Chicago Baseball – April-May 2018 Issue by Chicago Baseball

CHICAGOBASEBALL THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE CHICAGO CUBS

DEPENDING ON

Will Darvish Deliver Another World Series to the North Side?

Staff Shake-Up

APRIL/MAY 2018

20 Questions for 2018

Player Cards Vol. 23, No. 1

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INSIDE YOUR GUIDE TO CUBS BASEBALL

April/May 2018 • Vol. 23, No. 1

Matt Smerge Publisher & Editor Steven Cline Contributing Editor

Albert Almora Jr. #5, Center Field

Javier Baez #9, Second Base

Allen Yanong & Mark Sliwinski Staff Writers Marty Plesha Circulation Director Kris Bryant #17, Third Base

18 6. 8. 10. 12. 14. 16. 18. 20. 21.

Left Field Media

Out of Left Field/The Foul Pole Unorthodox Stance/Point-Counterpoint 2018 Cubs Season Preview Staff Shake-Up 20 Questions for 2018 This Day in Cubs History Player Poster: Javier Baez 2018 Predictions/Cubs 2018 Schedule Kids Clubhouse Fun Page by Jim Siergey

22. 24. 26. 28. 30. 32. 34. 36. 38.

Perillo Collision & Service Scorecard Back of the Baseball Card 2018 Predictions Chicago Cubs 40-Man Roster PREVIEW: Chicago Cubs PREVIEWS: Pittsburgh Pirates & Atlanta Braves PREVIEWS: St. Louis Cardinals & Milwaukee Brewers PREVIEWS: Colorado Rockies & Miami Marlins PREVIEWS: Chicago White Sox & Cleveland Indians 2018 Chicago Cubs Player Cards

B/T

Ht. & Wt.

Birthdate

B/T

Ht. & Wt.

Birthdate

B/T

Ht. & Wt.

Birthdate

R/R

6’2” & 190

4/16/94

R/R

6’0” & 190

12/1/92

R/R

6’5” & 215

1/4/92

2017 Regular Season Stats

Salary

2017 Regular Season Stats

.273, 23 HR, 75 RBI in 469 AB

$10,850,000

.295, 29 HR, 73 RBI in 549 AB

Salary

2017 Regular Season Stats

Salary

$584,500

.298, 8 HR, 46 RBI in 299 AB

$657,000

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Laura Otto Art Director & Website Manager Cole Otto Social Media Manager Jay Roper Founder ••••••• www.ChicagoBaseballMag.com Email: win1908@aol.com Now in its 23rd year, Chicago Baseball is the #1 independent publication about the Chicago Cubs. It is available outside Wrigley Field prior to home games. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed, written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Chicago Baseball are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Team logos used herein are the property of the individual teams and/or Major League Baseball and are used solely for identification and editorial purposes. © 2018 Left Field Media, LLC

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OUT OF LEFT FIELD

In or Out?

By Matt Smerge

verybody In. Joe Maddon opened spring training with that catch phrase to motivate his players for the 2018 campaign. Maddon and the Cubs have obviously come a long way since “Try not to suck” in 2016. The Cubs have even chosen to adopt Maddon’s new mantra as their official marketing slogan for the 2018 season. You can see “Everybody In” splashed all over their TV spots, billboards and other marketing materials. You can even find it on t-shirts. It’s a fuzzy, feel good, all-inclusive catch phrase that belies the direction the organization has followed since the Ricketts family bought the team in 2009. Cubs’ ownership now seems primarily focused on catering to the well-heeled corporate types that wish to wine and dine clients in one of their new premium clubs inside Wrigley Field or in their swanky new hotel across the street. It’s now all about Glenn the COO. Screw Joe from Dubuque. So for the Cubs “Everybody In” drips with irony. The average family is being priced out of the ballpark like never before, other than a few frigid night games in April that feature a more modest pricing tier. Meanwhile, the culture at the ballpark grows ever more sanitized and homogenized. The Disneyfication of the Wrigley experience intensifies every

The Foul Pole

PAGE 6

year as it’s old-timey charms continue to diminish. Old Style has never been more out of style. It’s starting to lose some character as fewer of those old familiar characters can now be found inside the ballpark. Meanwhile, the steady transformation of Wrigleyville into Rickettsville continues unabated. This was all inevitable, of course. But the reality is now truly setting in. Some call it the price of success. Well, Tom Ricketts and Crane Kenney have both used that rationale. They say Cubs fans won’t mind the changes and higher prices if they result in more World Series. There is some truth to that, of course. The Cubs’ product has never been better and the players rarely more fun to watch. But there is a cost for everything. Cubs’ fans have already paid a steep price for winning the 2016 World Series. There’s no turning back now. The Cubs figure to enjoy a good ten-year run not unlike the Blackhawks across town. Or who knows, maybe longer. But after that we’ll still be left with the permanent damage done to the ballpark, neighborhood and culture. Will it be worth it? Hard to say. Perhaps if they win a couple more championships like the Blackhawks did. And if they manage to keep Ronnie Woo Woo out of the ballpark for good.

by Jim Siergey

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UNORTHODOX STANCE

Even Year, Even Better? By Steven Cline

he Chicago Blackhawks showed this town how the whole every-other-year championship thing is done, winning the Stanley Cup in 2013 and 2015. Can the Cubs follow suit this year, making even numbered years the celebratory ones? They certainly look like they’ll be one of the final teams playing in October. It’s feeling eerily like 2016, too, in certain ways, and that’s what has me most excited about this season. Last year, I went to the season opener in St. Louis, the final home game in the NLCS against Los Angeles and a whole bunch in between. While the Cubs were good enough to win the Central, the feeling just wasn’t the same. Even in success, they labored. In 2016, they soared. That year they dominated baseball, winning 103 games, earning home field advantage through the NLCS, and eventually the whole thing. They were the

best team in baseball. Even down 3-1 in the World Series, I still felt like they were the better team and would prove it on the field. They were and did. I never had that feeling last year. The Cubs were good, good enough and resilient enough to outlast the Nationals in the NLDS before bowing out to the Dodgers in somewhat ignominious fashion. In 2016, the Cubs were the better team, eliminating LA. Last year, the Dodgers were the better team and it showed. That NLCS loss was reminiscent of the one in 2015 when the Mets swept their way to the World Series. Those losses only fueled the Cubs’ sense of purpose the next year, and they rode that wave all the way to a title. Here we go again. With a pitching staff rejuvenated by the additions of Yu Darvish and Tyler Chatwood along with a full season from Jose Quintana,

the Cubs have a rotation with the potential to dominate. A lineup full of young players coming into their own could be even more formidable. A more normal offseason of rest could be the spark that re-energizes the entire group. If the bullpen roles fall into place, the Cubs could be a team devoid of weaknesses, one that is set up to dominate again. That could lead to home field advantage in the playoffs, a lined up postseason rotation and another memorable month. It could be deja vu all over again. The only thing that would make it sweeter is clinching a title at home, as the Blackhawks did in 2015. Maybe this is the year the Cubs make that dream come true. Even year. Even better.

POINT - COUNTERPOINT

Should the Cubs Put Clark in Hibernation?

Yes.

By Allen Yanong

Someone get some pants on that bear. Better yet, it’s time for the Cubs to shelve the whole idea of a mascot. The disdain for Clark is well documented. Fresh off the heels of a 66-96 season, the organization decided that it needed to “listen” to fan feedback and try to appeal to its younger fans. The problem is little kids are the only group to whom Clark appeals. The backwards hat wearing bear cub represents a botched marketing attempt that drew the ire of the majority of the fanbase. Backlash was swift from the online universe. The sad thing is the Cubs never needed a mascot. The long history of being “lovable losers” along with the everlasting charm of Wrigley Field sold itself. What better memory for a kid is there than watching baseball on a warm, summer day with the green ivy as a backdrop? And the recent addition of a championship ring will ensure young fans come back in full force. The Cubs were one of the last four major league teams without a mascot and they should have remained in that exclusive club. After all the history of mascots is one of failure, with only a select few ever leaving a lasting impression such as the San Diego Chicken or Phillie Phanatic. So send Clark back into the woods … and bring back Marla Collins.

