Chicago Cubs: The most effective lineup they have isn’t being used

Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward (22) hits a one run single off of St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward (22) hits a one run single off of St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

In review…

Here is the full lineup as I see it.

  1. Jason Heyward, RF
  2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
  3. Kris Bryant, 3B
  4. Kyle Schwarber, LF
  5. Ben Zobrist, 2B
  6. Addison Russell, SS
  7. Willson Contreras/Miguel Montero, C
  8. Pitcher
  9. Albert Almora/Jon Jay, CF

Is it perfect? No. You can easily make arguments for Russell to leadoff or for Rizzo to bat lower. The fact of the matter is that the current lineup is not the most optimal for the team as it is constructed now. It is time to rethink the puzzle and make it work with greater efficiency. The player should be slotted to their strength in a place where they will experience success, not just can. Great leaders know this, and I trust Joe Maddon to be a strong manager.

Next: Bench players helping spark many of the comebacks

Businesses and athletics alike need to assess and re-assess performance and productions. It’s time the Chicago Cubs do just that with their offense.

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