Chicago Cubs: Could Chris Coghlan sneak into the postseason?
The Chicago Cubs brought back Chris Coghlan out of necessity, but would it be crazy to think he could make the postseason roster? Not as crazy as you might think.
At this point, any speculation about the Chicago Cubs postseason roster is just that. Speculation. Manager Joe Maddon likely knows who the players are going to be, minus one or two that could change based on their opponent. Certainly, there’s no place for a .188 hitter, right? Well, that might not be entirely true.
The Cubs will need to whittle down the roster to 25 for the NLDS. Would Maddon rely on his starters to go deep and take fewer pitchers? Allowing for more matchup possibilities on offense? Or would he go the other route, with more arms in the pen?
Many–including us here at Cubbies Crib–have speculated on who the 25 will be. Without going too deep into all the variables, I think there’s a case for Chris Coghlan in October, at least potentially based on the matchup. And I’m really not crazy. I swear.
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When the Cubs brought Coghlan back in, it was due to injuries. There wasn’t much expectation in his return. But the Cubs were familiar with him, and he gave them a serviceable replacement in the outfield. He wasn’t expected to set the world on fire, and he hasn’t. But he does have it smoking just a little bit.
A Hot September
In the month of September, Coghlan’s batting .294 while slugging .471 with an OPS of .855. He has eight RBI on three double and a home run as well as five walks. Coghlan does offer some versatility as he can also play third base and first base, although not near as well as he does the outfield.
He would allow Maddon a lefty alternative in the lineup against right-handers, where he has been most effective going back to his time in Chicago last season. The biggest question is would you take Coghlan over Matt Szczur? Or do they take both?
It’s no secret that I’ve been a fan of Coghlan’s in Chicago. When he left for Oakland, I wished him well. But well is not what he found. Oakland didn’t treat him well, and eventually, the Cubs sent Arismendy Alcantara there to get him back. It was a slow start as he returned, but as time has gone by, he seems to be finding a little more life to finish the year.
Whatever Coghlan does, I’m aware it’s likely the end of his time in Chicago soon. Though, he’s peaking at a good time as Maddon will be making final decisions on the roster very soon. Everyone has done their part to make this Cubs team what it is–a 100 win team–so I don’t believe there is a “wrong” answer for any roster choice.
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