Feb. 26--Manager Joe Maddon was reluctant to discuss the Chicago Cubs' lineups after the addition of switch-hitting leadoff batter Dexter Fowler.
But Maddon, who relies heavily on statistics to concoct the most favorable matchups, might have enough history to draw some conclusions.
While it's expected that Jason Heyward will be a staple in the lineup, Maddon could be swayed by a number of factors in determining the playing time of other outfielders.
First, the switch-hitting Fowler is a lifetime .303 hitter with a .392 on-base percentage against left-handed pitchers, and a .326 average and .399 on-base percentage against lefties in 2015.
Fowler, however, batted only .228 with a .331 on-base percentage against right-handers last season is and hitting .252 lifetime with a .351 on-base percentage against righties.
Fowler's decision to reject the Cubs' $15.8 million qualifying offer before passing up a three-year, $33 million offer with the Orioles raised some eyebrows. One agent was baffled that Fowler, 29, settled for a one-year contract worth only $13 million in guaranteed money.
But Fowler rejected the Orioles' offer because he insisted on an opt-out clause, and he has that option under his current deal. Fowler's contract includes a $9 million option for 2017 with a $5 million buyout. There is a strong possibility that Fowler could allow the Cubs to decline the option and then have him reject a qualifying offer next fall so that he can explore his options and the Cubs gain a compensation pick should he sign a contract elsewhere.
Fowler's stock could increase should he be utilized in situations that maximize his talents.
Meanwhile, right fielder Jorge Soler could shift to left field in games started by tough left-handers. Kyle Schwarber batted only .143 with 27 strikeouts in 56 at-bats against left-handers last season, compared to Soler's lifetime .240 mark with a .370 on-base percentage against left-handers.
The Cubs could employ a lineup against right-handed pitchers comprised of Schwarber in left, Heyward in center and Soler in right. Schwarber batted .278 with a .396 on-base percentage against right-handers. Soler batted .268 against right-handers last season, although his .311 on-base percentage against right-handers was 59 points lower than it was against left-handers.
