Chicago Cubs News: Rotation order; Happ vying for leadoff?

With spring training underway, we can’t help but look forward to the Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation. Who gets the ball on Opening Day? And can Ian Happ outduel Albert Almora Jr. for the leadoff spot?

The Chicago Cubs spent much of their offseason money on revamping the pitching staff. And more importantly, the starting rotation. The addition of Tyler Chatwood and Yu Darvish should do well to replace John Lackey and Jake Arrieta. So who will start Opening Day? We took a stab at it earlier in the offseason, but that was before the addition of Darvish. So does that change anything? We took a look at who might start the opener, and who will follow for the Cubs.

This spring, Joe Maddon is going to give several different players a shot at the leadoff spot. I can’t be sure what he’ll be looking for. Will it just be the at-bats? Will it be a combination of play in the field and the ABs? Either way, Ian Happ has a good start to his crack at the job. Happ made a fantastic play in the outfield in his first game, and then followed that with a two-hit performance, today.

During the Astros and Cardinals game, a car providing some seventh-inning stretch festivities–well, it was something special. I’m one of the first people to say it won’t be long until you see something you normally don’t in the game of baseball. This might not have counted, but it was something I had never seen before.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘How will the rotation shake out?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Can Happ seize the leadoff spot this spring?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Car struggles to leave the field’ – Cut 4

‘Morrison, Twins agree to deal’ – MLB.com

‘Reds, Revere agree to minor league deal’ – ESPN

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Next: Cubs have pitching depth in the minors

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