Well, not only can the White Sox sweep the Cubs today – at the end of a terrific week of baseball – they may be doing it behind one of the former Cubs prospects, Dylan Cease. That would sting. Please do not let that happen, Puppies. We’ll need a decisive win, thank you.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Ian Happ, CF.
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
Javy Baez, SS
4. Kyle Schwarber, LF
5. Willson Contreras, DH
6. Jason Heyward, RF
7. Victor Caratini, C.
8. Nico Hoerner, 3B
9. Jason Kipnis, 2B
In the face of offensive opposition, David Ross joins the lineup with his regulars without material changes. The only really noticeable difference is that Nico Hoerner gets it back on third base, but that’s over. If the Cubs lose to Cease today, they will do so with their best players in the lineup.
But listen, while Cease is good and has a bright future ahead of him, he is beatable. By five starts this season he has beaten only 17 bosses (15.4%) and he has very lucky tight boys at the base (83.9%). He also shows a lot of hard contact and a ton of flyballs and as far as splits go, lefties have him overall: .276 / .354 / .537.
With four lefties and two switch-hitters, the Cubs would be well positioned to defeat Cease today, especially with Yu Darvish on the mound. Let’s see if they can get it.
As usual we will have your full Pre-Gamin ‘post closer to game time (1:20 CT).
