We’re less than two months away from spring training, but I like that the Cubs have seemingly come up with a philosophy. In signing a defensive-minded catcher, former gold-glove outfielder (in center) and a solid shortstop, they are finally going strong up the middle.

Nobody can assure me that the three will live up to the Cubs lofty expectations and that CF Cody Belinger will bounce back offensively, but I like that they have a new direction.

Staying true to that is harder than one thinks as soon as middle infielders get a taste of power, it goes to their heads, and they change their m.o. They seem to have already assembled a bunch of slug-first corner infielders and outfielders who can pick up the slack. Finding these guys on the upward trajectory is not so easy.