If this was a Little League tryout camp, and based upon performance so far, the opening day lineup would be this:
1. Castro, ss
2. DeJesus, rf
3. Jackson, cf
4. Soriano, lf
5. LaHair, 1b
6. Castillo, c
7. Stewart 3b
8. Barney 2b
There is too much pressure on Castro in the number three hole. Pressure to carry the offense. Pressure to hit more home runs. When that happens, his average will fall and his mechanics will get messed up. Castro performs the best leading off.
The only possible number three hitter in camp is Brett Jackson. But management has already said he will be in AAA to start the season. Byrd is the starting CF, but he is no #3 hitter. De Jesus, Stewart and Barney are starters because there is no one pushing them for their job. Soto has been out nursing a groin injury, so at this point he and Castillo are interchangeable parts.
The lineup shown above is really the best opening day roster the Cubs have at this point in time.
