Craig Counsell finally caves with change Cubs fans have been begging for

Craig Counsell is finally making the change that Chicago Cubs fans have begged for. The Cubs' offense has looked lifeless over the last two weeks, suggesting that the time was now for Counsell to move things around in his starting lineup. After the Cubs lost 4-2 on Friday to the Houston Astros, extending their losing streak to six games, Counsell confirmed there will be changes to the starting lineup for Saturday's game.

One of the biggest reasons why Cubs fans have been begging for change is that the team has struggled with runners in scoring position. Ian Happ has been at the center of those struggles despite Counsell's insistence on leaving him in place as the team's No. 4 hitter.

During Friday's loss, Happ was 1-5 with two strikeouts. As a team, the Cubs left 11 runners on base while going 0-9 with runners in scoring position.

Here is what the Cubs lineup should look like after Craig Counsell promised changes.

It will be curious to see what changes Counsell has in mind for his starting lineup. The Cubs lack a traditional power hitter, so there are any number of options that could be in play. One thing is clear, it would seem that Happ is going to move down.

1. Nico Hoerner
2. Seiya Suzuki
3. Carson Kelly
4. Michael Busch
5. Michael Conforto
6. Alex Bregman
7. Ian Happ
8. Pete Crow-Armstrong
9. Dansby Swanson

Nico Hoerner remains the obvious candidate to be the Cubs' leadoff hitter, and there's still a case to be made that Suzuki is the best overall hitter on the Cubs' roster. Even with his struggles with runners in scoring position, Suzuki is carrying an OPS of .825.

The biggest change is with the 3-5 hitters. Carson Kelly is having another productive offensive season, and Michael Busch has been the one hitter excelling during the team's overall slump. Michael Conforto is giving the Cubs better plate appearances that Moises Ballesteros at the moment, and deserves to remain in the lineup.

Alex Bregman hasn't exactly been as advertised for the Cubs this season, but he's still proven capable of having a good plate appearances. That gives him the nod over Happ, who moves down to No. 7. Considering the struggles of each, it's no real surprise that Pete Crow-Armstrong and Dansby Swanson are rounding out the line.

At the moment, this is all that Counsell can do. Perhaps the door is open for Pedro Ramirez to get a start or two in the coming days, but right now, the correct lever to pull is making the change with the starting lineup.

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