He stands out as a future contributor at a time when the current core may all be gone following the season. Documentary on the slaying of Michael Jordan’s father plays like a John Grisham novel: ‘The murder of James Jordan is really the gateway to a larger story’, Chicago Cubs: How to watch and listen to games on TV and radio this season, Cubs home opener: What happened in and around Wrigley Field to start the 2021 season. Biden’s jobs plan has Illinois and Chicago officials pushing infrastructure wish lists. The Chicago Cubs have a roster with a ton of questions in 2021… Adding Tepera to the 40-man roster meant right-hander Underwood was designated for assignment to open a spot. 2 starter, with Davies slotting right behind him. Otherwise, the Cubs could open with an extra bench outfielder if they deem Bote or Hoerner good enough to be the lone bench infielder. Quite a bit has changed since then, so it’s time for an updated look at the roster picture as the Cubs approach their first spring training game. Sogard is playing catch-up, signing after camp was underway. MESA, Arizona — All the Cubs’ plans for their starting rotation start with Kyle Hendricks. New Lake Shore Drive? But let’s say they did want him at second. Putting Bote in front of him makes zero sense, and spring training stats are never a smart reason to make such a long-term decision. MLB hasn’t given clarity to teams on how the shortened 2020 season affects whether teams retain an option for eligible players. Ross expects him to continue to progress, working up to running on the bases soon. Evaluators saw Hoerner as the best 2B in camp. The Cubs know what they have in Maybin after he spent September on the team, so his offensive performance might not matter as much — he is hitless in six plate appearances — than players the organization doesn’t know as well. That would be one scenario where service-time manipulation is not the main culprit for his demotion. For opening-day roster projection 2.0, the bullpen and bench spots are being configured under a nine reliever, four-man bench setup. Also on the 40-man roster: LHP Brailyn Marquez, RHP Tyson Miller, RHP Cory Abbott, RHP Gray Fenter, LHP Brendon Little, RHP Kohl Stewart, RHP Keegan Thompson, LHP Justin Steele, Out: Rowan Wick, Duane Underwood, Jr., Alzolay. 3. On Feb. 22, we made our initial projection of which 26 players would break camp in Mesa, Ariz., and head to Chicago for the season opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 1 at Wrigley Field. Thank you for supporting our journalism. It’s still too soon to consider that an impediment to keeping him off the opening-day roster. He’s always got a smile on his face and works hard. Red Line ‘L’ extension? But some things have changed. He’s beloved within the clubhouse and organization, and his presence would be welcomed. Lobaton spent last season the Cubs’ alternate site in South Bend, Ind. If Alzolay makes the rotation, Alec Mills would shift to the bullpen or to the alternate site/Triple A should they want to keep him stretched out and prepped as a starter. He’s got some some pop from the left side and a really quality at-bat from the right. Versatility becomes valuable for double-switches and pinch hitting in key moments. That would be top prospect Nico Hoerner, who was optioned to the minors in favor of David Bote starting at second base. Mills gets bumped to the pen with Alzolay being slotted into the final rotation spot. • No roster drama at catcher unless an injury pops up in the final weeks of camp. Retired Cub Ben Zobrist sells 6-bedroom North Center home for $2M, Walgreens cancels some appointments for second doses of COVID-19 vaccine, leaving people scrambling, 2 years after her election, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot hasn’t yet fulfilled key campaign promises. Hashing out the bullpen arms, too, will continue to take shape over the final 3½ weeks of camp. First baseman Alfonso Rivas, who the Cubs acquired from the Oakland Athletics for infielder Tony Kemp, posted a .292/.387/.423 line over 122 games between High-A … Sogard can play multiple infield spots, like Vargas. “That’s why he’s back. Build your custom FanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis on Chicago Cubs and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Sogard would need to be added to the 40-man; Vargas is already on the 40-man, and his ability to play three infield positions, especially shortstop, gives him a slight edge over Sogard right now. Dating back to 1900, only Mark Grace (12 from 1989-2000), Ernie Banks (nine from 1962-70) and Charlie Grimm (12 from 1925-36) have had at least that many consecutive Opening Day starts at first base for the franchise. ... I’m going to continue to watch him and see where his confidence level is at, how he pitches and just assess from there.”