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

Batting ninth…

This leaves Jon Jay and Albert Almora. In any other lineup, they would be higher in the order. Not with the Chicago Cubs, but that is because the role is different here. The ninth batter is considered a secondary leadoff hitter. Their role is to get on base in front of the Bryzzo Souvenir  Company. They get on and let a ball get “Bryzzo’d.”

It all depends on the match-up. If a left-handed pitcher in on the mound, Almora is likely to start. So far, the MLB top 100 prospect is proving he can handle the job. Already with similar stats to last season, Almora is quickly learning how to hit. His five walks equal what he did last year in half the at-bats. He is hitting for a better average and getting on base more than before. And, like other young players, his speed and aggressiveness can lead to more bases taken. It worked in the World Series, and it will now.

Of all players, Jay may be the biggest surprise offensively. He never drives in a ton of runs, be he can score them. To this point of the season, his 10 runs scored are just behind Jason Heyward and Javier Baez, but 30+ fewer at-bats. Jay is earning an everyday position with a team and should be considered for more play with the Cubs. The talent of the team just pushes him to the bench.