Chicago Cubs: Up and down week leads to more Cubs questions

Spring Training is halfway complete and the Chicago Cubs experienced highs and lows. Now, there are more questions that need answers in the waning weeks.

After three weeks of games the Chicago Cubs hold a record of 7-9 with four ties. For comparison, the team finished 11-19 in Spring last year. And while the record in the Spring does not determine the winner of the World Series, it can be an indicator of issues.

Excuse me, Chicago Cubs management, there may be some concerns at hand.

In the last seven days, the Cubs have gone 3-3-1. Four of those games saw the team go into the seventh inning with a lead only to walk away without the win. While the primary contributors to those situations are not on the Major League roster, it’s concerning to see these late-inning issues.

All in all, it is Spring Training. The purpose of these games is to evaluate and assess talent, arranging players in a position in which they will experience success. Still, the notion of losing late-inning games does deserve attention. With that, and more, here is the Chicago Cubs week in review.

The Good

There are several positive aspects from the last week. The “take it easy” approach in Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon‘s philosophy reached the next steps. Many of the Cubs regulars played a more significant amount of innings as they are working into their swing.

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Anthony Rizzo played four consecutive games with at least three at-bats in each. Similar can be said about Addison Russell, Ben Zobrist and Kris Bryant. Each player had at least two hits, including a home run for Russell and Zobrist. Bryant had two homers.

The starting rotation also performed well this week. In his second start of the spring, Jake Arrieta pitched a solid three innings, allowing one run. The only concern is that he allowed three walks. Kyle Hendricks allowed his first two runs of the spring against the Diamondbacks, but still has yet to walk a batter. Veteran starter John Lackey performed well against San Diego, allowing a hit, a run, and striking out one in three innings.

As Cactus League play continues, the starting rotation and regular position players will see more time. They are starting to warm up and perform. With all the rest and lack of pressure, the Cubs will be fresh entering the season.

Most Improved

I am not sure if you were ever in an organization that announced a “most improved” award, but there are several candidates on the Chicago Cubs’ roster.  Check out the stats of our nominees.

Albert Almora Jr.: .314/.333/.571 split, 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 6 R, 5 RBI
Jon Jay: .313/.333/.438 split, 2 2B, 1 3B, 4 R, 1 RBI
Willson Contreras: .360/.448/.824 split, 2 2B, 3 HR, 6 R, 6 RBI
Matt Szczur: .333/.379/.519 split, 1 2B, 2 3B, 5 R, 5 RBI

And the winner is……..

IAN HAPP! Yes, the No. 2 prospect is the winner for most improved on the Cubs at this time. For the week alone, Happ is 6-for-10 with two home runs and four knocked in. He also have two walks and one strike out during that time, giving him an on-base percentage of .667.

Not bad. Now, is it enough to bring him up to Wrigley this year? That remains to be seen.

On the move

The Chicago Cubs made cuts to their roster this week, none of which are surprising. With 39 pitchers, it was only a matter of time before many of them were moved. Included in these moves was Duane Underwood, who makes his first appearance of the Spring today. He was optioned back to Double-AA Tennessee.

Additionally, the Cubs sent pitchers Aaron Brooks, Jack Leathersich, and Jose Rosario to the Iowa Cubs on March 13. Leathersich made one appearance this Spring, and did not allow a run. In three appearances each, Brooks and Rosario struggled. Brooks allowed five runs on six hits in three innings, while Rosario gave up four runs in 2 1/3 innings pitched.

Friday, the team also sent pitchers Pierce Johnson and Felix Pena, catcher Victor Caratini, and centerfielder Jacob Hannemann to Iowa. Johnson is the No. 24 prospect in the system and performed well this Spring. Pena is No. 21 on the prospect list and allowed two runs in just over two innings.

Both Caratini and Hannemann proved to be solid players and their futures will include times in the big leagues. With an on-base percentage of .394 and a couple stolen bases, Hannemann could lead off for many teams. Caratini also showed his ability to hit and produce runs, with over half of his hits being for extra bases.

And then this…

Of course, how can we not mention the talk of the baseball world this week. Javier Baez is a defensive master. His flare for the dramatic, energy in performance, and success in execution are on a level with the great artists of all time. I consider him the “Bruno Mars” of baseball. Not quite to the level of Mozart, but still flashy and effective.

ICYMI…….

He is a great “tagger” and that does feel odd to say. But it is a difference making ability. Baez can take a bad throw and cut a runner down. We saw it in the playoffs, and we will see if for years to come.

Next: Shohei Otani a talent unlike anything MLB has seen in years

Bring on the season, folks. It is going to be fun.