Cubs must answer these big questions heading into Spring Training 2.0

The Chicago Cubs face plenty of big questions as they prepare for the season.

Heading into a shortened 60-season with numerous rule changes, there is a laundry list of questions to think about as the Cubs open camp. Back when the club was readying for a typical 162-game season in March, they were not preparing for 30-man Opening Day rosters, no MiLB season or having a designated hitter. Now they will be.

David Ross is probably going to have to reevaluate some things that he started to put together back in March. There were still some questions that had yet to be answered back then, and now he will get a chance to finally put everything together several months later.

What makes things very interesting for the upcoming “Spring Training 2.0” is that it will be mostly workouts/drills starting with a 60-man roster pool and the teams will play up to just three (maximum) exhibition games against other clubs. It is going to be a very weird preseason and season.

So what important questions linger going into the 2020 season? From roster construction, to health status, to performance. etc. here are some big questions heading into Spring Training 2.0.

Chicago Cubs: More prospects are likely to get opportunities

On Sunday, all 30 big league clubs will submit the 60-man training rosters to the league. There are a number of players within the Cubs organization that have a chance to make the opening day roster that would likely not have if the season had started as normal. Here are a few players to look at.

Position Players:

Josh Phegley: The Cubs brought in the veteran catcher on a minor league deal in January. If they want to add a third catcher to the mix, he would be the first one with Miguel Amaya not having played above A ball.

Hernan Perez: Former Brewers utility man came to Cubs camp on a minor league deal back in December. Perez can play pretty much anywhere and is an above-average defender.

Ian Miller: This guy has a good chance to make the roster. Miller came into Cubs camp this year and really impressed at the plate. The speedy outfielder slashed .382/.462/.471 in 17 games. He can be used to pinch run late in games and come in late defensively as the last outfielder.

Pitchers:

Adbert Alzolay: The 24-year-old prospect was optioned back in spring, but it is reasonable to think he can get a shot at making the roster. He can be utilized in the bullpen to help build him up and hopefully can be a future starter in 2021 and beyond.

Duane Underwood: He is out of options and might be running out of time with the organization. He had worked on remaking himself into a reliever in Triple-A last season so he might have a chance to be part of the bullpen in 2020 if they want as much pitching depth as possible.

Casey Sadler: He was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers in January and was designated for assignment. Like Underwood, he is out of options. Sadler last year pitched to a 2.14 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 31 strikeouts and 13 walks. Seems pretty safe to bet he will be on the roster.

Colin Rea: He was optioned back in spring after making the initial 40-man roster. Last season in Triple-A he made 26 starts and pitched to a 3.95 ERA, 1.4 WHIP and 7.3 K/9. Rea is one of the guys that was in discussion regarding the fifth spot in the rotation, though behind guys like Tyler Chatwood and Alec Mills.

Chicago Cubs: Who will be the team’s primary designated hitter?

It is very easy to say, “Kyle Schwarber is the primary DH,” and yes he is likely going to play some time there. However there are other players on the roster who will likely get some reps there as well.

The other obvious candidate to DH is Steven Souza Jr. He missed the 2019 season after tearing his ACL and MCL and is a career -3.0 UZR in the outfield. Before his injuries he accumulated 63 home runs from 2015-2017 with a .238/.327/.426 slash and is a career 103 wRC+. If he is healthy he can hit for power and be decently productive and is best served as a DH so Jason Heyward can play in right.

Other matchups can call for others who are better at defense to serve as the DH. If Ross wants Albert Almora in center and Heyward in right, then Ian Happ can fill the void. Willson Contreras and Victor Caratini can allow both bats to be in the lineup and one catching based on who is on the mound. Do not rule out Anthony Rizzo playing DH with Caratini at first if Rizzo’s back is bothering him.

Like or hate the DH, but it can really help out the Cubs this season.

Chicago Cubs: Bullpen success will be critical in shortened season

There is no question Craig Kimbrel is the team’s closer. Whether he bounces back is questionable on its own, but we know what role he will play. As for the setup position there are several options the Cubs can go with.

The man listed on the depth chart right now is Rowan Wick. Last season he really impressed with a 2.43 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 2.82 FIP and a 9.5 K/9 in 33 1/3 innings. In total he has appeared in 41 career MLB games since his debut with the Padres in 2018, so he does not have a whole lot of experience. If he can replicate what he did in 2019 he could be a very solid option for Ross.

Another guy to consider is former Brewers setup man Jeremy Jeffress. The Cubs brought him in on a one-year deal this past offseason after struggling in 2019. Jeffress was an All-Star in 2018 with Milwaukee  as he pitched to a 1.29 ERA and 10.4 K/9 in 76 2/3 innings. He sports a career 3.16 ERA and 3.62 FIP in 392 career games. Jeffress has plenty of experience and an overall strong resume.

The last name to mention is likely not going to be strongly considered as he is better served in the seventh inning or to face lefties is Kyle Ryan. He was very solid last year with a 3.54 ERA and 3.85 FIP in 73 games. Again he is likely not getting this role but worth noting his ability to pitch in late innings.

Chicago Cubs: The answer seems obvious now – but could change

Right now the likely fifth starter is Tyler Chatwood. Last year we saw the right-hander bounce back after his awful 2018 with a decent showing as a long reliever/spot starter. He is the guy listed on the depth chart and has the experience that the other candidates do not have. However there are other candidates that are under consideration.

The most notable name is Alec Mills. In 16 appearances (six starts) as a Cub going back to 2018, Mills has pitched to a 3.17 ERA, 3.62 FIP, 1.1 WHIP and and 10.8 K/9. He has overall impressed in his spot starts and has been considered a candidate for the fifth spot for a while now. It is possible he earns his way to that role during the season depending on what happens with him and Chatwood. If Chatwood is first in line, then he is likely second.

As mentioned earlier Colin Rea has been talked about regarding the role. We can also throw in Adbert Alzolay’s name in there as he is still considered part of the future. These guys could have a shot later in the short season if the others do not work out or get hurt. It is unlikely either have a shot at starting the season in the fifth starter role.

These are just some of the things people are wondering about going into 2020. Some of these questions can be answered fans while others will be answered during the regular season. Regardless of when these questions are answered, it is going to be an odd one.