Contingency plan for Suzuki? Here are Cubs’ RF options
MESA, Ariz. — Seiya Suzuki arrived at camp this spring with a extra imposing construct after studying how a lot stamina is required for a Major League season. His shows in early-spring batting apply have been jaw-dropping, making it straightforward for the Cubs to dream a couple of breakout exhibiting this 12 months.
That should come to fruition, however the North Siders have to hit pause on Suzuki’s preseason in the meanwhile. The proper fielder is presently coping with a left indirect setback, and the crew introduced Monday evening that Suzuki won’t take part within the World Baseball Classic.
“He looked really good,” Cubs supervisor David Ross mentioned. “He worked his tail off to take care of his body. Sometimes things happen.”
While the Cubs await Suzuki’s return — Ross was unwilling to take a position on the timetable till assembly with the crew’s docs and the outfielder — the ballclub can at the least start to look at its contingency plans for proper discipline.
One of the explanations the Cubs focused veteran Trey Mancini in free company this offseason was his versatility.
Under regular circumstances, Mancini would ideally cut up time with Eric Hosmer at first base and in addition get at-bats as a delegated hitter. That mentioned, Mancini has ample expertise within the outfield corners in his profession and will deal with proper discipline, if Suzuki is sidelined.
Last season, Mancini logged 162 innings in left discipline and 86 innings in proper between his stops with the Orioles and Astros. He was a plus defender by way of UZR/150 (23.1 within the outfield total) and registered two defensive runs saved as properly.
Besides Mancini, Chicago would even have the flexibility to maneuver Patrick Wisdom to proper discipline. As issues stand, Wisdom is primarily a 3rd baseman however, just like Mancini, he may assist at first or DH. Last 12 months, Ross gave Wisdom small-dose possibilities in all three outfield spots.
“Those are the first guys that have come to my mind,” Ross mentioned, “and how I’m reworking the schedules down the road for some people to play right in case Seiya can’t get back.”
The prime non-roster choices
If Suzuki’s scenario does wind up impacting the Opening Day roster building, two non-roster outfielders who can be beneath critical consideration can be Ben DeLuzio and Mike Tauchman. As it’s now, they are going to be evaluated within the race for the twenty sixth roster spot.
DeLuzio, 28, matches as a possible fourth outfielder, on condition that he might be a right-handed complement to lefty-swinging heart fielder Cody Bellinger. Not solely does DeLuzio supply the flexibility to play capably up the center, however he affords velocity off the bench. He stole 30 bases for Triple-A Memphis final 12 months and has 140 steals in six Minor League seasons.
“Running and basestealing is probably going to take a step forward in our game,” Ross mentioned, “as far as priority and people trying to take advantage of some of that. So, he fits into that.”
The 32-year-old Tauchman hits lefty, however Ross has been impressed along with his skill to “control the strike zone.” The supervisor additionally likes that Tauchman boasts some Major League expertise, having performed in elements of 5 seasons with the Rockies, Yankees and Giants. Last 12 months, Tauchman had a .366 on-base proportion with 53 extra-base hits in 144 video games for the Hanwha Eagles in Korea.
“Tauchman is smooth, quiet, good approach at the plate,” Ross mentioned.
Last season, each Christopher Morel and Nelson Velázquez acquired rookie trial runs as a part of the Cubs’ outfield. They might be given a chance to make the Opening Day roster, however the crew might in the end see a profit to common taking part in time at Triple-A Iowa to begin the season.
Morel affords a potential righty complement to Bellinger in heart, however he’s additionally within the combine at third base or as an excellent utility man. Over 113 video games in ’22, the 23-year-old Morel hit .235/.308/.433 with 16 homers, 19 doubles and 137 strikeouts, whereas bouncing everywhere in the infield and outfield.
Velázquez, 24, profiles greatest with no consideration fielder, however he additionally logged time in heart, the place he and Morel every logged minus-six DRS. Velázquez hit .205/.286/.373 in his 77-game style of the Major Leagues in ’22.
The Cubs even have a extremely touted prospect within the 23-year-old Brennen Davis, however he was restricted to simply 53 Minor League video games as a result of harm setbacks final season. While Davis can play all three outfield spots, he’s seemingly ticketed for Triple-A to start the 12 months.
