Carter Hawkins provides important update on Chicago Cubs third base plan

The Cubs continue to want to give Christopher Morel an extended run at third base.

Chicago Cubs v Texas Rangers
Chicago Cubs v Texas Rangers / Stacy Revere/GettyImages

The Christopher Morel experience was on full display for the Chicago Cubs on Monday against the Colorado Rockies.

Despite serving as the team's designated hitter on Opening Day, Morel has been the starter at third base in every game since. The best way to describe Morel's defense at third base through his first three games at the position is a work in progress.

Morel has made the routine plays at the hot corner but has struggled with his throws to first base and with line drives hit at him.

Morel's second error on the young season came on Monday when he was unable to field a line drive hit by former Cubs' third baseman Kris Bryant. The Cubs are hoping that Morel's offensive production outweighs his defensive miscues and that was the case on Monday as his little league home run sparked the team's victory.

It was the perfect reflection of how Carter Hawkins talked about Morel and the Cubs' plan at third base before the season. Hawkins admitted while speaking on "The Bernstein and Holmes Show" that third base remains the primary topic of conversation for the Cubs.

The Chicago Cubs are comfortable with Christopher Morel at third base...for now.

Craig Counsell laid out the blueprint on Monday for how Morel will likely be used when starting at third base. Morel was taken out of the game after his third plate appearance with the Cubs leading 3-0. Nick Madrigal entered the game as a defensive replacement and that will likely be the formula for when the Cubs have a lead during the later stages of a game.

This has the feel of the Cubs being comfortable with Morel at third base until Matt Shaw is ready for a promotion to the Major League level. Once that day comes, likely in June or July, Shaw will likely be the plan at third base for the Cubs moving forward.

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