9 questions for the Cubs heading into spring training
Ben Zobrist
Ben Zobrist? Kyle Schwarber? Kris Bryant? Anthony Rizzo? The Cubs donât seem worried  as they scored 822 runs last season despite Schwarberâs struggles  eventually dropping him from that spot. Assuming they donât acquire a leadoff specialist  theyâll likely rely on a combination of players seeking to provide the production Dexter Fowler supplied in 2016.
The Cubs had minus-9 defensive runs saved at that position last year. Without a strikeout-heavy rotation  defense takes on a greater role. Schwarber has slimmed down to help his agility. Ian Happ has been prone to taking curious routes to the ball.  Ben Zobrist  isnât fast  but  he âs dependable.
 Zobrist  turns 37 on May 26  and  he  played in only 128 games in 2017 because of wrist and back injuries. Manager Joe Maddon faces the delicate balance of getting  Zobrist  ready without taxing  him . Happ is lined up to receive more playing time to preserve Zobristâs health.
Cubs' Ben Zobrist swinging for a rebound after injury-plagued season Â»
[TGT] ? Kyle Schwarber? Kris Bryant? Anthony Rizzo? The Cubs donât seem worried  as they scored 822 runs last season despite Schwarberâs struggles  eventually dropping him from that spot. Assuming they donât acquire a leadoff specialist  theyâll likely rely on a combination of players seeking to provide the production Dexter Fowler supplied in 2016.
The Cubs had minus-9 defensive runs saved at that position last year. Without a strikeout-heavy rotation  defense takes on a greater role. Schwarber has slimmed down to help his agility. Ian Happ has been prone to taking curious routes to the ball.   [TGT]   isnât fast  but  he âs dependable.
  [TGT] turns 37 on May 26  and   [TGT]   played in only 128 games in 2017 because of wrist and back injuries. Manager Joe Maddon faces the delicate balance of getting   [TGT] ready without taxing   [TGT]  . Happ is lined up to receive more playing time to preserve Zobristâs health.
 [TGT]  swinging for a rebound after injury-plagued season Â»