Cubs NLCS Game 2 lineup: Jon Jay back to the leadoff spot

Here’s the lineup for the Cubs Sunday evening as they try to even up the National League Championship Series at one game each:

This has been a fairly common lineup recently, especially against lefthanders. You’ll note that Joe Maddon has left three lefthanded hitters (plus lefty pitcher and hitter Jon Lester) in this lineup, most likely to give strong defense. This is the Cubs’ best defensive alignment.

You’ll also note that Joe hasn’t hesitated to take good defenders out of games if he thinks it’ll help the offense. Albert Almora Jr. and Jon Jay have both left postseason games early to try to get some hitting going. The Cubs do have a defensive-replacement type outfielder on the roster in Leonys Martin.

Thus it would be nice if this good defensive team would also hit some. They’re certainly capable of doing so. Anytime Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez would like to start hitting this postseason would be fine with me.

#LetsGo