(670 The Score) For the past week or so in Cactus League play, Cubs manager David Ross has submitted a lineup card that predominantly goes lefty/righty in the batting order. He has done so with preparations for the start of the regular season in mind.
As is always the case in spring training, the lineups have varied greatly from day to day, but one lineup that Ross could use early on is as follows: Ian Happ, Willson Contreras, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Joc Pederson, Javier Baez, Jason Heyward and then Nico Hoerner.
"A lot of those players in be in those spots during the season," Ross said. "That is somewhat the version we will have on the team. I feel I can draw names out of a hat with this group."
Much of the mystery for the Cubs' lineup revolves around who will hit second. Contreras has filled the slot a fair deal in spring training, though Bryant and Rizzo have been used there often in recent seasons. Rizzo hit second a team-high 38 times in 2020, Ross' first season as Cubs manager.
"There is a new balance you are looking for in lineups," Ross said when asked about how the No. 2 spot in the lineup has changed over the years. "I think the one, two and four slots have become the more valued hitting spots, with three having a little less value according to analytics. I still believe in putting your best hitters toward the top of the lineup. You must pay attention to the length of the lineup and how that weighs on the other team's preparation for you. There is a lot that goes into that day's lineup and matchups beyond the start of the game."
The Cubs were 20th in MLB in runs per game and 21st with a .705 OPS in 2020. Beyond that, the Cubs were led in RBIs by top bench player/utilityman David Bote (29) and leadoff man Happ (28) in 2020. That fact showcased how production from their bigger stars lacked, and Ross knows that needs to change this season.
"It is fun to put some of those star players in the lineup," Ross said. "At the end of the day, they are expecting to go out and have good at-bats and produce. We make a lot about the lineup, but when it's producing, you can really put them in any order you want to."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
