The Chicago Cubs boast one of the league’s best offenses. They enter their matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday leading the MLB with 192 runs scored, 15 more than the second-place New York Yankees, armed to the teeth with “Torpedo” bats.
The Cubs’ pitching worries have been well documented, with questions surrounding the bullpen and injuries to the starting rotation. However, a potential Achilles’ heel for a team that looks bound for the postseason is lurking at third base.
The Chicago Cubs have a revolving door at 3B
MLB: Spring Training Chicago Cubs at Hanshin Tigers Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw (center) listens to manager Craig Counsell (second from left) during the fifth inning against the Hanshin Tigers at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The Cubs started the season with rookie Matt Shaw at third base, but sent him to Iowa to work on his batting before he plays more in the majors. Rule 5 pick Gage Workman was traded to the Chicago White Sox because of his difficulties fielding. Vidal Brujan made a costly mistake on third base earlier this week.
On Thursday, Chicago turned to Nicky Lopez to start at third base in the team’s 8-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was the sixth player to start at third base this season.
Craig Counsell doesn’t have an “everyday” guy at 3B
MLB: Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) before a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs manager Craig Counsell admitted this week that the team doesn’t have an “everyday” solution for third base.
“I mean, I don’t think we have an everyday option,” Counsell said. “And I think Jon’s doing a good job. We’re going to take advantage to try to get some matchups when we can. … That’s where we’re at with the position right now.”
Counsell expects Jon Berti (who also made an error this week) to make the majority of starts at third base until Shaw is called up.
Fortunately for the Cubs, Shaw is playing a little better for Iowa. He’s gone 10-of-17 at-bat in his last four outings in Triple-A.
How Shaw develops this summer could determine how far the Cubs go in October. If Chicago doesn’t decide to make a trade for help at third base, which is reportedly becoming a possibility.
MLB: Chicago Cubs Press Conference Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer speaks before introducing Craig Counsell as new Cubs manager during a press conference in Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
