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

Feb 17, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Koji Uehara (19) talks with Miguel Montero (47) after throwing in the bullpen during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Koji Uehara (19) talks with Miguel Montero (47) after throwing in the bullpen during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

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: