Inside The Cubs

Ross Reveals Thought Process On Chicago Cubs Position Battles

Chicago Cubs manager David Ross revealed his potential thought processes on the ongoing position battles during MLB Spring Training.
Kade Kistner|
Ross Reveals Thought Process On Chicago Cubs Position Battles
Ross Reveals Thought Process On Chicago Cubs Position Battles

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The Chicago Cubs are in a great position this spring. The front office and ownership lived up to their word and spent plenty of money on talent in free agency this winter. Over $300 million worth. 

That means positions where there were questions, such as first and third base, as well as shortstop, no longer need answering. It's a nice place to be in when the biggest concern is making sure the clubhouse melds well ahead of the 2023 MLB season. 

There are two positions that remain in open competition though and that is third base and the fifth spot in the rotation.

Early on Sunday we discussed how the Cubs would be insane to not give Hayden Wesneski the rotation spot after pitching 8.2 innings of no run ball. Four of those innings came on Saturday when he had a perfect outing.

His competition, Adrian Sampson, has not fared so well. With 14.04 ERA in 8.1 innings there is not only a stark difference between the two, but it is also doesn't inspire confidence. Manager David Ross gave some insight into his thought process on the matter according to The Athletic.

“It matters,” Ross said. “Dansby Swanson is our starting shortstop. I don’t care if he gets a hit all spring, right? Some guys know where they’re playing, and they know they’re getting ready for the season. Some guys were here just to get experience and go back down to the minor leagues and start their season. Some guys are coming in competing for jobs. And competing for jobs is producing when it matters.”

Reading between the lines, Ross is going to value production over most other things. Sure, Sampson is a veteran and is used to the role, but will he give Chicago the best chance to win?

Right now it would appear not. 

Obviously spring results only go so far, but the striking difference between Wesneski and Sampson can't be ignored. 

The same thought process has to be in effect for the third base battle as Nick Madrigal, Patrick Wisdom, and Edwin Rios battle it out.

It's a fun spring and the regular season should be an exciting one. Only a few questions remain unanswered. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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