. MESA, Ariz. — At the beginning of the offseason, we took a stab at what the Cubs’ 2021 Opening Day roster might look like. Bote, however, is currently in the midst of a five-year, $15 million extension. How the bench is constructed matters more for the Cubs because the National League won’t have a designated hitter as they did last season. Car rams checkpoint barricade outside US Capitol, injuring 2 police officers; suspect shot, Fully vaccinated Americans can travel within the US without testing or quarantine, according to new CDC guidelines. Padres: It's the second career Opening Day nod of Darvish's career -- and perhaps the first time the Padres can claim they're giving the ball to a true ace for the opener since Jake Peavy more than a decade ago. The Cubs haven’t outlined publicly their strategy to utilize the pitching staff, but off days could help serve as built-in rest, aligning starters to pitch every fifth game rather than every fifth day. The Cubs are going to want to hold onto him for as long as possible. With that, here’s our Cubs roster projection 2.0. Chicago Riverwalk businesses start reopening in days, unsure if customers will return, Coronavirus in Illinois updates: State passes 6 million total COVID-19 vaccine doses administered as 3,235 new cases and 24 additional deaths reported, ‘I’m trying to hang in there,’ says mom of 13-year-old boy fatally shot by police in Little Village on Monday, Column: Trans bans in sports pose a harder question than most advocates are willing to admit. Where does each Chicago Bears position group stand 4 weeks before the draft? Darvish is coming off a second-place finish in National League Cy Young Award voting last season. They can be the difference between a .500 team and the playoffs. The Cubs haven’t committed to whether they will carry an extra bullpen arm at the start of the season and opt for a four-man bench or go for the more tradition bullpen/bench combination. David Ross has named Hendricks as his Opening Day starter and the rest of the rotation, at least for the first 15 games of the season, will probably include Davies, Mills, Trevor Williams, and Jake Arrieta. Jake Marisnick laughs after hitting during batting practice at Cubs spring training on Feb. 23, 2021, at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz. But those paying close attention may not be surprised at all. Cubs News & Notes. March 29, 2018: Markakis’ Opening Day walk-off Nobody predicted the 2018 season would include the Braves winning the first of three consecutive National League East titles. Wick’s intercostal injury might force him to miss the first few weeks of the season. “The play (Vargas) made up the middle (against the Los Angeles Dodgers) the other day showed a lot about his range and his glove and his hands,” Ross said Saturday. He’s scheduled to make his debut Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Powered by Minute Media © 2021 All Rights Reserved. “Talking to him, he’s willing to do whatever to make the team and to be a part of this team,” Ross said. Happ launches season March 29, 2018 It wasn't just Opening Day, it was opening pitch.The 2018 MLB season began with the Cubs facing the Marlins -- and Ian Happ crushing a leadoff home run to right field at Marlins Park on the first pitch he saw from José Ureña. Cubs: Eric Sogard's wife speaks out against MLB's COVID-19 protocol, Francisco Lindor Wants $385 Million From the Mets, Cubs first offer to Anthony Rizzo was laughably disrespectful, Anthony Rizzo and Cubs still far apart in contract extension talks, Cubs: Our Achilles heel that could cost us a trip to the playoffs. While star players rightfully get the most attention and have the biggest impact on an organization’s success, good teams feature role players — whether it’s spot starters on the pitching staff or a versatile guy off the bench — who step up. Marisnick’s calf injury has kept him out of game action through Saturday. Ross said Kris Bryant will see time in the outfield, which gives Ross some outfield flexibility too. There is still enough time for him to get ready. Cubs manager David Ross, on David Bote earning the Opening Day second base job over Nico Hoerner… pic.twitter.com/VDa3Zwgn8O, — Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 27, 2021. Did the 49ers just tell us who they’re going to draft? He’s got contact, which you really like out of a bench guy and a role player.”. Ross said Saturday that Marisnick hit in the batting cage and did form running Friday. The manager estimated it will be five or six more days before Marisnick plays in a Cactus League game. Column: After that second dose of coronavirus vaccine, what comes next? Strop and Miller would need to be put on the 40-man roster. Despite not having played in front of fans for the entirety of the 2020 season, there are indications that Cubs fans may be at Wrigley on Opening Day 2021. Eric Sogard is expected to make the team. But there is another complication to that. The Chicago Cubs have one glaring surprise on the roster as Opening Day approaches. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. He’s a good influence and a good player and with some real big-league experience.”. Ross said Saturday that Sogard could get into his first Cactus League game in three to four days, depending on how he feels after a couple of workouts. Manager David Ross can use Miller in a swing role or elevate him for a spot start as needed. If 2020 burned Alzolay’s last minor-league option, the Cubs won’t be able to send him to the minors as a means to manage his workload. Cubs right-hander Shelby Miller delivers a pitch, striking out the Padres' Tommy Pham (not pictured during a Cactus League game on March 1, 2021… Bringing in veteran utility player Eric Sogard on a minor-league deal gives the Cubs another player to evaluate for a bench spot. Second base and the fifth spot in the rotation remain the Chicago Cubs’ two key roster battles for the 26-man opening-day roster. He posted a 2.01 ERA and led the National League with a 2.23 FIP. Keeping Hoerner in the minors is a surprise in the sense he could actively help the team in 2021. Miller, armed with a revamped slider, has pitched well in two spring appearances. “I love having him around. Assuming Marisnick gets back on the field soon and will be ready for the start of the season, the final bench spot is shaping up to be a battle among Vargas, Maybin and Sogard. 