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Chicago Cubs News: Happ impressing; Heyward’s expectations?
It’s not much, but the Chicago Cubs’ Ian Happ has done a lot in a little bit of time. More guys will still get their shot, but he’s made an impression. And are we expecting too much from Jason Heyward as far as an improvement this year?
Chicago Cubs‘ manager Joe Maddon has a few guys in mind when it comes to the leadoff spot. Ian Happ, however, is making quite the impression in his time at the top in spring training. He’s been in the leadoff spot in all three games he’s played, going 4-for-7 with two home runs and three RBI. It’s a good start, but this is just spring training. What happens now isn’t guaranteed to carry over to the regular season. But either way, it’s a heck of a start. It’s like Happ just forces his way into the conversation during the spring–just like last year.
The Cubs’ Jason Heyward improved last season, but it still didn’t warrant the big contract. With the addition of Chili Davis as the hitting coach, some have raised their expectations of him because of Davis. But are we expecting too much? Davis focuses more on situational hitting than former coach John Mallee did, so the hope is that Heyward and others will take a step forward.
In a not-so-surprising move, the Cubs’ named Jon Lester as the Opening Day starter. With three starters that opened last season and then Kyle Hendricks, Maddon had plenty to pick from. But Lester was the right choice, for respect as well as the situation. Lester will take the ball Opening Day against the Miami Marlins, and will miss the Milwaukee Brewers. A team that is heavily right-handed and fast–something Lester is better not to have to deal with.
These and other stories you might have missed:
‘Happ impressing in bid for leadoff job’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Are we expecting too much from Heyward?’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Lester named Opening Day starter’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Samardzija looks at choosing baseball over football’ – MLB.com
‘How Darvish went from no-trade to the Cubs’ – ESPN
#Cubs on Twitter
#Cubs Hendricks has never been an Opening Day starter. "Let's get another World Series. Who cares about the 1st game? I'll take the last game. Always."
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 28, 2018
Per @ESPNChiCubs SP Yu Darvish @faridyu on #Cubs offseason meeting : “It was the very first team I had a meeting with. They were very serious about acquiring me. My agents told me how great the team is and how the fans are first-class. Just the whole environment is first-class.”
— Chicago Cubs Reports ✭ (@TheCubsReporter) March 1, 2018
Thread-Please read. This is my friend Amy Liss. I met Amy when we were both chosen as Ring Bearers to give the #Cubs their World Series rings. Amy is the biggest @Cubs fan in the world and has the most positive attitude I have ever seen....continued pic.twitter.com/UdptVYO3Ho
— Crawly's Cubs Kingdom (@crawlyscubs) February 28, 2018
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