Spring training competition watch

As we slowly get closer to the start of the regular season it will start to become time for roster trimming. The Cubs have completed 14 of their 34 games this Spring Training and it's a good time to look at some of the roster spot battles.

Backup Catcher

Since the Cubs didn't make any sort of veteran addition to the roster it's pretty much assured the job will go to Victor Caratini. He's responded with a very solid spring going 6-17 with a double and a home run. He did struggle pretty significantly in the big leagues in 2018 so if he struggles in 2018 expect the Cubs to look outside the organization for help.


Reserve Infielder

It's likely going to come down to David Bote and Cristhian Adames for the final infield position, though Bote will probably end up winning the job.

Both of them have been excellent so far in Spring Training. Adames with a video game like .524/.522/.905 slash line has come out of nowhere since being signed to a minor league deal late in January after being let go by the Marlins. He hasn't appeared in a big league game since 2017 for the Rockies, but during his big league career he has been a very light hitter with a .206/.283/.278 line, while providing slightly below average defense. It's hard to see the value he could provide, but if he's the hot hand going into the regular season than the Cubs might as well give him a shot with Addison Russell suspended.

Bote has had a very good spring as well with a .300/.529/.400 line including five walks in 17 plate appearances. Bote should have the advantage due to the fact that he's both a better hitter and a better, and more versatile defender than Adames. He had an excellent rookie year for the Cubs with several very clutch hits, and has quickly become a fan favorite. Pitchers were able to adjust to him, and he cooled down significantly, so it'll be interesting to see if he made any adjustments to his approach.

Bullpen

There most likely isn't any high leverage roles open in the Cubs bullpen, but a few situational roles are likely to be open. Closer Brandon Morrow will start the season on the shelf, but Pedro Strop will most likely take the closer duties unless the Cubs blow the bank and sign Craig Kimbrel.

One of the them is the primary lefty reliever position. That will most likely come down to Brian Duensing, Xavier Cedeno, and Randy Rosario. Duensing should be the favorite right now as Cedeno hasn't pitched yet due to a wrist injury and Rosario hasn't pitched well in his three appearances while Duensing has yet to allow a run.

Tyler Chatwood has been excellent this Spring and it might be time to actually start taking him serious as someone who can seriously help the Cubs in 2019. He has pitched eight innings and has allowed eight hits, two runs, with five strikeouts and only one walk. It's hard to say what his role could be, but if he keeps pitching like he has the Cubs need to find a way to fit him in.