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After a dreadful time with the Chicago Cubs in the second half of last season, Justin Wilson is having a resurgence this spring. And will Albert Almora Jr. ever get his chance? Not with the way Ian Happ is playing.
Let’s be honest. When the Chicago Cubs got Justin Wilson from the Detroit Tigers, he was the key piece in the deal. Alex Avila was a “throw-in” for lack of a better word. I think Cubs’ fans would agree he was more of a “throw away” as he was just dreadful in his time in Chicago. But in a small sample, Wilson is getting guys out–and finding the plate while doing so. If he can be the pitcher he was before the trade, the Cubs would be in excellent shape.
Ian Happ has had most of the at-bats from the leadoff spot. Even Jason Heyward has gotten a few. So the question is when will it be Albert Almora‘s turn? With the way Happ is playing, it won’t. While Almora has gone “0-for” this spring, Happ continues to light it up from the top of the order. And he doesn’t seem to be slowing down. The good news? This might keep Joe Maddon from inserting Kyle Schwarber at the top. The bad news? The Almora fan club isn’t going to get there boy at the top.
It’s coming back. In some cases, whether you want it to or not. The bullpen car is being revived by the Arizona Diamondbacks, bringing your relievers right to the mound. While the cart was popular in the 1970’s and ’80’s, it seemed to have worn out it’s welcome. Well, apparently the welcome sign is back out as the cart will return. The catch? Pitchers won’t have to use it, but it’s there if they decide to.
These and other stories you might have missed:
‘Wilson experiencing early success this spring’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Will Almora ever get a chance to leadoff?’ – Cubbies Crib
‘D-backs bringing back the bullpen car’ – ESPN
‘Ranking the fastest teams in the MLB’ – MLB.com
#Cubs on Twitter
Cubs win!
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 5, 2018
Final: #Cubs 5, #Rockies 4. #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/6hi2gsCyf1
The #Cubs didn't mess around and wanted Yu Darvish here on Day 1 -- while Arrieta/Cobb/Lynn are still free agents and looking doubtful for Opening Day.https://t.co/5JSXiS1GF9
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) March 6, 2018
#Cubs La Stella is wearing khakis and polo shirt instead of his uniform. It's payback by front office because he parks in their spots
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) March 5, 2018
Here's La Stella. #Cubs pic.twitter.com/0xEbcRunUr
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) March 5, 2018
Next: Cubs F.O. in a league of their own
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