PAGE 8

No.

By Mark Sliwinski

Pants are overrated. Kids’ experience at Wrigley Field had essentially been ignored until Clark the Cub was born. Sure, we’d all like Clark to find a suitable pair of pants. Perhaps he can stroll over to Wrigleyville Sports across the street from the ballpark? We found a lovely pair of argyle pants in royal blue and red with Cubs logos printed throughout (See:bit.ly/argylepants). It’s definitely worth the lookup. Neither Daniel Tiger on PBS Kids nor Staley Da Bear, the Chicago Bears mascot, wears pants either. Let’s just chalk it up as a bear thing. Is Clark the Cub ideal for everyone? No. But for kids, Clark sure beats what an experience at Wrigley is for most - a baseball game surrounded by a giant beer garden. Fans wanted more familyfriendly entertainment and the Cubs threw them a bone. Clark inspires a connection to the Cubs that kids can relate to and really enjoy. In addition to seeing Clark at home games, young fans can catch him during Cubs Charities events, hospital visits and the annual Cubs Convention. Let the kids run the bases with Clark on Sundays or be part of player meet and greets. It will leave a lasting impression children will cherish. Perhaps even more so if Clark starts donning those argyle pants. CHICAGO BASEBALL

2018 SEASON PREVIEW

Central Command By Matt Smerge

2017

wasn’t the year. That now infamous World Series ha ngover combined with an imploding bullpen and October fatigue to force the Cubs elimination at the hands of a better Dodgers club in five games in the NLCS. But that old familiar refrain of “Wait ‘til next year” didn’t resonate with near the pain and loss it had in the past. Instead, fans of the long hibernating franchise marveled at three consecutive appearances in the NLCS and the prospect of making it four straight in 2018. President Theo Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer made moves this winter to strengthen the rotation and bullpen, highlighted by the February signing of Yu Darvish, seen by most as an upgrade over the departing Jake Arrieta. Let’s see how the Cubs stack up on paper as we ponder whether 2018 might end the same way 2016 did.

Kris Bryant, #17

Infield This could be the best infield in the majors. Fi rst basema n A nt hony R i zzo matched his 2016 output last season by once again clubbing 32 home runs and driving in 109 runs. Manager Joe Maddon would take that a third straight year but don’t bet against higher totals with Willson Contreras now hitting behind him full time. Now established as the everyday second baseman, Javier Baez looks to build on last season’s totals (.273, 23 HR, 75 RBIs) while continuing to shine defensively. Can Baez get off to a good start and make his first All-Star team? S h o r t s t o p Add i s o n R u s s e l l ’s 2017 campaign was plagued by both personal and injury problems. He hit just .239/.304/.418 with 12 homers and 43 RBIs in 352 at-bats. Russell is expected to return to the upper echelon of National League shortstops in 2018. 2016 NL MVP Kris Bryant had somewhat of a down year in 2017 (29 HR, 73 RBIs) yet still finished seventh in MVP

PAGE 10

voting. He would benefit from better production from the leadoff spot ahead of him in the lineup. Outfield Lots of moving parts for Maddon here. He’s hoping the whole will be greater than the sum. Kyle Schwarber is the most interesting part. He shed over 20 pounds during the offseason and looks ready to dwarf his disappointing 2017 numbers (.211/.315/.467 slash line and 59 RBIs) and improve his defense in left field. Ian Happ and Albert Almora Jr. will share center field and leadoff duties. Both were solid at the plate in 2017, including 24 homers for Happ in his rookie season. Almora is a far superior defender although Happ is starting to make strides. Right fielder Jason Heyward bounced back from a lackluster 2016 season at the plate by lifting his OPS by 84 points last season. He’s still not the offensive threat he once was but continues to provide a Gold Glove in right. Ben Zobrist is now settling into a fourth outfielder/fifth infielder role. He’s still a valuable guy off the bench and figures to rebound from his .232 batting average. Catchers Contreras was baseball’s hottest hitter coming out of the All-Star break last summer while emerging as an MVP candidate before being shut down from mid-August to late September with a hamstring injury. Now the 25-year-old backstop seems poised for a really big year. He’ll bat cleanup and figures to start 130+ games if he can stay healthy. Victor Caratini earned the backup catcher role over Chris Gimenez in spring training. Maddon likes his bat and power potential. Rotation The starting five looks quite formidable wit h Darvish and Tyler Chat wood replacing Arrieta and John Lackey. The CHICAGO BASEBALL

club should also benefit from a full season of Jose Quintana. Don’t forget, Brett Anderson started 2017 in the Cubs rotation. Jon Lester is coming off his worst season since 2012 (4.33 ERA & 60 walks). A bounce back should be in order along with a bunch more bounced balls to first base. Kyle Hendricks has quietly become the Cubs’ most consistent starter, posting a 2.13 ERA in the second-half last year after struggling with right hand tendinitis during the first half. Quintana, the former White Sox ace, should be one of the league’s best fourth starters. Darvish is the dominating pitcher that Epstein and Hoyer coveted all winter. He posted 209 strikeouts over 186.2 innings last season. They’re hoping his swing-and-miss stuff will be a big difference-maker come October. And Chatwood might be the best fifth starter in baseball. His 2.57 road ERA ranked second in the majors over the past two seasons. The former Rockie should flourish away from Coors Field. Bullpen This looks to be the only big question mark on an exceptionally deep club. Team Theo let closer Wade Davis (32-for-33 in save opportunities) depart to Colorado, replacing him with Brandon Morrow who has just 18 career big league saves and only two since 2009. Morrow has also struggled to stay healthy, compiling just 59.2 innings pitched over his last two seasons combined. If Morrow doesn’t work out as closer, there are several candidates ready to audition for the role. Carl Edwards Jr. still appears to be the heir apparent, but his command is always in question. Justin Wilson, attempting to shake off his rocky start in a Cubs uniform last year, notched 13 saves with Detroit in 2017 before being dealt. And newcomer Steve Cishek has 121 career saves. Those four figure to pitch in a bulk of the high-leverage situations, along with Pedro Strop and Brian Deunsing. Mike Montgomery will continue to face tough lefties and spot start when needed. Eddie Butler will serve as the long man in the ‘pen. Bench Tommy La Stella, who had an astounding .488 on-basepercentage as a pinch-hitter last season, rounds out the Opening Day roster. Maddon elected to go with a five-man bench to start the season. He will again exploit his roster flexibility with Happ and Zobrist available to play infield, and Bryant and Contreras able to play the outfield in a pinch. Bottom Line Despite an emerging team in Milwaukee and the perennially competitive Cardinals, there’s little reason to think the Cubs won’t win the NL Central for a third straight year with relative ease. A rematch with the Dodgers and/or Nationals could decide the National League pennant once again. It’s very early but another World Series feels within reach. APRIL/MAY ‘18

Kyle Schwarber, #12 PAGE 11

FEATURE STORY

Staff Shake-Up

By Steven Cline

hen you’ve won back-to-back division titles and a World Series, you don’t want—or need—to change a whole lot. That’s why many games this season will feature a Cubs lineup identical to one they used in 2017—and on some days even 2016. This year’s coaching staff, however, is a completely different story. Coming off a decisive loss in the NLCS, the Cubs shook things up this offseason. For 2018, they bring in new hitting, pitching, first and third base coaches. Last year, the Cubs never exhibited the same energy that carried the 2016 team to a championship. They simply ground their way to 92 wins and the NLCS before getting dominated by the Dodgers— still a notable feat. Most organizations would have chalked up that disappointing ending to the mental and physical toll of two long and taxing playoff runs including an extra-inning seventh game of the World Series and then all the demands that come with winning a title 108 years in the making. Theo Epstein and the rest of the Cubs front office don’t work like most organizations, though. They saw an opportunity to improve and brought in some of the best coaches in the business to help this year’s team regain its championship mojo. Let’s take a quick look at the most important new members of Joe Maddon’s staff and what they bring to the team.

that number closer to the 556 runs the team allowed in 2016 will be among Hickey’s main goals. BRIAN BUTTERFIELD — Another hire from the Red Sox, Butterfield is known for his work on base-running and infield defense. The Cubs’ glove work is solid across the diamond, but if he can get them to take an extra base once in awhile, the offense could be all the more devastating. Butterfield is a baseball lifer with nearly four decades of experience as a professional player and coach. WILL VENABLE — Venable, 35, wasn’t even born when Butterfield signed with the Yankees as a free agent in 1979. Only a couple of years removed from his active playing days, Venable looks like he could suit up for the Cubs in a pinch. That injection of youth can only help the coaching staff relate to a roster full of twenty-somethings. Venable served as a special assistant to Theo Epstein last season after ending a nine-year playing career with San Diego, Texas and Los Angeles.

