Atlanta Braves Series Preview: Q&A with Cubbies Crib

As we move on from that terrible series in Philadelphia, we chat with Jacob Misener from Cubbies Crib about the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs.

The first three games of the season for the Atlanta Braves went about as bad as one could expect, but it’s three games. If those three games happened in the middle of June then the entire fanbase probably isn’t up in arms.

The Chicago Cubs did not have a great opening series either losing two-of-three to the Texas Rangers. Something has to give as the Atlanta Braves come home for their home opener.

We talked with Cubbies Crib editor Jacob Misener to get ready for the three-game set.

Q: What are your early thoughts about this Cubs team?
All offseason, the big concern with this team was the bullpen makeup. And, lo and behold, the Cubs dropped two-of-three on Opening Weekend, despite putting up a 1.000 team OPS and 28 runs. The pitching staff, as a whole, struggled this weekend, and it’s got a lot of people on edge. Personally, I’m of the mindset that three games do not a season make – but time will tell.

Q: What hitter has looked the best at the plate so far?
Kyle Schwarber has been absolutely locked in. Really, the whole team has, but Schwarber is driving the ball with authority all over the yard. Kris Bryant, healthy after battling his shoulder woes last season, is seeing the ball well and could easily be an MVP finalist by year’s end.

Q: What can we expect from the pitching staff?
A lot of walks. Cubs pitching has issued 20 free passes so far this year – a lot of them in critical spots. Getting that locked down will be key. Thankfully, Chicago is turning to Kyle Hendricks in the opener against Atlanta and he’s been arguably our most reliable starter in the last four years.

Q: Is there a new player or a rookie we haven’t heard of that we should keep an eye on?
Keep an eye on Daniel Descalso. He came over this offseason as the team’s main position player signing and he put together some clutch at-bats and nice defensive plays on Sunday. Don’t sleep on this guy if he’s in the starting lineup.

Q: There seems to be more talk about the Cards and Brewers coming into the season. Are people sleeping on the Cubs?
Yes. There’s a fairly widespread belief the Cubs choked down the stretch last year. Given the front office did pretty much nothing this offseason, while Milwaukee and St. Louis made big-time moves, Chicago has fallen out of favor with a lot of folks. One thing’s for sure, this is gonna be a great battle in the NL Central.

Thanks to Jacob and Cubbies Crib for taking the time to answer a few questions about the upcoming series with the Atlanta Braves.

The home opener is Monday at 7:10 p.m. ET followed by an off day before two more to wrap up the three-game series.