4. Service-time considerations are very real. Jimmy Garoppolo’s comment on 49ers QB situation says he’s ready for 2021. Ryan is off the COVID-19 list but has yet to appear in a Cactus League game. A four-man bench would leave three spots aside from the backup catcher. First pitch thread: Cubs vs. Reds, Saturday 3/27, 8:05 CT ... Rizzo cuts off contract negotiations with Cubs ahead of Opening Day; ... 5 bold predictions for the 2021 Cubs … Kris Bryant, Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo are all in contract years without much clarity on what will happen following the season. If the Cubs call Hoerner up in a few months, we know the answer to the above question. MESA, ARIZ. — Nearly a week of Cactus League games provided a first look at how offseason preparation and camp workouts translate to games. — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 27, 2021. The Cubs are optioning second baseman Nico Hoerner, sources tell @JesseRogersESPN and me. Alzolay looked good in his first Cactus League start, his fastball flashing the type of velocity they could use in the rotation. The Chicago Cubs have one glaring surprise on the roster as Opening Day approaches. Rizzo is poised for his ninth straight Opening Day assignment for the Cubs. He played all over the infield and even got some time in the outfield as well. Is this based on talent or simply an act of service-time manipulation? The Chicago Cubs have a roster with a ton of questions in 2021. Going with one reserve outfielder and two infielders — which includes whomever between Nico Hoerner and David Bote doesn’t win the starting job at second — appears to be an ideal combination if they don’t want to subject Vargas to waivers because he is out of minor-league options. Putting Alzolay in the rotation to open the season could help maximize the innings they will get out of him, skipping starts as needed as the season progresses or shifting him to the bullpen. But there remains a different type of surprise on the Opening Day roster, and it involves a player that didn’t make the club. For a Cubs team confident it can reach the postseason for a second consecutive season, the fringe spots on the roster matter. Winners and losers from Cubs and White Sox opening day, including Boog Sciambi on Marquee Sports Network, Jason Benetti and Steve Stone’s harmony on NBC Sports Chicago and ... RIP Eloy Jimenez? First pitch thread: Cubs vs. Giants, Friday 3/26, 3:05 CT ... , 190 comments. “And he’s had some bumps in his journey, but I feel like he’s in a really good place for us. But Nick Markakis may have provided a slight hint when he concluded an 8-5 Opening Day win over the Phillies with a three-run homer off Hector Neris. A look at the roster after 2 waves of free agency. Hoerner was the team’s first-round pick in 2018 and appeared in 48 games with the Cubs last season. Non-roster outfielder Michael Hermosillo is trying to show why he deserves to be on the team, hitting two home runs so far. Jake Arrieta is the last starter to make a spring start. Ross said Saturday that 21-year-old catcher Miguel Amaya benefited to having Lobaton as a mentor. The Cubs have veteran Jose Lobaton in camp on a non-roster deal and serves an insurance if something happens. Strop seems like a safe bet to make the team, provided he stays healthy and his fastball sees an increase in velocity from last season. Tepera threw a bullpen Saturday as he works at getting into game action after his big-league signing became official Tuesday. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images). He struck out three batters and gave up one run Saturday in a two-inning outing. The news that the Triple-A season will be delayed by a month, prompting the return of alternate sites, could alter how the Cubs look to manage Alzolay’s innings. “A lot of guys spoke highly of Loby last year at the alt site,” Ross said. Arrieta is expected to start the season as the team’s No. Also on the 40-man: RHP Rowan Wick, RHP Dan Winkler, RHP Jonathan Holder, RHP Dillon Maples, RHP Brad Wieck, RHP James Norwood and RHP Manuel Rodriguez. If he’s in minors for 36 days, Cubs get an extra year. It is not yet clear whether Alzolay will be given another option year. They likely will go with an extra arm, however, at the onset coming off an unusual 2020 season and wanting to keep an eye on pitchers’ workloads the first couple of weeks. MESA, ARIZONA - MARCH 02: Nico Hoerner #2 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the Kansas City Royals during a preseason game at Sloan Park on March 02, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona. For now, the team is adamant Bote earned the job. One possibility is that the Cubs will place him at third base or shortstop in 2022 if Baez and Bryant are no longer around. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune. Cubs right-hander Adbert Alzolay delivers a pitch during the Cactus League home opener against the Royals on March 2, 2021, at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz. Cubs right-hander Shelby Miller delivers a pitch, striking out the Padres' Tommy Pham (not pictured during a Cactus League game on March 1, 2021, at the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Ariz. Catcher Austin Romine during a Cubs spring training workout on Feb. 27, 2021, at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz. Cubs infielder Ildemaro Vargas warms up before a Cactus League game against the Dodgers on March 4, 2021, in Phoenix.