McGeary really looks on track to be the big righty off the bench that can play first. Definitely a better fit than Mervis.
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2 Cubs game on Friday Night Apple Broadcast thus far:
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Apple, MLB announce 'Friday Night Baseball' schedule through June
Apple and MLB announced "Friday Night Baseball" will return for a fourth season on Apple TV+, beginning March 28.
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Yesterday's lineup looked very close to a dress rehearsal for opening day other than DH:
1. Happ LF
2. Tucker DH
3. Suzuki RF
4. Busch 1B
5. Shaw 3B
6. Swanson SS
7. PCA CF
8. Amaya C
9. Berti 2B
Shota started and went 4 innings then bullpen went:
Thielbar
Brasier
Merryweather
Hodge
Morgan
1. Happ LF
2. Tucker DH
3. Suzuki RF
4. Busch 1B
5. Shaw 3B
6. Swanson SS
7. PCA CF
8. Amaya C
9. Berti 2B
Shota started and went 4 innings then bullpen went:
Thielbar
Brasier
Merryweather
Hodge
Morgan
I read somewhere suggesting Suzuki ability to play center may be enough to start Alcantara in Iowa. That will be interesting if he actually gets time there.
Is he though? He's not even ranked in the latest Top 30 prospect rankings and is already 25. Is he going to start the year in AA or AAA this year? He probably will not sniff Chicago this year unless he hits well in Iowa and the injury bug takes a toll for 1B options.
https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/cubs/
Really interested to see what they decide on Workman. He's shown enough so far to make it a tough roster decision. Would love for them to acquire his full rights so they can option him down to Iowa to play everyday and continue to develop instead of having to fight for playing time with Turner, Berti, and possibly Brujan in Chicago since he's a Rule 5 player that we either have to keep in Chicago all season or offer him back to the Tigers. He's hit well enough this spring training and with the lack of depth at 3B right now would be worth it to see what fringe roster player we may be able to work a deal with. Would a guy like Keegan Thompson (out of options) Kilian, or some expendable bullpen piece on the 40 man roster with minor league options be enough to acquire him? He's not a top prospect by any means but probably will take something of worth as the Tigers have the leverage with him being a Rule 5 guy they can get back for nothing if the Cubs can't keep him on the MLB roster all season. Maybe some lower level minor league guy not on the 40 man even?
Obviously it’s a year away with Turner in the mix. Just saying he looking good and could be there in 26.
I know you like to be negative about everything related to this team but the most recent ranking couldn’t possibly take into consideration what he’s done over the last five months. Don’t be surprised when he takes a leap forward soon.
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I'm not being negative I'm being realistic. The Cubs are notorious for not managing prospects correctly or hyping up guys that bust. I liked Mervis but Mcgeary reks a lot of the same hype without the 40 homer season in the minors that Mervis had.
On the flip side PCA is killing it this Spring. 2 HR's thus far today, one of which was a Grand Slam.
I don't think he'll play more than a couple innings there, max. If PCA has to miss any extended time you just call up Alcantara.
Yes, but you still have to have a backup on the roster. The question I’m wondering about is is Alcantara better off in Iowa playing everyday or being a right handed 4th OF behind two lefties and a switch hitter that’s lefty dominant or at least more power from that side.
Personally I'd rather he come play every day here in Iowa. He's still young, obviously, and he hasn't mastered AAA yet.
Edit: Also, I understand you have to have a backup, but I think between Happ and Seiya, you can cover what you need to unless PCA goes down.
PCA may play himself into a bigger role in the offense if his hot spring training hitting carries into the regular season. A guy with his speed on thw bases and also showing some pop I would like that higher in the lineup if he can sustain it to get him an extra AB a game.
That is turning into the best return we got from selling off the core guys from 2016. He even has tla lot of the swagger that Javy had who we traded to get him but a lot better approach at the plate.
That is turning into the best return we got from selling off the core guys from 2016. He even has tla lot of the swagger that Javy had who we traded to get him but a lot better approach at the plate.
1st time I really looked at the beginning season schedule and it's pretty tough. Not many "easy" series through May 11th.
www.espn.com
Chicago Cubs 2025 1st Half MLB Schedule - ESPN
ESPN has the full 2025 Chicago Cubs 1st Half MLB schedule. Includes game times, TV listings and ticket information for all Cubs games.
www.espn.com
