Ross says Ian Happ has earned CF job: "He's the real deal" |
The Chicago Cubs are having their own mini-break after their rivalry series with Cardinals was canceled due to COVID-19.
David Ross spoke to the media via Zoom Sunday and talked about the maturation of young slugging outfielder Ian Happ. "Right now, it's hard to take Ian Happ out of the lineup," he told Cubs.com. "He's the real deal, in my opinion." Almora will continue to get reps and be used as a late-inning replacement. "The times Happ has got to get some days off, we'll look at that," he said. "We've got Al, who just continues to wow on defense. But, right now, the job's Ian Happ's." For the season, Happ is batting .297 with three homers, three doubles, seven walks, an OPS of 1.031, and six RBI in 44 plate appearances. It has taken some time (he's still only 25 years old) but Happ is on his way to become one of the cornerstones of the Cubs lineup for years to come. David Ross, on Ian Happ who had 3 hits in a scrimmage today and has a 1.031 OPS in the early going: At .297/.409/.622 (183 wRC+) Ian Happ is the best hitter on the Cubs. He's got a 15.9% walk rate, a 22.7% strikeout rate and a .333 BABIP that is *right* in line with his career .330 mark and perfectly sustainable for a guy with his speed and a 44.4% hard-hit rate.
"He's the real deal."
Says CF is his