CHILI DAVIS — As Boston’s hitting coach the past three seasons, Davis oversaw lineups that led the American League in pitches per plate appearance (3.95), an area where the Cubs slipped a bit last season. Chicago saw 3.96 pitches per plate appearance in 2016, ranking fourth in baseball. Last year, the Cubs finished tied for 18th. Boston hit the fewest home runs in the American League last year but still finished as one of baseball’s top 10 run producers. The Cubs have power to spare—they set a team record with six players hitting 20 or more home runs in 2017—but can reach base more often, strike out less and manufacture runs more efficiently. The team’s on base percentage dipped from .343 to .338 last year and their strikeouts went up from 1,339 to 1,401. The Cubs also left an average of 6.95 runners on base per game last year, ranking 21st in baseball. Davis had a 19-year MLB playing career and owns three World Series rings, earned with the Twins (1991) and Yankees (1998-99). Here’s hoping he earns another in Chicago. JIM HICKEY — Hickey is new to the Cubs but a familiar colleague of Maddon’s. The Chicago native was Tampa Bay’s pitching coach for 11 seasons overall, eight under Maddon, including the 2008 American League champions. In Tampa Bay, he oversaw the development of a seeming assembly-line of young pitching talent: David Price, Chris Archer, Scott Kazmir, Matt Garza, James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson and Alex Cobb, to name a few. If he can help Cubs’ pitching prospects make a similar leap over the next few years he will more than earn his paycheck. In Chicago, he’ll certainly have more weapons to work with than in Tampa Bay, including a starting rotation that should be among baseball’s best. Last year, even with an above-average defense, the Cubs allowed 695 runs—more than the 2013 squad that lost 96 games. Getting PAGE 12

Cubs Manager Joe Maddon CHICAGO BASEBALL

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FEATURE STORY

20 Questions for 2018

ou have burning questions and we have a prescription for that.

Q: Did the Cubs have a good offseason? A: It became a good offseason when they signed Yu Darvish to a six-year/$126 deal just before the start of spring training. The MLB collusion (er newfound fiscal responsibility) allowed Darvish to fall right into their laps like an unemployed insurance salesman on amateur night at the strip club. Q: Who else did they sign this winter? A: Starter Tyler Chatwood and relievers Brandon Morrow, Steve Cishek and Drew Smyly. Drew is smiling all the way to the bank ($10 million for two years) as he continues to rehab from Tommy John surgery. Q: Who went bye-bye? A: Most notably Jake Arrieta who signed with the Phillies and closer Wade Davis who decided he’d rather pitch at Coors Field. Hector Rondon took his gopher ball to Houston and John Lackey retreated to parts unknown, presumably to hunt gophers with semi-automatic rifles. Q: How many games will the Cubs win in 2018? A: We’ll say 96, mostly because much of their division looks pretty bad. Q: Who’s batting first? A: Ian Happ or Albert Almora Jr. or Ben Zobrist or maybe Anthony Rizzo or possibly even Kyle Schwarber again. It’s a cast of thousands. Only their batting averages tend to be in the lower .200s. Q: How does Schwarber look? A: Like he conquered SlimFast and then took on Jenny Craig. Maybe now he can start to hit above his weight again. Q: What’s the biggest question mark? A: Closer. Morrow has the job for now but it could end up being closer by committee if he falters or if Joe Maddon is feeling frisky. Q: Is there a deeper team in the NL? PAGE 14

By Matt Smerge A: New Nationals manager (and former Cubs bench coach) Dave Martinez has his players reading lots of medieval poetry. Other than that, probably not. Q: Will the new Cubs coaches make a difference? A: It’s always hard to measure but Jim Hickey will offer new perspectives as pitching coach and hitting coach Chili Davis is now the coolest cat in town. Q: Any important rule changes? A: Mound visits are now limited to six per nine-inning game plus an additional visit per each extra inning. Q: Will that really help pace of play? A: Next question. Q:Anything new at Wrigley this year? A: Yes, the American Airlines 1914 club is a new “premium space” that promises not to kill your pet or drag you kicking and screaming out the door (unless you’ve had one too many $10.50 Goose Islands). Best of all, it’s only $35 to check your bag.

Q: Was the World Series win in 2016 worth the inevitable conversion of Wrigleyville to Rickettsville? A: Depends on whom you ask. The Rickettses would say yes. Q: Any cool game day giveaways? A: On September 12 the Cubs will give away digital alarm clocks to the first 10,000 early arriving fans instead of the late arriving fans who really need one. Q: What are some schedule highlights? A: The Twins and Tigers come to Wrigley in interleague action in late June/early July. And Martinez brings his Nats to town in August for a showdown with Maddon, his mentor. Q: Any other dates to circle? A: The postseason starts on October 2.

Q: What else? A: The dugouts were expanded and moved farther down the base lines. And the protective netting was also extended down the lines. Plus, cell service was upgraded. You can now text and drink at the same time. Q: What’s new outside the park? A: Most notably, the new Hotel Zachary Ricketts is now open for business right across Clark Street. You can book a room but are encouraged to check mortgage rates first. Q: How’s the swanky bar inside the hotel? A: They have three lobster corn dogs (huh?) for $17. That’s the 50% off Happy Hour price. Fortunately, they can be rolled into your mortgage. Q: What’s the fast food situation? A: The Taco Bell on Addison is on the way out but McDonald’s is back, located on the ground floor of the Ricketts Hotel. The Big Macs will feature Ricketts’ bison and a $14.50 price tag.

Brandon Morrow, #15 CHICAGO BASEBALL

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FEATURE STORY

This Day in Cubs History By Matt Smerge

April 9, 1989 – Rick Sutcliffe strikes out 11 batters in an 8-3 complete game win over the Pirates before 11,387 fans on a 33-degree day at Wrigley. April 11, 2004 – Kerry Wood ties a franchise record with seven consecutive strikeouts as the Cubs pummel the Braves 10-2 in Atlanta. April 12, 1933 – Lon Warneke shuts out the Cardinals 3-0 before an Opening Day crowd of 25,000 at the Friendly Confines. With prohibition lifted, beer is sold at Wrigley for the first time since 1919. April 13, 1969 – Ernie Banks’ walk-off single in the ninth caps a three-run rally as the Cubs edge the expansion Expos 7-6 at Wrigley. April 14, 1976 – The Mets’ Dave Kingman clubs the longest home run in Wrigley Field history, hitting a house on Kenmore Avenue some 540 feet from home plate, in a 7-6 Cubs win. April 15, 1942 – Cubs’ reliever Hiram “Hi” Bithorn becomes the first Puerto Rican to play major league baseball in a 4-2 loss to the Cardinals at Sportsman’s Park. April 16, 1997 – The Cubs lose their 12th straight game to start the season, breaking the National League record. April 17, 1954 – The Cubs slaughter St. Louis 23-13 at Wrigley. The offense is paced by 20 hits, 12 walks and five Cardinal errors. April 18, 1907 – Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown tosses a two-hitter but the Cubs fall to the Pirates 1-0 in Pittsburgh. April 26, 1961 – Don Zimmer breaks up the game with a homer in the 10th as the Cubs down the Reds, 3-2. April 27, 1986 – Jody Davis cranks a pair of homers, including a grand slam, in a wild 12-10 win over the Expos capped by a five-run eighth inning.

