Da Windy City
Fansided

Chicago Cubs: Predicting the Opening Day Lineup

By Dan Schmelzer

Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning of game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning of game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 10
Next
Addison Russell Chicago Cubs
Oct 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell (27) catches the baseball during the second inning in game three of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

5. SS Addison Russell

A former top prospect, everybody knew that Addison Russell was talented. However, I do not think anybody expected the young Cubs’ shortstop to take such a major step forward in 2016.

At only 22-years-old, Russell was the starting shortstop for the National League in the All-Star Game, hitting .238/.321/.417 on the season. Russell was an extremely clutch hitter who came through for the Cubs in extremely important spots throughout the season.

He hit 21 home runs and 25 doubles on the season while playing Gold Glove caliber defense at the most important defensive position on the diamond. Russell was also a huge part of the Cubs’ post season success.

He struggled in the Divisional Series against the Giants, but he had big hit after big hit against the Dodgers in the NLCS. Russell was also a big hero in Game 6 of the World Series, hitting a grand slam and driving in six runs in the Cubs’ 9-3 victory.

Addison Russell is one of the best young shortstops in Major League Baseball. He is an extremely talented player both defensively and offensively, and is a completely reliable hitter in that number five hole.

Having Russell at number five, gives solid protection to Rizzo and the other more obvious sluggers hitting above him.

Home/Chicago Cubs