Wow, I did not see this lineup coming. Lefty-killer Albert Almora Jr. was a lock, but having in the leadoff spot was unexpected. We’ve got the standard trio of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Willson Contreras after that.
Addison Russell bats fifth, with Ben Zobrist following and playing right. I know I said we’d see Zo lot in this series and I know Maddon loves him, but I do not like his right-handed hitting. Like, at all. Javy Baez and Ian Happ comprising the bottom of the order at least helps to balance things out.
The other big surprise to me here is no Jon Jay, but Maddon obviously wanted to go very righty-heavy.