Cubs fans are going to have more opportunities than ever to snag free giveaways from the Bryzzo Souvenir Company, as the proprietors will be batting earlier and oftener this season. Manager David Ross announced Wednesday that he’d approached Kris Bryant about the idea of being the team’s everyday leadoff man, then added that he wanted Anthony Rizzo batting second. Rather than making novel attempts to spark slumping players, Ross just wants his best on-base-getters to have the most chances to get on base.
Early reaction has been split, with many fans echoing the criticism from luminaries like John Smoltz and Harold Reynolds.