The Cubs find themselves at a disadvantage, given that they have to start their regular season two weeks ahead of everyone else in Tokyo on March 18. It feels like manager Craig Counsell is almost treating it as an extension to Spring Training. The benefit is that it will let him start to try out some real game tactics.
Third Base
Matt Shaw has been playing every other day the past week. On his off days, Gage Workman has been playing third base. Shaw's defense has been adequate with the limited number of opportunities, and he has two singles in his nine at-bats.
Meanwhile, Workman has been this season's breakout star in Spring Training so far. He is slashing .385/.433/.769 for an incredible 1.203 OPS. He has three homeruns and 11 RBI's. While it still seems that Shaw is going to get the start in Tokyo and beyond, Workman has made a very strong case for making the team in April.
Best Guess: Matt Shaw will be the starting third baseman to begin the season.
Starting Rotation
In the battle for the final two rotation spots, Matthew Boyd, Colin Rea, and Ben Brown all were given their chances this week. Boyd pitched 2.1 innings on March 2 against the Reds and gave up three runs on four hits and a walk. He did strike out four, but it was a tough day on the mound for him.
In Week 1 of Spring Training, it was Rea who coughed up some runs, but in Week 2, he pitched three innings of shutout ball and gave up just two hits. A great rebound for Rea to really showcase his stuff.
Ben Brown actually worked in two starts this week with conflicting results. He pitched 2.1 innings on March 1 and gave up a run on two strikeouts. But on March 6, he stretched out to 3.2 innings but gave up three runs despite an impressive five strikeouts.
Javier Assad has not been able to pitch yet and has been officially ruled out for Tokyo and the domestic opener. He'll probably hit the injured list to start the season.
Best Guess: It seems that Rea and Boyd will most likely start in the rotation, though they will provide bullpen help in Tokyo.
Offense
It is only Spring Training. That is the motto, and we have to believe that because the starters are showing a mixed bag at the plate so far. Kyle Tucker is hitless, Seiya Suzuki is hitting .182 with a .422 OPS, and Dansby Swanson is hitting .211 with a .664 OPS.
Counter that with Ian Happ hitting .350 and a .958 OPS, Michael Bush at .440 with a 1.220 OPS, Pete Crow Armstrong at .500 with a 1.326 OPS, and Miguel Amaya also at .500 with a 1.304 OPS.
Best Guess: It doesn't seem like anybody is going to lose their job, but the offense will have a microscope on them from opening day. With the exception of Tucker, the Cubs did not make any major additions to the offense, showing an enormous amount of trust that the second half of last year was the real Cubs offense.
Closer
Most of the bullpen showed some work this week. Porter Hodge had a clean inning against Kansas City and gave up one run against San Diego a few days later. Ryan Pressly had his second shutout inning in a row this week.
Best Guess: We'll know more in Tokyo, but it would seem that Hodge will set up Pressly to begin the season. Julian Merryweather, Ryan Brasier, Tyson Miller, and Nate Pearson will all see heavy action. Daniel Palencia and Ethan Roberts are still auditioning for spots.