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The Cubs didn’t place super prospect Kris Bryant on their Opening Day roster, because a service time loophole exists that allowed them to wait about two weeks to do so while gaining an extra year of Bryant in the process. They probably would have waited a little bit longer to call him up in order to be slightly less transparent about the whole ordeal, but third baseman Mike Olt has a hairline fracture in his wrist, opening the door for Bryant to take over while likely slamming it shut on the Players Association and their chance at a grievance.
Everyone should be excited about Bryant now that he’s here, as he’s the top prospect in the game with the potential to change the course of the Cubs’ season. There are reasons to be concerned that he won’t hit right out of the gate, or that he might struggle as the year goes on and pitchers adjust to him, so don’t start tallying up those homers just yet. But do understand that, when the Cubs pair Bryant with fellow rookie Jorge Soler and first baseman Anthony Rizzo, they just might end up with one of the most powerful trios in any lineup.
The Cubs went 5-3 without Bryant in their lineup, with poor weather and plenty of scheduled days off helping them limit their early season games. It’s a little odd that the baseball gods smiled upon them with what could have been a rougher situation -- you know, the one where they pretended Bryant wasn’t their best option to begin the year -- but then again, this is the Cubs we’re talking about. A couple of bad weeks to begin the year is too banal for the Cubs and their tragic history, so just remember there is still time for a good old-fashioned North Side reckoning.
- That crazy catch by an NCAA player has us wondering -- should players be able to hop the fence and camp under a homer? You know, for our entertainment.
- Giancarlo Stanton became the Marlins’ all-time home run leader with a dinger on Thursday, and thanks to his extension, he’s got time to hit just a few more before he switches uniforms.
- Whatcha gonna do when Mookie Mania runs wild on you, brother?
- Kevin Gausman is learning how to elevate. He’s also relieving instead of starting, but that’s a topic for another day.
- The Dodgers have a whole lot of quality prospects, which also means they have a whole lot of quality trade chips.
- The Brewers will be without their star center fielder for a time, as Carlos Gomez has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a small tear in his hamstring.
- The pace of play is speeding up, but not for Eric Hosmer, who is continuing his trend of slowing down.
- The Tigers nabbed Shane Greene from the Yankees over the off-season, and now he’s off to a tremendous start in their rotation.
- A photo history of three-time World Series champions Buster Posey and Tim Lincecum.
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