I am guessing , even the most diehard of Southsiders would agree the Cubs have talent on the roster, with much of it due to improve. (at least in private they would admit it)

As Montero comes back the roster is gonna get crowded and playing time is going to become an issue. Even though I though Coughlins crash into the wall last night was going to sort some things out...and who knows, maybe that knee hurts more today?

Regardless, I dont think Montero is going to be happy catching 2 days a week? Ross will happily catch 1, then Kyle 2 days? Plays LF the other days? As much as JM uses pitchers, everyone will get at bats.

So the solution is?........................

http://wrigleyville.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2015/08/06/them-wild-eyed-boys-that-have-been-away-how-the-full-strength-cubs-should-look/

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"That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." Banky
“Been that way since one monkey looked at the sun and told the other monkey ‘He said for you to give me your fuckin’ share.’”

When Javy comes up, I wouldn't be shocked to see Schwarber in LF, Bryant in RF on days Lester or Arrieta pitches.

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Team Cutler.

Soler doesn't start hitting more, he's gonna grab some bench.

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^
World Series line-up.

"More" I dont think is the issue, as I am OK with .265 if they are bigger hits.

I would send Soler, Bryant, Baez and Castro to "Low and Away Hitting Camp" in the offseason...AKA...Greg Maddux's house!

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"That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." Banky
“Been that way since one monkey looked at the sun and told the other monkey ‘He said for you to give me your fuckin’ share.’”

Schwarber in LF. No way you can keep his bat out of the lineup with Bryant/Castro struggling. They need to give Rizzo some rest when the rosters expand, so I am thinking we will see another prospect come up Dan Vogelbach to give Rizzo some rest. Might even have a Almora sighting in CF if Fowler continues to struggle.

Bryant is having trouble with the high fast ball. He looks lost at the plate. Not the same swing we saw when he first came up. I wonder if he has a little Kanier in him?

Against tough RHP:Coughlin at 3rd?

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favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

I think Castro has to be the first one who loses playing time. In a perfect world, Baez comes up and plays well enough to take over 2B full time but I don't think that's going to happen this year. Coghlan's surprising versatility will be on full display these last two months me thinks and if LaStella can give you anything in the OBP department, then Rizzo and a combination of Bryant/Schwarber just might be able to slug you into a wild card slot.

I say slug, because I'm very concerned that the pitching is going to come back down to earth so to speak. Arrieta is quickly closing in on his career high in innings pitched while Hendricks is still a babe in the woods when it comes to pitching meaningful games deep into the season. If we can make it through August unscathed, the extra arms that come with expanded rosters will help tremendously.

Mike Olt will fill in at 1B. Vogelbach should supposedly never ever ever pick up a glove.

Rizzo is a borderline MVP candidate and by far their best position player. He'll have maybe one day off the rest of the season.

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Team Cutler.

.265 5 HR and a butcher in the field doesn't help.

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That would be a mistake. He already is showing signs of wear. Doesn't help he gets hit so much.

He's been beaned like 24 times... I'd like to see him get more rest..when we can afford it .

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The closest "every day" lineup you'll get:

C: Montero
1B: Rizzo
2B: Baez
SS: Russell
3B: Bryant
LF: Schwarber
CF: Fowler
RF: Soler

Castro would still get a lot of playing time, and Bryant could find himself in the outfield occasionally. Schwarber could catch once every time through the rotation. Montero wouldn't be hurt by only catching 3 of every 5 games. Coghlan would be in the outfield to spell Soler against right handers some days. Coghlan can also give 2B, SS or 3B a day off.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

Good Call, he only has a 1.016OPS in his last 15 games.

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Team Cutler.

He DID go through a pretty heavy two week slump though. It doesn't hurt to give him a day off every 3 weeks.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

Thanks IMU. Doesn't hurt to give the guy a break. You would think I said he was playing like Abreu.....

Schwarber will continue to catch Hendricks, and will play in LF the rest of the time. Sczur will caddy for him in September.

Coughlin will take the Zobrist role and start rotating through the positions and giving everybody a day off.

Castro is going to start getting pinch hit for late (I think they would have pinch hit for him last night if Coughlin hadn't gotten banged up).

Rizzo will start getting a few innings off here and there if they get into some blowouts.

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"When people want their version of the truth, they go find it, no matter how baseless their beliefs." -- Ken Rosenthal

I don't get the Soler love.

To me, he's the obvious guy to grab some bench.

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He is currently hitting better. Ideally, he plays defense better.

There is a lot of potential in that bat. And I don't think it needs to 'develop' much...he seems to have good at-bats.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

IMU, I thought of you last night. On the MLB Network they were talking about hitting hard ground balls.

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2018
#ExtendLafleur
10 More Wins

Dawson, Sosa and now Soler. Wrigley needs it's power bat in RF and he fits the mold. Do you really want to see players like J.Jones, M.Hoffpauer, D.Dejesus patrolling RF?

It's like ground hog day on the board today. I agree with you AGAIN!

Armageddon is a comin!!!

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2018
#ExtendLafleur
10 More Wins

It's rather simple. Kris Bryant should play every day. Addison Russell every day. Soler, every day. Baez, should he come up, every day. Start from there and form the lineups.

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Ба́бушка гада́ла, да на́двое сказа́ла—то ли до́ждик, то ли снег, то ли бу́дет, то ли нет.

Yup.

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Team Cutler.

CoF just benched Rizzo.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.