Chicago Cubs News: Schwarber to lead off? Sosa to the HOF?

It would seem that the Chicago Cubs might have learned their lesson. Then again, maybe not. Could Joe Maddon put a “new and improved” Kyle Schwarber in the leadoff spot? I wouldn’t put it past him.

When the Chicago Cubs‘ Joe Maddon put Kyle Schwarber in the leadoff spot, it was intriguing, to say the least. Schwarber didn’t fit the mold of a leadoff hitter, and that, unfortunately, proved to be the case. But Maddon didn’t feel that hitting first was the issue, and took much of the blame himself. So is it possible that we could see him in the top spot again? With no clear choice for a guy at the top, he’s one of the options that Maddon will consider.

For the Cubs’ Sammy Sosa, he was on the highest of highs–until he hit the lowest of lows. His rise and fall with the Cubs was a site to see. After he an Mark McGwire singlehandedly saved the game of baseball following the strike, he was soon after run out of town. Although, much of his own doing. As Sabremetrics has become the norm for baseball analysts, Sosa will have an uphill climb to make the HOF. Even more so with the lingering PED accusations. But as time goes on, Sosa may very well join the hall.

The Cubs have reportedly continued their talks with the Pittsburgh Pirates for Gerrit Cole. After coming to an agreement in arbitration earlier Friday, might the Cubs still be interested? Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports also noted that the Yankees and Astros were also in talks with the Pirates. If that’s the case, the Cubs could very well be behind the 8-ball as those two have more to offer than the Cubs.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs preparing for another Schwarber leadoff experiment?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Sosa will someday join the Hall of Fame’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs discuss deal for Cole of Pirates?’ – Bleacher Report

‘Getting past arb deadline could heat up stove’ – MLB.com

‘Mets maintain most of their staff with arb deals’ – ESPN

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