Chicago Cubs: Ian Happ should take Kyle Schwarber’s roster spot
While Ian Happ’s stay with the team appears only temporary, the Chicago Cubs would be wise to consider keeping him on the roster full-time in place of struggling outfielder Kyle Schwarber.
The Chicago Cubs have many glaring weaknesses now as they hover around the .500 mark in mid-May. While much of the blame can be placed upon their sub-par starting pitching, their offensive production hasn’t fared better. A lot of that has to do with Kyle Schwarber’s season-long hitting slump.
Schwarber, coming off a magnificent World Series showing in 2016, was supposed to provide a jolt to the Cubs’ lineup this season. That lineup no longer features last year’s leadoff hitter, Dexter Fowler, so having that jolt was important.
Hitting in the leadoff spot seemed like a natural fit for Schwarber. Known for his keen eye at the plate, Schwarber was destined to be an on-base machine in 2017, setting the tone early and often for the rest of the Cubs’ hitters.
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Up to this point, however, that hasn’t been the case. In fact, it’s been quite the opposite. Schwarber isn’t the only struggling Cubs hitter taking the field. Because of how much faith management has bestowed on his hitting prowess, his early season struggles stand out more than other players on the roster.
If Schwarber had a proven track record of prior success as a major-league hitter, his early season hitting woes would hardly be an issue. Unfortunately, that’s the problem. Schwarber can’t lean on past hitting seasons that have demonstrated proven, year-long success.
The reality is that Schwarber, despite his immense potential as a power-hitter, is still largely an unproven commodity at the plate. He’s a third-year player, yet, he missed practically the entire 2016 season due to injury.
While Schwarber has experienced some postseason success since being a member of the Cubs, his regular season career has been a completely different story. His .223 career batting average entering Saturday’s game is a problem.
Sure, he’s just 24 years old, and still has plenty of time to improve his hitting. Given the current state of the Cubs offense as a whole, though, would the team benefit more if they replaced Schwarber’s name with Happ in the everyday lineup card from here on out, or at least, in the short-term?
It’s a thought that Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon should seriously consider. Happ has been hitting terrific for the Cubs since the start of Spring Training. He even hit a two-run home run in his major-league debut against the Saint Louis Cardinals on Saturday.
Sending Schwarber down to Triple A Iowa to make a full-time roster spot for Happ once Heyward returns from the disabled list could greatly benefit both the Cubs and Schwarber.
The Cubs get a much-needed spark in their lineup with Happ playing every game. In return, he receives major league experience.
Schwarber could also benefit by having a fresh start at Triple A. Sure, a demotion isn’t an easy thing for any professional athlete to handle. Given Schwarber’s struggles thus far, however, maybe a change of scenery is all he needs to regain some lost confidence.
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Of course, if Schwarber suddenly becomes hot at the plate again, all this talk of a demotion becomes moot.