MESA, Ariz. -- The Cubs’ preparation for the upcoming Tokyo Series began before the players were required to show up for Spring Training. Pitchers began ramping up earlier than usual, understanding that their season would begin in mid-March.
“It’s created some urgency for our players,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “Our pitching department did a fabulous job over the offseason in getting these guys ready.”
All that work will be put to the test next week, when the Cubs and Dodgers open MLB’s season on March 18-19 in the Tokyo Dome. Chicago will take off for Japan after Tuesday’s Cactus League game against the Brewers, giving the club’s decision makers a few more days to assemble the travel roster.
The Cubs hope to avoid having any players arriving to the complex on Tuesday morning unsure about their status for the trip, so the team is aiming to have its roster decisions in order by Monday at the latest. Here are the main questions Chicago has left to answer in order to finalize the roster plans.
Is Matt Shaw ready to be the starter at third?
The Cubs already made the decision that second baseman Nico Hoerner (right forearm) will not be on the trip to Japan. That will allow Hoerner to continue his build-up toward game action with the goal of being fully ready for the domestic opener on March 27 against the D-backs.
The roster rules for the Japan trip allow up to three “inactive” spots, giving the Cubs the option to use one on Hoerner to avoid a trip to the injured list. Either way, veteran utility man Jon Berti looks like the primary replacement at second for now, removing one of Counsell’s alternatives at third base.
The 23-year-old Shaw -- MLB Pipeline’s top Cubs prospect and No. 19 overall -- is the leading contender for third, but Counsell reiterated Friday that “all things with Matt are still on the table.” A left oblique issue cost Shaw time at the front end of Spring Training and Saturday’s action was only his fourth Cactus League game.
“We’re evaluating readiness more than anything,” Counsell said. “That’s kind of what we’re looking at.”
Beyond Shaw, the Cubs have options at third in Gage Workman (Rule 5 selection) and Vidal Bruján (out of Minor League options). Veteran Justin Turner can play third, but is viewed more as a fit for first base. Turner is a lock for the 26-man roster; Workman and Bruján seem poised for inclusion at this point, too, due to their versatility.
How will the extra bullpen slots be used?
The Cubs only need two starters (Shota Imanaga for Game 1 and Justin Steele for Game 2) on the 26-man roster for the Tokyo Series, giving Counsell a couple extra spots for relievers. That also offers Chicago more time to consider arms with no Minor League options.
The locks for the bullpen include closer Ryan Pressly, plus Porter Hodge, Nate Pearson, Ryan Brasier and Caleb Thielbar. The out-of-options group that project to be on the roster are Julian Merryweather, Tyson Miller and Keegan Thompson. Expect righty Colin Rea (potentially the fifth starter later on) to also be in the ‘pen in Japan.
Offseason pick-up Eli Morgan would be in line for one of the final two spots. The last job likely comes down to one of these four: Ben Brown, Brandon Hughes (non-roster), Brad Keller (non-roster) and Jordan Wicks. Hughes or Keller may have the edge, as keeping Brown and Wicks stretched out as rotation depth is important at this stage.
What’s the best way to utilize the five-man travel squad?
Outside the 26-man roster, the Cubs and Dodgers are permitted to have five extra players on the trip for protection. All 31 players on the trip can play in the exhibition games against the Hanshin Tigers and Yomiuri Giants.
Starters Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd -- locks for the rotation this season -- project to be in this part of the roster pool. The Cubs would then likely carry an extra arm (Brown, Hughes, Keller and Wicks again being the main options).
Chicago will also likely carry a third catcher (non-roster invitee Reese McGuire, for example). The fifth spot would also likely be a position player. Infielder Nicky Lopez (non-roster) seems like a logical choice, given his ability to play up the middle.
“We’re getting ready to go do something really fun,” Counsell said. “And that’s how I think our guys are treating it as well.”