Chicago Cubs: 5 reasons the Cubs are World Series favorites
The Cubs bench depth is one of the team’s greatest assets.
The Cubs have one of the deepest lineups in the big leagues. While an unfortunate situation for the team, injuries to Bryant and Addison Russell have revealed just how deep the North Siders’ bench is.
Considering the Cubs have three positions always filled by the pitcher, Willson Contreras behind the plate, and Rizzo at first, the team has just six lineup spots for the following players: Bryant, Russell, Murphy, Javier Baez, Ben Zobrist, Jason Heyward, Kyle Schwarber, Albert Almora Jr., Ian Happ, and David Bote.
light. Must Read. Joe Maddon's job should be safe
If you didn’t count, that’s 10 players that would start on most MLB teams that have to squeeze into just six lineup spots. Thankfully Joe Maddon likes to play with the lineup and should be able to find pretty consistent at bats for the group.
The Cubs don’t just have a bunch of serviceable bats either. Every player mentioned above has a wRC+ of 100 or greater on the season except Russell and Almora, but their fielding makes up for their below-average numbers at the plate.
This group, as well as pinch-hitter extraordinaire Tommy La Stella should be able to carry the Cubs deep into October, especially when they’re backed up by one of the best bullpens in the game.