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

Now leading off…

Be prepared for an unpopular opinion: The “Kyle Schwarber project” needs to be trashed. Yes, I get that he only truly leads off one time per game. And there are other opportunities to take advantage of his approach. The problem is this: manager Joe Maddon is not using Schwarber’s talent in a place where they will experience success.

In 2015, Schwarber took the world over, storming in and crushing the ball. He finished the season with a .246/.355/.487 slash line, including 16 home runs and 52 runs in 59 games. During the postseason, Schwarber carried the Chicago Cubs, hitting .333 with five home runs.  Furthermore, while missing all of 2016, Schwarber made it back into the lineup for the World Series. A .412/.500/.471 slash line and aggressive base running achieved and established him as a key piece as a designated hitter.

Schwarber is a big-swinging, aggressive batter that excels early in the count. Batting leading requires more patience and taking pitches. When the count is 0-1, Schwarber hits .348. Ten of his home runs have come with zero-strike counts. If he is ahead in the count, he hits .316. Now, the team is asking him to show patience, and work counts. That is not his wheelhouse.

It is, however, a great spot for Jon Jay or Albert Almora. Jay has the most experience leading off or in the second spot in the order for his career. And, while Almora is young, he is proving his ability to be a producing member of the line-up. That said, I would not put either one of them in the leadoff spot. Who then?

Jason Heyward

This is what we know: Jason Heyward put in the work this offseason, improving his contact numbers at the plate. While the average is dipping a bit right now, is he getting on base 33% of the time. His speed plays off the team’s desire to take the extra base. Plus, he would be asked to take a few more pitches and protect the zone. Free swings the last few weeks is the cause for his recent decline at the plate. We know that he is going to be in the lineup most days. Consistency and availability are what the leadoff position requires.