April 28, 1982 – Dickie Noles throws a one-hit shutout as the Cubs down the Reds 6-0 at Wrigley. April 29, 1990 – Greg Maddux sets the major league record for putouts by a pitcher with seven in a 4-0 victory at Dodger Stadium. He would win the first of his 13 consecutive Gold Gloves that season. April 30, 2008 – The Cubs set a club record for most wins in April (17) with a 19-5 soaking of the Brewers at Wrigley. May 1, 1880 – The Cubs beat the Reds 4-3 on Opening Day in Cincinnati in the first walk-off win in baseball history. Prior to that, the bottom half of the last inning had been played to three outs no matter the score. The Cubs won the coin toss before the game and elected to bat last. May 2, 1956 – The Giants outlast the Cubs 6-5 in a 17-inning marathon at Wrigley in which 48 players see action. Chicago third baseman Don Hoak strikes out six times against six different New York pitchers.

May 11, 2000 – The Cubs and Brewers set a record for longest nine-inning game (4 hours and 22 minutes) in a 14-8 Milwaukee win at Wrigley. May 12, 1955 – The Cubs’ Sam Jones becomes the first African-American to fire a no-hitter in major league history in a 4-0 win over the Pirates in front of just 2,918 fans at Wrigley. May 13, 1958 – Stan Musial collects his 3000th hit in a 5-3 Cards win at Wrigley. May 22, 1990 – Andre Dawson is walked intentionally an MLB-record five times in a 16-inning 2-1 win over the Reds at Wrigley. May 23, 1926 – Hack Wilson homers in a 14-8 win over the Boston Braves at Cubs Park. Later that night Wilson is arrested at a friend’s apartment for drinking beer in violation of the Prohibition Act. He is fined $1.00.

May 7, 1941 – Cubs’ pitcher Bill Lee slams two home runs during an 11-2 romp of the Phillies at Shibe Park. He would not hit another long ball in his big league career (through 1947). May 8, 1973 – When Cubs’ manager Whitey Lockman is ejected in the 11th inning of a game at Jack Murphy Stadium, coach Ernie Banks takes over and becomes technically the first African-American to manage a major league game. The Cubs defeat the Padres 3-2 in 12 innings. May 9, 1993 – Mark Grace hits for the cycle in a 5-4 loss to San Diego at the Friendly Confines.

PAGE 16

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Our Fearless 2018 Predictions Matt Smerge Publisher/Editor

Steven Cline Contributing Editor

Allen Yanong Writer

Mark Sliwinski Writer

Brendan Roper Writer

Marty Plesha Circulation Director

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Noah Syndergaard Luis Severino

Max Scherzer Jose Berrios

Max Scherzer Corey Kluber

Clayton Kershaw Corey Kluber

NL Rookie of the Year AL Rookie of the Year

Ronald Acuna Gleyber Torres

Ronald Acuna Shohei Ohtani

Ronald Acuna Willie Calhoun

Lewis Brinson Shohei Ohtani

NL Most Valuable Player AL Most Valuable Player

Bryce Harper Mike Trout

Kris Bryant Giancarlo Stanton

Kris Bryant Mike Trout

Bryce Harper Mike Trout

Nolan Arenado Mike Trout

Corey Seager Mike Trout

NL Manager of the Year AL Manager of the Year

Dave Martinez Mike Scioscia

Craig Counsell Aaron Boone

Dave Martinez Terry Francona

Dave Martinez Alex Cora

Dave Martinez Aaron Boone

Mickey Callaway Aaron Boone

Cubs Season Win Total Cubs Home Run Leader & Total # of Yu Darvish Strikeouts Jason Heyward Batting Average

96 Rizzo (36) 199 .241

99 Bryant (36) 221 .252

97 Bryant (42) 195 .265

92 Bryant & Rizzo (34) 225 .256

95 Schwarber (33) 193 .264

92 Schwarber (40) 212 .250

PAGE 20

CHICAGO BASEBALL

2018 CUBS 40-MAN ROSTER

No. Pitchers

Player

B/T

Ht.

Wt.

Birthdate

Adbert Alzolay

R/R

6’0”

179

3/1/95

Eddie Butler

R/R

6’2”

180

3/13/91

Tyler Chatwood

R/R

6’0”

185

12/16/89

Steve Cishek

R/R

6’6”

215

6/18/86

Yu Darvish

R/R

6’5”

220

8/16/86

Oscar De La Cruz

R/R

6’4”

200

3/4/95

Brian Duensing

L/L

6’0”

200

2/22/83

Carl Edwards Jr.

R/R

6’3”

170

9/3/91

Luke Farrell

L/R

6’6”

210

6/7/91

Kyle Hendricks

R/R

6’3”

190

12/7/89

Jon Lester

L/L

6’4”

240

1/7/84

Dillon Maples

R/R

6’2”

225

5/9/92

---

Cory Mazzoni

R/R

6’1”

210

10/19/89

Alec Mills

R/R

6’4”

190

11/30/91

Mike Montgomery

L/L

6’5”

215

7/1/89

Brandon Morrow

R/R

6’3”

205

7/26/84

Jose Quintana

R/L

6’1”

220

1/24/89

Randy Rosario

L/L

6’1”

200

5/18/94

Shae Simmons

R/R

5’11”

190

9/3/90

Drew Smyly

L/L

6’3”

190

6/13/89

Pedro Strop

R/R

6’1”

220

6/13/85

Jen-Ho Tseng

L/R

6’1”

195

10/3/94

Duane Underwood Jr.

R/R

6’2”

210

7/20/94

Justin Wilson

L/L

6’2”

205

8/18/87

Rob Zastryzny

R/L

6’3”

205

3/26/92

Victor Caratini

S/R

6’1”

215

8/17/93

Willson Contreras

R/R

6’1”

210

5/13/92

Javier Baez

R/R

6’0”

190

12/1/92

David Bote

R/R

6’1”

210

4/7/93

Kris Bryant

R/R

6’5”

230

1/4/92

Tommy La Stella

L/R

5’11”

180

1/31/89

Catchers Infielders

Anthony Rizzo

L/L

6’3”

240

8/8/89

Addison Russell

R/R

6’0”

200

1/23/94

Ben Zobrist

S/R

6’3”

210

5/26/81

Albert Almora Jr.

R/R

6’2”

190

4/16/94

Ian Happ

S/R

6’0”

205

8/12/94

Jason Heyward

L/L

6’5”

240

8/9/89

Kyle Schwarber

L/R

6’0”

235

3/5/93

Mark Zagunis

R/R

6’0”

