Cubs start title defense against arch rival Cardinals
A Rivalry Set in a New Context
For the first time since 1909, the Chicago Cubs enter opening day as the defending World Series champions. The magical 2016 season saw the Cubs win 103 games, coast to a Central Division crown and capture the first franchise title in over 108 years with that dramatic extra inning victory in Game 7 of the World Series.
Now the Cubs enter a new season as the “hunted” and no longer the “hunters.” Sunday night’s season opener features a matchup on the road against their hated rivals: the St. Louis Cardinals. This game, which will be shown on ESPN at 8:35 ET/7:35 CT, is littered with interesting storylines.
The biggest story of them all is probably Dexter Fowler’s debut in St. Louis, having now moved on from the team he won a ring with. Life without Fowler will be a big adjustment for the Cubs this year, and Chicago will hope to send a message right away that they will be fine without him. On the flip side, this is newly acquired Jon Jay’s return to St. Louis. Only this time he’ll be wearing cubbie blue. Jay is expected to split time in center field this season with Albert Almora Jr., but neither one will be in tonight’s starting lineup. Instead, former Cardinal Jason Heyward will man center for the Cubs.
Jon Lester will be on the mound tonight for Chicago and he will look to continue right where he left off in 2016. Lester recorded a 2.44 ERA, 197 strikeouts and a 1.016 WHIP in 2016. It was a season that showed he was worth the six-year/$155 million contract the Cubs spent on him back in 2015. With the retirement of his right hand man David Ross, Lester will have to adjust to throwing to a new catcher.
Willson Contreras will be Lester’s new battery mate, given his strong throwing arm and ability to control the running game. It remains to be seen whether this will be a smooth transition for Lester, but fans will get a chance to see life without “Grandpa” Ross tonight on national television.
The St. Louis Cardinals are coming off of an 86–76 season that saw them narrowly miss the postseason. This high-octane offense finished with 779 runs in 2016 which was good for third in the National League (behind the Cubs and Rockies). Chicago’s stellar defense must be on full display against a lineup that can capitalize on mistakes.
As for the Cubs, the lineup looks very similar to last year with a couple of changes sprinkled in. For one, Kyle Schwarber is back and healthy after missing practically all of last year. He will be featured as the new leadoff man and part of arguably the deadliest trio in baseball alongside MVP Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo. Shortstop Addison Russell looks to continue his growth in just his second full big league year.
Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist and Willson Contreras will be regulars in the lineup with Zobrist splitting his time at second base and the outfield. Javier Baez will also be a factor with this squad both at the plate and with his defensive prowess. Depth will play into Joe Maddon’s hands, so fans can fully expect an array of lineup combinations between now and the end of September.
Here is tonight’s lineup for Game 1 of 162 for the Chicago Cubs:
- Kyle Schwarber (LF)
- Kris Bryant (3B)
- Anthony Rizzo (1B)
- Ben Zobrist (RF)
- Addison Russell (SS)
- Jason Heyward (CF)
- Willson Contreras ©
- Jon Lester (P)
- Javier Baez (2B)
Pitching matchup: Carlos Martinez (3.04 ERA, 174 K’s, 1.224 WHIP in 2016) v.s. Jon Lester (2.44 ERA, 197 K’s, 1.016 WHIP in 2016)
Nick Konotopskyj is a recent graduate of St. Bonaventure University in Western New York. As a fan of the Cubs, Bills, Sabres and Knicks winning seasons have been hard to come by let alone title contending teams. Finally, the Cubs were able to lift the curse last fall. You can follow him on Twitter here.
