Visits: 5
As April moves into May and Memorial Day weekend looms in just a few days, MLB teams are settling down into the grind of the 2022 baseball season. For the Chicago Cubs, the daily ups and downs (literally and figuratively) have given way to a new rookie sensation who’s a breath of true fresh air: Christopher Morel. If you need somebody to come off the bench and play anywhere and I mean anywhere – just look to Morel. One week in the Show has created a legitimate buzz around Christopher Morel and rightly so – he’s helping bring some needed excitement to the Friendly Confines just when the Cubs need it.
Christopher Morel was promoted last week straight from the Cubs’ Double A affiliate Tennessee Smokies and made his way to Wrigley Field. In his first Major League at-bat, Morel called his “shot” a la Babe Ruth and delivered with a pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning in a blowout of the Pirates. The last Cub to homer in his inaugural at-bat was Willson Contreras back in 2016. In a twist of irony, Morel was not even ranked highly as a Cubs prospect and not expected to make any impact on an MLB roster.
Adding to the plot, Christopher Morel became the first Cub in 118 years to play four different positions in five games. Showing off his versatility as a true “utility” player, Morel stepped in at second, shortstop, third base and center field in his first week as a major leaguer. I’m waiting with anticipation to see if he can pitch as well and if he can – the Cubs may have added another reliever to the bullpen who can hit as well. Watching Morel play is sheer enjoyment and you can tell that he knows he’s blessed to be on the Cubs roster. Morel’s enthusiasm and hustle is infectious and he may be the shot in the arm needed to help the ailing Cubbies. At any rate, watching Christopher Morel playing in different positions each night and having success at the plate (currently batting .316 with two homers, six total hits and a stolen base in one week) is a pleasure to watch and it will be interesting how his rookie season fully unfolds.
