appearances end in walks. On the other hand, Schwarber walks 13.2% of the time, while strikes out 28.2% of the time. If Maddon where to choose a superior defense over offense, Zobrist would play left and Baez would be at second. Like we saw in the playoffs. However, the regular season requires offensive consistency over defense. And Kyle is better at getting on base and crushing the ball.

Baez is also versatile. The team will find a way to use him and get him at-bats. On any other team, he would be the starting All-Star, Gold Glove second basemen. Right now, he is a Chicago Cub.

Matt Szczur

Other than trying to pronounce his name, how can you not love Matt Szczur? All he does is come in when called, takes his swings, and works hard. He does not hit for power, but get the ball in play. That gives the Chicago Cubs a chance to score. That is all they ask.

This Spring, Szczur is proving his worth. Batting .353, he is a catalyst for the offense to this point. He scored four times, knocked in four more, and two of his hits are triples.

But, there is one major concern. The outfield is loaded. Is it possible that Szczur does not make the team? Yes. However, I think there is one way in which he has the upper hand. His character is stellar. He is a lunch-pale type player that comes in, works well with others, and does his job. Given a choice between him and La Stella, the Roman emperor gets my vote.

Munenori Kawasaki

Call me crazy (and I am sure you will), but having Munenori Kawasaki on the 25-man roster is a great idea. Over the last two years, there was an obvious hype-man on the team. Jason Motte was that guy in 2015, leading the crown in clapping every time Starlin Castro walked to the plate. And the antics of David Ross, or at least the team towards him, in 2016 are legendary.

The team loves having Kawasaki around. Pictures from camp show him with a smile on his face or in the middle of something fun. And, he is playing well. This Spring, the 35-year old shortstop is performing to a .278/.350/.333 split, with two runs scored and five runs batted in. Not quite how he did last Spring, but still eye-catching.

And then, there is this ad from Kirin Ichiban Beer, which is an American Pale-Ale:

Jeimer Candelario

If there was a player this Spring support his promotion to the 25-man roster, it is Jeimer Candelario. The Chicago Cubs No. 5 prospect, and No. 96 in all of baseball, Candelario is ready to make the move up.

This Spring, he is performing to a .320/.346/.520 split. Plus, he adds value to the bench by being a switch hitter. And we know that Maddon likes versatility. Playing either first or third and having the option to choose a side of the plate regardless of who is on the mound is enough to pause and consider the option.

The only issue with making it on the Opening Day roster is that he will not see regular at-bats. And that is what he will need to continue performing. While with the Cubs in 2016, he only hit .091. Maybe it was the level of talent, which is doubtful. More likely, it was the immense pressure Candelario put on himself. While he is proving he is ready, it is more likely he receives a call mid-season and in September.