Chicago Cubs trim roster to 31 after assigning Ian Happ, John Andreoli

With Opening Night a little under a week away, the Chicago Cubs continued to make roster moves. Although a few names stood out and made an impact, their Major League journey will have to wait.

If it were up to Chicago Cubs‘ skipper Joe Maddon, he would have everyone on his Opening Night roster. However, it doesn’t work like that which is why roster cuts are made during Spring Training.

While the veterans were still doing what they do best, the freshman class behind them played solid baseball. Solid enough to think that some could possibly crack the Opening Night roster for the Cubs in 2017.

With the Cubbies more than likely carrying Matt Szczur into the regular season, it just wasn’t going to work out. Also, sending someone to the minors isn’t necessarily bad unless an agent decides to stir the pot.

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For now, no problems, only business. According to CSN Chicago’s own Patrick Mooney, the Cubs assigned infielder Ian Happ, outfielder John Andreoli, and utility man, Taylor Davis to Minor League camps.

Mooney also reported that Happ will be joining Eddie Butler and Rob Zastryzny in Iowa with the Triple-A Cubs. Surely, Andreoli will make his way to Iowa as well. Andreoli spent the entire 2015 and 2016 campaigns with the Triple-A club, increasing his power in the batter’s box.

Sooner or later?

The real question now is how soon will we see these guys in a big league Cubs uniform? Well, it could be as soon as September when the roster extends. But who knows, it could be sooner rather than later if the timing is right.

Both Happ and Andreoli stood out from the rest. Granted, Andreoli’s Cactus League homers dropped by a few numbers, he put his arm on display in the 22-4 beating of the Cincinnati Reds.

Cincinnati catcher Tucker Barnhart laced a single out to right field with a runner on third base and two outs in the sixth inning on Sunday. Rather than letting the Reds cut into Chicago’s 9-2 lead, Andreoli fired to first base, throwing out Barnhart.

A specific moment that will be replayed whenever he is called up to the show. Aside from his laser beam to first, the 26-year-old outfield was one of a few Cubs who participated in the World Baseball Classic.

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As a member of Italy, John helped lead his country to victory over Mexico. Not only did he crush a solo home run in the first but delivered a walk-off single in the ninth inning.

When it comes to Happ, we all know what he’s about. I mean, most of the articles posted this spring were about him and his power display. Ian led the Cubs in both home runs (5) and RBI (17) all while slashing .417/473/1.285.

Everyone better keep an eye on this man.