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3 way too early reactions from the Cubs Spring Training opener
Chicago Cubs put on a show in game one of Cactus League play.
We saw a great mix of big league and prospect talent with Chicago Cubs Spring Training officially underway in Mesa, AZ. The Cubs were dominant on both offense and defense, offering several key takeaways and early observations. Between the offensive outburst in the first inning and the bullpen coming in to shut it down with 7.1 scoreless frames, let's look at three way too-early reactions from game one of Spring Training.
3 too early reactions - 3. Christopher morel still electric as ever
Christopher Morel took no time to burst out of the gate with an explosive performance. Locked in during his first AB, Morel displayed improved discipline at the plate by building a 3-0 count. On the next pitch, he swiftly deposited a souvenir over the left field fence for the first team home run of the spring.
Over the winter, the biggest question surrounding Morel was where the team could plug him in defensively. After manager Craig Counsell stated he would be getting an extended look at third base; it was encouraging to see him make both putout attempts at the hot corner look easy.
In an interview during the game, Counsell stated the team doesn't need to make a season-long decision by the end of spring, leaving the ball in Morel's court to do the best he can with the opportunity given. With elite pop in his bat, Morel sticking at third is the most efficient way to get him into the everyday lineup.
2. Caleb Kilian proves he can still be a factor
Former Cubs top pitching prospect Caleb Kilian entered the game in the 2nd inning and was firing on all cylinders. He recorded two scoreless frames without allowing a hit or a walk, punching out two White Sox in the process. He is a solid weapon the Cubs tend to turn to when they need a spot start, but he proved he can still be much more than that if he can stay consistent.
Kilian has had a lot of ups and downs between the majors and Triple-A since being acquired from the San Francisco Giants in the Kris Bryant trade during the 2021 sell-off. For him to turn the corner now into a potential permanent big leaguer adds to an already incredible amount of depth that the Cubs have at their disposal. I don't envy the Cubs' front office when deciding who should be optioned and who should start the year on the team's 26-man Opening Day roster.
1. Cubs prospects offer tremendous offensive upside
After struggling at the plate in his first big league stint, Pete Crow-Armstrong quickly reminded us why he's the #1 prospect in the Cubs organization. His gapper in the first inning off big league veteran Jesse Chavez was a swing of beauty. Later on, he also scored from second on an infield single was just as impressive as his double, which was the best heads-up play of the game.
Matt Shaw had the other notable performance in his spring debut. Lasering an RBI double to left in the first, Shaw finished his day going 2-3, narrowly missing a 3-3 performance on a rope to 3rd that was speared impressively on a hop. Shaw will likely start in Double-A Tennessee in 2024 but has a fast track written all over him. He was drafted last summer and is already eyeing a big-league call-up in 2024.
The bigger-named prospects in Crow-Armstrong, Alexander Canario, and Shaw went 4-9 in the spring opener. It serves as a reminder that Jed Hoyer has done a fantastic job rebuilding this organization from top to bottom. The team's league-leading seven top 100 prospects (according to MLB Pipeline) are all quickly climbing up the ladder. The future is bright in Chicago.
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