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Kyle Schwarbers batting stance is unique , he just stands in the box and says "throw the fucking ball" wish he was back a few weeks ago, he is needed with the Tribe having home field and Solar sucking in the cold weather.
He doesn't just have to make contact, he actually also has to run the bases. To be 1) both medically cleared for all of that and 2) less rusty than a barn-find 1974 Buick LeSabre, would be pretty miraculous.
Soler has that too, either one will just wait for the pitcher to play his games. I just cannot pick a better 25th guy on the roster right now. Considering some guys are being used for one or two games like Montero, players are planned to be announced as a pinch hitter just to sit back down, get Schwarber to Cleveland tomorrow and have Lester, Hendricks, Hammel and Lackey try to get him out. Forget about the Arizona fall league, real pitches.
Soler has that too, either one will just wait for the pitcher to play his games. I just cannot pick a better 25th guy on the roster right now. Considering some guys are being used for one or two games like Montero, players are planned to be announced as a pinch hitter just to sit back down, get Schwarber to Cleveland tomorrow and have Lester, Hendricks, Hammel and Lackey try to get him out. Forget about the Arizona fall league, real pitches.
I mean he played in a game. So he's medically cleared already. As for being rusty, reports were his timing was a bit off but supposedly scouts said it wouldn't surprise them if he was ready by next week. Ultimately comes down to an opportunity cost. If you take on Schwarber you're probably dropping a pitcher I'd imagine. Zastryzny would make sense given he was on the roster mostly cuz the dodger couldn't hit lefties. Do the cubs really need to go that deep of a bullpen? Doubtful in my eyes.
Now whether you want Schwarber or another bat is up for debate but even if he's 80% of what he can be as a hitter he's probably a better option. He's a career .272/.392/.544 hitter vs RHP. Kluber, Bauer, Tomlin and Salazar if they add him are all RHP. Merritt would be their only lefty starter option. For reference on what that slash line means, Kris Bryant hit .292/.385/.554 on the season. So, if Scwharber is back you're basically adding Kris Bryant as your DH. If he hits but is off timing wise some you're maybe adding something less but obviously the peak there is huge.
He doesn't just have to make contact, he actually also has to run the bases. To be 1) both medically cleared for all of that and 2) less rusty than a barn-find 1974 Buick LeSabre, would be pretty miraculous.