205

2/5/93

Outfielders

PAGE 26

CHICAGO BASEBALL

2018 CHICAGO CUBS

Chicago Cubs A Fine Tune-Up

Now that the mantra is World Series or bust on the North Side, this past WRIGLEY FIELD offseason was a critical one for the Cubs’ front office. Upon losing the NLCS to the 1060 W. Addison St. Dodgers in five games, it was clear what Chicago, IL 60613 needed to be addressed. Capacity: 41,649 Team Theo (Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer, et al) signed Brandon Morrow CUBS STAFF and Steve Cishek to bolster the bullpen Theo Epstein, President Jed Hoyer, Exec. VP/GM and Tyler Chatwood and Yu Darvish to upgrade the rotation with Jake Arrieta #70 – Joe Maddon, Mgr. and John Lackey both departing. #58 – Mike Borzello Call it fine-tuning with an eye on #55 – Brian Butterfield October. It was a walk-prone bullpen #63 – Juan Cabreja that really did in the Cubs last fall. And #30 – Chili Davis Darvish gives them another elite starter #65 – Franklin Font with the ability to dominate hitters in #19 – Andy Haines potential postseason rematches with the #48 – Jim Hickey Nationals and Dodgers. #16 – Brandon Hyde Remarkably, there was no real #95 – Chad Noble turnover among the position players #35 – Lester Strode – all 12 on the Opening Day roster #25 – Will Venable spent significant time with the Cubs last MINOR LEAGUE year. Jon Jay was the only noteworthy subtraction. AFFILIATES The brain trust is counting on another Iowa Cubs (AAA) year of maturity for the likes of Addison Tennessee Smokies (AA) Myrtle Beach Pelicans (A) Russell, Javier Baez and Ian Happ to yield even greater production for an offense that South Bend Cubs (A) finished second in the National League Eugene Emeralds (A) in runs scored in 2016. And a full season for emerging slugger Willson Contreras would also help. The Cubs should continue to score

Pos. CF 3B 1B C LF SS RF 2B

THE STARTING LINEUP No. #8 #17 #44 #40 #12 #27 #22 #9

Player Ian Happ Kris Bryant Anthony Rizzo Willson Contreras Kyle Schwarber Addison Russell Jason Heyward Javier Baez

THE ROTATION

Pos.

Ian Happ, #8

2017 RECORD: 92-70 Won NL Central At Home: 48-33 Runs Scored: 822 On Road: 44-37 Runs Against: 695 In X-tra: 7-3 Differential: +127 In One-Run: 26-17

PAGE 28

LHP RHP RHP LHP RHP

No.

#34 #28 #11 #62 #21

Pitcher

Jon Lester Kyle Hendricks Yu Darvish Jose Quintana Tyler Chatwood

Salary $570,000 $10,850,000 $7,285,714 $604,500 $604,500 $3,200,000 $28,166,667 $657,000 Salary

$27,500,000 $4,175,000 $25,000,000 $8,850,000 $12,500,000

2017 CUBS BATTING LEADERS Batting Average

Kris Bryant (.295)

HR RBIs

runs in bunches, but it’s a feast or famine lineup that also tends to go cold for extended stretches as it did with back-toback shutout losses to the bottom-feeding Marlins and Reds during the seasonopening road trip. Cubs’ batters piled up 1401 strikeouts last season. With no World Series hangover, banner raising or ring ceremony to provide distraction, the goal in 2018 is to get off to a strong start and avoid the late season stress they endured en route to the NL Central crown in 2017. The North Siders were under .500 as late as July 14th last year before turning it on after the AllStar break to finish with a 92-70 record. After the initial 10-game trip, the Cubs play 27 of their next 41 games at home, including series against rebuilding teams like the Pirates, Braves, Marlins and White Sox. The upstart Brewers will continue to challenge in the division, but figure to have a tough time outlasting the Cubs’ superior depth like in 2017. It’s difficult and dangerous to say the regular season is just a tune-up for the postseason, especially in baseball and most especially for the Cubs considering their spotty history, but this kinda feels like it. It’s a brave new world in Rickettsville. - by Matt Smerge

Key Stat Hit .232 at home, .274 on the road last season Batted .269 in first-half, .325 in second-half last year Hit .319 at home, .228 on the road in 2017 Batted .339 in day games, .225 at night last year 47 of his 89 hits went for extra bases in 2017 Hit .184 at home, .280 on the road last season Won his fourth consecutive Gold Glove in 2017 Hit .315 against lefties, .258 vs. righties last year Key Stat

60 walks in 2017 was highest total since 2013 Posted a 4.09 ERA in first-half, 2.19 in second-half last season Yielded a career-high 27 home runs last year Went 5-0 with a 4.76 ERA at Wrigley in 2017 Had a 3.04 ERA in day games, 5.72 at night last year

2017 CUBS PITCHING LEADERS ERA

Kyle Hendricks (3.03)

Anthony Rizzo (32)

Wins

Jake Arrieta (14) Jon Lester (180)

Anthony Rizzo (109)

Strikeouts

OBP

Kris Bryant (.409)

Saves

Wade Davis (32)

Runs

Kris Bryant (111)

Holds

Carl Edwards Jr. (25) CHICAGO BASEBALL

CUBS vs. PITTSBURGH PIRATES...April 9, 11-12

Pirates Sunk

PNC PARK

115 Federal Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Capacity: 38,362 PIRATES STAFF

Neal Huntington, GM # 13 - Clint Hurdle, Mgr. PIRATES BENCH

#32-Elias Diaz, C #26-Adam Frazier, OF #23-David Freese, INF #3-Sean Rodriguez, UTIL PIRATES BULLPEN

#43-Steven Brault, LHP #45-Michael Feliz, RHP #24-Tyler Glasnow, RHP #70-George Kontos, RHP #66-Dovydas Neverauskas, RHP #73-Felipe Rivero, LHP #37-Edgar Santana, RHP #31-A.J. Schugel, RHP #53-Josh Smoker, LHP

Not so long ago, Pittsburgh was a model small-market franchise. The Pirates made three straight postseason appearances from 2013-15 behind a home-grown MVP, savvy, low-cost free agent signings and a coaching staff that got the most out of the talent at hand. Now, after a pair of off-season trades, that former MVP, Andrew McCutchen, patrols the outfield on the other coast for San Francisco, and former No. 1 overall pick and staff ace Gerrit Cole is part of a scary-good rotation in Houston, looking to help the Astros win back-to-back titles. That’s as close as Pittsburgh fans will get this season to the playoffs—cheering on their former stars now playing for true contenders. Rather than a model of success, the current Pirates

THE STARTING LINEUP

THE ROTATION

Pos. 3B LF RF 1B LF C 3B SS Pos. RHP RHP RHP RHP RHP

No. #5 #12 #6 #55 #25 #29 #19 #10 No. #46 #59 #50 #39 #57

Player Josh Harrison Corey Dickerson Starling Marte Josh Bell Gregory Polanco Francisco Cervelli Colin Moran Jordy Mercer Pitcher Ivan Nova Joe Musgrove Jameson Taillon Chad Kuhl Trevor Williams

appear to be more of a cautionary tale. Successful franchises like the Astros, Cubs, Yankees and Dodgers have the depth necessary to weather the inevitable misfortunes and vagaries of performance. For teams lacking organizational depth, like the Pirates, the margin for error is razor thin. So when stars like McCutchen and Cole regress, or the unexpected happens—like your best player gets busted for PEDs or a key infielder gets stuck abroad thanks to a DUI— the consequences can be devastating. Facing that reality, the Pirates went for a reboot, meaning their days of contending in the National League Central are over for awhile. - by Steven Cline

Salary $7,750,000 $3,025,000 $5,333,333 $549,000 $1,600,000 $9,000,000 $535,000 $4,325,000

Key Stat 90 Ks in 2017 were his most in a single season Hit 27 HRs last season with TB; McCutchen’s 28 led PIT Career .288 BA in six seasons with PIT Led the team with 90 RBIs last year .305 OBP last season was the worst of his four seasons 0 SBs in a season for first time since 2013 Nephew of former Major Leaguer B.J. Surhoff 14 HRs in 2017 set a new single season high

Salary $7,666,667 $543,400 $555,500 $550,000 $544,000

Key Stat 4.14 ERA was his lowest since 2013 (NYY) 7-8 with 4.77 ERA for World Champion HOU Opponents batted .290 against him last season Allowed 159 hits in 157.1 IP last season 117 Ks to 52 BBs not an impressive ratio

CUBS vs. ATLANTA BRAVES...April 13-15

Atlanta Getting Warmer

SUNTRUST PARK

755 Battery Avenue Atlanta, GA 30339 Capacity: 41,500

BRAVES STAFF

John Hart, President, Baseball Operations #43-Brian Snitker, Manager BRAVES BENCH

