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Chicago Cubs: Theo Epstein’s got solutions, determining the problems
By Jim Guzior
Chicago Cubs: Who could go first in Cubs reshuffle?
What Theo Epstein knows for sure is that he doesn’t like what he’s seen so far. Sure it’s not bad for another club, but not with the tools provided and the expectation so high to win. Epstein sits like a king in a castle ready to fire the first general to screw up in the war, but the battle has been on a short pause this week.
The All-Star break has provided a nice bit of time for Epstein to review all the candidates and even the non-candidates for a reshuffle. It’s good to know who your core team is, even if it’s due to contracts or deals, at least you know.
Epstein will look to keep his main horses: Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, Willson Contreras and Jason Heyward. Additionally, Epstein would look to keep Victor Caratini, Robel Garcia, and slowly work in Ben Zobrist as a sort of late charge in August or September.
Epstein now knows what he has to work with: Addison Russell, Kyle Schwarber, Albert Almora Jr., Daniel Descalso, David Bote, and Ian Happ.
While no one wants to see Kyle Schwarber leave the Cubs, the leadoff man has struggled, and maybe that’s part of the reason Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon put him in that job: to shine a light on him. That light has shown some errors in the outfield by Schwarber and disappointing outings at-bat. David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune wrote,
"And it starts at the top with Kyle Schwarber, still a square peg in a round hole batting leadoff, no matter how much apologists spin his on-base percentage. Either put Schwarber’s power bat fifth or sixth or ship him to the American League."
On the pitching side of the house, rumors abound that Cole Hamels could move on right after he comes off injury. Additionally, Tyler Chatwood, Mike Montgomery and Carl Edwards Jr. are all recent unproven Cubs heroes.
Epstein recently confirmed that Brandon Morrow will return and be another closing option for the Cubs. What everyone wants to know is what Epstein will do with his coaching staff?