At some levels of little league, everyone in the lineup gets to bat every game. Teams and leagues don’t emphasize winning-even if others do. However, MLB is about winning and turning a hefty profit.

As such, roster and lineup construction is paramount to success. The better constructed teams spend big bucks on the most important positions and players and hope they live up to expectations.

Due to other constraints, teams have to manipulate their rosters and mix and match in order to maximize production. Some teams pay their young players before they hit their peaks while others reward them after establishing credentials. Both systems work.

I’d argue that players perform better, and teams reap the benefits when there is competition. Players that have reached this level have been competing for years and most thrive-it’s what separates them from good college players. We all accept that they are among the best in the sport, yet there are some that excel when the game is on the line and the spotlight is bright.

Typically, the better teams in ST have established, set lineups heading north with only a few small holes to fill. Rebuilding teams or those coming off surprising losing seasons, often think they have fewer spots up for grabs.

The 2023 Cubs appear to be somewhere in the middle of a rebuild, whether they term it a rebuild or not. They’ve spent some $300 million on free agents this year. Some of them are one-year wonders, others for a couple years.

One of the uncertainties is third base, but not for want of competition. Only, they don’t seem to be holding an open tryout. Without saying it, they seem to be hoping for collaboration between Nick Madrigal, Christopher Morel, Edwin Rios, Zach McKinstry, and Patrick Wisdom. It’s an odd collection of parts. As a fan of the team, I’d prefer that someone takes the bull by the horns. Later today, I’ll discuss the various parts and if it makes sense to share the position.

I think I’d rather take my chances with Nolan Arenado.