#12-Peter Bourjos, OF #16-Charlie Culberson, INF #27-Ryan Flaherty, INF #8-Chris Stewart, C #20-Preston Tucker, OF BRAVES BULLPEN

#57-Rex Brothers, LHP #51-Shane Carle, RHP #39-Sam Freeman, LHP #40-A.J. Minter, LHP #30-Peter Moylan, RHP #52-Jose Ramirez, RHP #38-Arodys Vizcaino, RHP #58-Dan Winkler, RHP

If the Atlanta Braves were a band they’d be called “Freddie and the Youngsters.” All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman isn’t exactly old at 28, but he’s entering his ninth season with Atlanta and is the established face of the franchise. By the time he hits 30, the Braves may well be a consistent contender once again. A farm system ranked among the best in baseball has already produced 21-year-old second baseman Ozzie Albies who hit .286 in 57 games last season. Third baseman Johan Camargo, 24, hit .299 in 82 games, and shortstop Dansby Swanson, 24, is a former No. 1 overall pick. With Freeman, that could be a formidable infield for the next decade. And the best may be yet to come. Outfielder Ronald Acuna,

Pos. CF 2B 1B RF C LF 3B SS

Pos. RHP RHP RHP RHP LHP

THE STARTING LINEUP No.

#11 #1 #5 #22 #24 #18 #17 #7

Player

Ender Inciarta Ozzie Albies Freddie Freeman Nick Markakis Kurt Suzuki Lane Adams Johan Camargo Dansby Swanson

THE ROTATION No.

#49 #32 #26 #64 #51

Pitcher

Julio Teheran Brandon McCarthy Mike Foltynewicz Anibel Sanchez Sean Newcomb

PAGE 30

Salary

$4,700,000 $535,000 $21,359,375 $11,000,000 $1,500,000 $535,000 $535,000 $540,000

Salary

$8,166,666 $11,500,000 $2,200,000 $1,000,000 $535,000

baseball’s top prospect, hit .432 in Spring Training. He’ll stay in the minors until at least April 13 to delay his free agency until 2024. Could those weekend games against the Cubs mark his MLB debut? Add Acuna to Ender Inciarta, one of the best center fielders in baseball, and the outfield is looking strong as well. Just as they did last season, the Braves added veteran pitching in starter Brandon McCarthy. By himself he could exceed the win total of Bartolo Colon and R.A. Dickey who went 12-18 in 2017. The Braves should improve on last year’s 72-90 record, but they appear to be at least a year away from truly being a factor in the division. - by Steven Cline

Key Stat

11 HRs and 57 RBIs in 2017 both new career highs 36 Ks in 217 AB to go along with 21 BBs in rookie season 8 SBs last year set a new single-season high Career .288 hitter over 12 seasons 19 HRs in 2017; previous single-season high 14 (2011 OAK) .275 BA in 109 AB during ATL debut season last year Still looking for first career SB entering 2018 season 120 Ks in 488 AB during sophomore season

Key Stat

Allowed a career-worst 31 HRs last season Made 32 starts in 2014, 29 total in 3 seasons since Posted career-best 10 wins last season 6.41 ERA in 17 starts with DET last year was worst of career 108 Ks in 100 IP during rookie season

CHICAGO BASEBALL

CUBS vs. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS...April 16-18

Did They Do Enough?

BUSCH STADIUM

700 Clark Ave. St. Louis, MO 63102 Capacity: 43,975

CARDINALS STAFF

John Mozeliak, SVP & GM #22-Mike Matheny, Manager CARDINALS BENCH

#35-Greg Garcia, INF #3-Jedd Gyorko, INF #62-Yairo Munoz, INF #46-Francisco Pena, C

CARDINALS BULLPEN

#67-Matt Bowman, RHP #21-Brett Cecil, LHP #44-Luke Gregerson, RHP #49-Jordan Hicks, RHP #56-Greg Holland, RHP #55-Dominic Leone, RHP #70-Tyler Lyons, LHP #59-Mike Mayers, RHP #26-Bud Norris, RHP

An entire generation of St. Louis Cardinals fans has not seen their team go three consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance. The last time it happened was, in fact, a whole century ago: 1996-99. The Cardinals’ challenge this season is to extend that streak to 19 years. But did the team do enough in the offseason to improve a squad that finished third in the division, nine games out of first and four games back in the wild card race? While the Cardinals didn’t land Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna is hardly a consolation prize. The 27-year-old outfielder hit .312 with 37 home runs and 124 RBIs last season for Miami. All three marks would have paced the Cardinals in 2017. Those numbers helped him produce 5.8 wins above replacement, just

Pos. RF CF 3B LF 1B C SS 2B Pos. RHP RHP RHP RHP RHP

THE STARTING LINEUP No. #25 #28 #13 #23 #38 #4 #11 #40

Player Dexter Fowler Tommy Pham Matt Carpenter Marcell Ozuna Jose Martinez Yadier Molina Paul DeJong Kolton Wong

THE ROTATION No. #18 #52 #50 #39 #7

Pitcher Carlos Martinez Michael Wacha Adam Wainwright Miles Mikolas Luke Weaver

a tick below Tommy Pham’s team-leading 6.4 WAR. And, for a team that has seen its share of injuries, his durability should not be a concern. He’s averaged 600 plate appearances the past four seasons. St. Louis signed ex-Rockies closer Greg Holland to a one-year, $14 million deal on Opening Day. Former Houston starter Bud Norris was acquired during the offseason for what appears to be a swing role out of the bullpen. Aside from shedding outfielders Stephen Piscotty and Randal Grichuk, that’s about it. Will it be enough? It doesn’t appear that St. Louis can leapfrog both the Cubs and Brewers in the division, but as their decadeslong track record indicates, be wary of betting against them. - by Steven Cline

Salary $16,500,000 $570,000 $13,750,000 $9,000,000 $535,000 $15,000,000 $1,500,000 $4,000,000

Key Stat .488 SLG in first season with STL was a career best Led team in BA (.306) and SBs (25) last season .241 BA in 2017 was lowest in his 6 seasons .548 SLG last year was 96 points better than 2016 Homered on Opening Day vs. NYM 82 RBIs last season were the most in his 14-year career Led team with 25 home runs in just 417 AB 41 BBs in 2017 were his most in a single season

Salary $11,700,000 $5,300,000 $19,500,000 $7,500,00 $535,000

Key Stat Struck out more than 200 batters (217) for first time in career in 2017 Made 30 starts in two of last three seasons Tied for team lead with 12 wins in 2017 despite career-worst 5.11 ERA Hasn’t pitched in MLB since 2014 (2-5 with 6.44 ERA for TEX) Went 7-2 with a 3.88 ERA in 10 starts in 2017

CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE BREWERS...April 26-29

The Beginning of a Beautiful Rivalry

Asked to name the Cubs’ biggest rival, most people would undoubtably answer St. Louis. But those people haven’t been paying attention lately. The Cubs’ biggest rival is now the MILLER PARK Milwaukee Brewers. 1 Brewers Way The Cubs barely won the season series against the Brewers last Milwaukee, WI 53214 season, going 10-9, including a memorable late September visit Capacity: 41,900 north. Chicago won three of four in a closely contested series that included a walk-off home run by the Brewers’ Travis Shaw for BREWERS STAFF Milwaukee’s lone victory. And don’t forget that the Brewers led David Stearns, General Manager the division for most of the season before faltering and finishing #30-Craig Counsell, Manager six games back. The Cardinals, who lost 14 of 19 to the Cubs last year, finished 9 games behind. BREWERS BENCH

#24-Jesus Aguilar, INF #47-Jett Bandy, C #25-Ji-Man Choi, INF #14-Hernan Perez, Util #18-Eric Sogard, Util. #7-Eric Thames, INF

BREWERS BULLPEN

#37-Matt Albers, RHP #50-Jacob Barnes, RHP #51-Oliver Drake, RHP #71-Josh Hader, LHP #32-Jeremy Jeffress, RHP #43-Dan Jennings, LHP #46-Corey Knebel, RHP

THE STARTING LINEUP

THE ROTATION

Pos. CF LF 1B 3B RF C 2B SS Pos. RHP RHP RHP RHP LHP

No. #6 #22 #20 #21 #16 #9 #5 #3 No. #57 #45 #27 #53 #35

Player Lorenzo Cain Christian Yelich Ryan Braun Travis Shaw Domingo Santana Manny Pina Jonathan Villar Orlando Arcia

Pitcher Chase Anderson Jhoulys Chacin Zach Davies Brandon Woodruff Brent Suter

Milwaukee actually hit one more home run as a team than the Cubs last season, and then added to their offense by acquiring outfielders Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain during the offseason. Yelich won a Silver Slugger Award with Miami in 2016, and Cain earned a World Series ring with Kansas City the year before. A now crowded outfield has forced former MVP Ryan Braun to move to first base. That’s not an easy transition, but if he can make it work, Milwaukee’s offense could be very good. Add in an up-and-coming pitching staff and the Brewers have everything they need to be a worthy rival to the Cubs. - by Steven Cline

Salary $11,000,000 $3,500,000 $19,199,365 $544,400 $542,200 $538,200 $554,500 $538,100

Key Stat 175 hits in 2017 represented a single-season personal best Drew a career-high 80 BBs last season .268 BA in 2017 was second lowest of career (.266 in 2014) Led MIL with 31 HRs and 101 RBIs last year. Led team with .371 OBP last season 0 3B in 417 career AB SBs dropped from 62 to 23 from 2016-17 Struck out 100 times in 506 AB in 2017

Salary $2,450,000 $1,750,000 $546,200 $535,000 $535,000

Key Stat 2.74 ERA last year was first under 4.01 for a season Made a career-high 32 starts for SD in 2017 17 wins led the team, next best was 12 (Nelson, Anderson) Went 2-3 with 4.81 ERA in rookie season 5-4 with a 3.40 ERA in 16 starts over 2 seasons

PAGE 32

CHICAGO BASEBALL

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CUBS vs. COLORADO ROCKIES...April 30 & May 1-2

Mile High Experiment

COORS FIELD

2001 Blake Street Denver, CO 80205 Capacity: 50,445

ROCKIES STAFF

Jeff Bridich, SVP and GM #10-Bud Black, Manager ROCKIES BENCH

#24-Ryan McMahon, INF #15-Raimel Tapia, OF #3-Mike Tauchman, OF #4-Pat Valaika, Util. #14-Tony Wolters, C ROCKIES BULLPEN

#71-Wade Davis, RHP #38-Mike Dunn, LHP #51-Jake McGee, LHP #45-Scott Oberg, RHP #0-Adam Ottavino, RHP #60-Zac Rosscup, LHP #52-Chris Rusin, LHP #49-Antonio Senzatela, RHP #29-Bryan Shaw, RHP

The Colorado Rockies took a different path from the norm this offseason. Call it the Mile High Experiment. Rather than go after a big name starting pitcher to add to a team that ranked in the bottom half of the league in terms of ERA, the Rockies focused on the bullpen. Colorado was already in the market to replace former closer Greg Holland, who fell off badly after being named an All Star in his lone season with the club, but the Rockies didn’t stop there. They handed three-year deals to a trio of free agent relievers: former Cubs’ closer Wade Davis ($52 million), ex-Cleveland workhorse Bryan Shaw ($27 million) and former Rockie Jake McGee ($27 million). One third of the team’s payroll is devoted to five relievers:

Pos. CF 2B 3B SS RF 1B LF C Pos. RHP RHP RHP LHP RHP

THE STARTING LINEUP No. #19 #9 #28 #27 #5 #20 #8 #22

Player Charlie Blackmon DJ LeMahieu Nolan Arenado Trevor Story Carlos Gonzalez Ian Desmond Gerardo Parra Chris Iannetta

THE ROTATION No. #55 #44 #35 #31 #48

Pitcher Jon Gray Tyler Anderson Chad Bettis Kyle Freeland German Marquez

Davis, Shaw, McGee, Mike Dunn and Adam Ottavino. That’s a lot to spend on a position group where year-to-year success tends to have more variance than others. But it’s an approach that makes more sense when you consider that Colorado starters average the fewest innings per start in baseball. Rather than bolster the roster with an arm that only impacts the team every fifth game, why not spread that money out on pitchers who will work multiple times per week? Colorado already has an offense that led the National League in runs and a promising, young staff led by former No. 3 overall pick Jon Gray. If they can get the bullpen right they might make even more noise than in 2017 when they were a surprise Wild Card team. - by Steven Cline

Salary $14,000,000 $8,500,000 $17,750,000 $555,000 $5,000,000 $22,000,000 $8,000,000 $3,975,000

Key Stat Led MLB by scoring 46.1% of time he reached base last season .302 career BA in 2,912 AB over seven seasons Averaged 131 RBIs over past three seasons SLG 110 points lower last season (.567 as rookie to .457) Drove in 700th run of career 9/6/17 vs. SF 300 career BBs vs. 1,137 Ks in 4,444 ABs Drove in career-high 71 runs last year in 392 AB .511 SLG in 2017 was highest of his 12-year career

Salary $555,000 $555,000 $2,000,000 $550,000 $550,000

Key Stat 10-4 with 3.67 ERA in 20 starts last season 180 Ks in 200.1 IP over first two seasons Opponents have hit .285 in five seasons with COL Led team in wins with 11 as a rookie Led the Rockies in Ks (147) and ERA (4.39) last season

CUBS vs. MIAMI MARLINS...May 7-9

When Will the Marlins Resurface?

MARLINS PARK

501 Marlins Way Miami, Florida 33125 Capacity: 37,442

MARLINS STAFF

Michael Hill, President, Baseball Operations #8-Don Mattingly, Mgr. MARLINS BENCH

#30-Garrett Cooper, INF #74-Braxton Lee, OF #14-Martin Prado, INF #39-J.T. Riddle, INF #34-Magneuris Sierra, OF #18-Tomas Telis, C MARLINS BULLPEN

#46-Kyle Barraclough, RHP #43-Odrisamer Despaigne, RHP #49-Brian Ellington, RHP #50-Chris O’Grady, LHP #31-Caleb Smith, LHP #71-Drew Steckenrider, RHP #64-Nick Wittgren, RHP

It’s difficult to muster sympathy for a multi-millionaire exjock married to a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, but you almost have to feel sorry for Derek Jeter. The former New York Yankee captain and five-time world champion is the face of the new ownership group that spent this past off-season off loading the team’s best players. First, Jeter did a solid for his old team by sending reigning National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton to the Bronx. Then, he shipped Marcell Ozuna to St. Louis and Christian Yelich to Milwaukee, making the Cubs’ chances of a division title threepeat that much tougher. That’s an entire outfield of All-Stars sent packing. But for those who claim that Miami was a free agent starter

Pos. LF C 2B 1B CF 3B RF SS Pos. RHP RHP RHP LHP LHP

THE STARTING LINEUP No. #32 #20 #13 #41 #9 #15 #1 #19

Player Derek Dietrich J.T. Realmuto Starlin Castro Justin Bour Lewis Brinson Brian Anderson Cameron Maybin Miguel Rojas

THE ROTATION No. #58 #62 #22 #54 #20

Pitcher Dan Straily Jose Urena Sandy Alcantara Wie-Yin Chen Justin Nicolino

PAGE 34

or two away from contention, consider this: Stanton and Ozuna had the best season of their careers last year and Yelich scored 100 runs for the first time. Miami still finished eight games below .500. Even if the Marlins had signed Jake Arrieta and Yu Darvish this offseason, would they be better than the Washington Nationals? No way. They might battle the Mets for second in the division and a possible wild card berth, but no better. That makes no sense for a team perennially among the bottom of the league in attendance. Jeter had little choice but to tear a flawed team down. Now comes the really tough part of building it back up. He may earn that criticism yet, but at the moment it’s premature. - by Steven Cline

Salary $2,900,000 $2,900,000 $10,857,142 $3,400,000 $535,000 $535,000 $3,250,000 $1,180,000

Key Stat Over 100 hits in a season (101) for first time last year 17 HRs and 65 RBIs in 2017 both single season bests Ex-Cub hist .300 last year for first time since 2011 25 HRs and 83 RBIs in 2017 both single season bests 17 Ks in 47 AB last year with MIL Hit .262 in 84 AB with MIA last season 33 SBs in 2017, most since 2011 (40 with SD) Hit a career-high .290 in 272 AB with MIA last year

Salary $3,375,000 $535,000 $535,000 $10,000,000 $535,000

Key Stat 37-30 career mark with 4.25 ERA 14-7 with a 3.82 ERA for MIA last season First start in 2018 will be first start in MLB career Won 16 games for BAL in 2014, 18 total wins since Has not made more than 13 starts in 3 seasons with MIA CHICAGO BASEBALL

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CUBS vs. CHICAGO WHITE SOX...May 11-13

The Art of the Deal

GUARANTEED RATE FIELD

333 W. 35th Street Chicago, IL 60616 Capacity: 40,615

WHITE SOX STAFF

Rick Hahn, General Manager #17-Rick Renteria, Manager WHITE SOX BENCH

#49-Ryan Cordell, OF #24-Matt Davidson, INF #28-Leury Garcia, OF #20-Tyler Saldino, INF #36-Kevan Smith, C

WHITE SOX BULLPEN

#70-Luis Avilan, LHP #39-Aaron Bummer, LHP #43-Danny Farquhar, RHP $57-Jace Fry, LHP #63-Gregory Infante, RHP #65-Nate Jones, RHP #37-Juan Minaya, RHP #48-Joakim Soria, RHP

No matter how civil the teams’ fans try to act, it’s always Cubs vs. Sox or Sox vs. Cubs, depending on your perspective. One of the more fascinating factors in who gets true bragging rights between the two groups is the deal that sent Jose Quintana to the Cubs last July. The Cubs received a quality starting pitcher entering his prime and under three years of control at a reasonable cost of $10 million per year. Dollars aside, though, the price was steep. For their best pitcher, the White Sox received two of the Cubs’ top prospects in outfielder Eloy Jimenez and pitcher Dylan Cease. Jimenez is the potential star. He will likely debut later this season to join Yoan Moncada as the crown jewels in the team’s rebuild. Cease, Michael Kopech and Lucas Giolito give the White Sox

Pos. 2B SS 1B RF C LF 3B CF Pos. RHP RHP RHP RHP RHP

THE STARTING LINEUP No. #10 #7 #79 #26 #26 #30 #5 #41

Player Yoan Moncada Tim Anderson Jose Abreu Avisail Garcia Welington Castillo Nicky Delmonico Yolmer Sanchez Adam Engel

THE ROTATION No. #33 #40 #58 #51 #27

Pitcher James Shields Reynaldo Lopez Miguel Gonzalez Carson Fulmer Lucas Giolito

hope on the mound. All of that young talent should see the White Sox ready to contend in 2020—just as Cleveland, which has dominated the division of late, should enter a decline phase. In the meantime, the Cubs will try to win a second championship, this time with Quintana as a key contributor. If that happens, the Cubs won’t care what price they paid, just as no one bemoans the cost of adding Aroldis Chapman in 2016. But if the Cubs don’t get multiple titles and the Sox become the power of the American League Central behind Jimenez, Cubs fans will have all the more reason to feel animosity. - by Steven Cline

Salary $535,000 $1,000,000 $13,000,000 $6,700,000 $7,500,000 $535,000 $2,350,000 $535,000

Key Stat Struck out 74 times in 199 AB as a rookie OBP dropped from .306 to .276 from 2016 to 2017 Has driven in 100 or more runs in each season .330 BA/18 HRs/80 RBIs in 2017 all single season bests Set a new single-season high with 20 HRs last year with BAL .262 BA and .482 SLG in 141 AB last year .267/.319/.413 slash line in 2017 best of his career .166 BA in 301 AB as rookie last season

Salary $21,000,000 $535,000 $4,750,000 $535,000 $535,000

Key Stat 13 BBs with SD in 2015, 11 wins total in two seasons since 3-3 with a 4.72 ERA in 8 starts last year Allowed 167 hits in 156 IP last year 8th overall pick in 2015 amateur draft by CWS 3-3 with a 2.38 ERA in 7 starts last year

CUBS vs. CLEVELAND INDIANS...May 22 & 23

Championship or Bust

PROGRESSIVE FIELD

2401 Ontario St. Cleveland, OH 44115 Capacity: 43,345

INDIANS STAFF

Chris Antonetti, Executive Vice President and GM #17-Terry Francona, MGR INDIANS BENCH

#53-Greg Allen, OF #36-Yandy Diaz, INF #10-Edwin Encarnacion, INF #7-Yan Gomes, C #9-Erik Gonzalez, INF #30-Tyler Naquin, OF #6-Brandon Guyer, OF INDIANS BULLPEN

#37-Cody Allen, RHP #52-Mike Clevinger, RHP #44-Nick Goody, RHP #34-Zach McAllister, RHP #24-Andrew Miller #49-Tyler Olson, LHP #61-Dan Otero, RHP

The Cleveland Indians have seen it all in the postseason—if by that one means all the cruelties the playoffs can inflict. In 2016, they lost in extra innings in Game 7 of the World Series against a team that was synonymous with futility. Was that any worse than last year, though? Cleveland appeared to be the favorite in the American League. A 22-game winning streak, the longest in baseball history (the 1916 New York Giants 26-game streak included ties), set up the ultimate redemption story. But the Yankees stunned Cleveland in the ALDS, rallying from a 2-0 deficit to end the Indians’ season. And let’s not even mention the 1997 World Series, when another Game 7 went against the Tribe, or the 1995 World

Pos. SS 2B 3B 1B RF LF CF C Pos. RHP RHP RHP RHP RHP

THE STARTING LINEUP No. #12 #22 #11 #17 #8 #23 #4 #55

Player Francisco Lindor Jason Kipnis Jose Ramirez Yonder Alonso Lonnie Chisenhall Michael Brantley Bradley Zimmer Roberto Perez

THE ROTATION No. #28 47 #43 #31 #59

Pitcher Corey Kluber Trevor Bauer Josh Tomlin Danny Salazar Carlos Carrasco

PAGE 36

Series…you get the picture. The Indians return most of their key players for another run. The rotation is among the best and deepest in the league. The bullpen is still formidable, even after the loss of Bryan Shaw. Franciso Lindor is a legitimate MVP candidate. Their division is eminently winnable. Unless something very strange happens, Cleveland will be playing in a third straight October. With super teams in New York and Houston, it will be tough to reach another World Series, let alone win the team’s first title since 1948, but maybe this is the year. - by Steven Cline

Salary $579,300 $13,666,667 $971,400 $4,000,000 $5,587,500 $12,000,000 $535,000 $2,500,000

Key Stat .273 BA in 2017, first season below .300 .291 OBP last season the lowest of his career 29 HRs in 2017, previous single-season high was 11 28 HRs in 2017, previous single-season high was 9 .288 BA last season established new single-season high Injuries limited him to 377 AB in 2016-17 .241 BA in 299 AB as a rookie 45 hits in 2017 his most in a single season

Salary $10,700,000 $6,250,000 $3,000,000 $5,000,000 $8,000,000

Key Stat 1,201 Ks in 1,092 career IP 17 BBs last year, previous single-season high was 12 59-48 with a 4.65 ERA in 8 seasons with CLE 4.28 ERA last season was highest of his career 18-6 with a 3.29 ERA in 2017 in career-high 32 GS

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