Chicago Cubs fans celebrate Marcus Stroman naming himself team’s Opening Day starter: "Bring that WBC energy home to Wrigley"
While the Chicago Cubs have not announced anything publicly, Marcus Stroman tweeted appreciation to the team and fans for being named opening Day starter.
It wouldn't be an unexpected development, as Stroman is the team's staff ace. It would stand to reason that he would take the mound at Wrigley Field as the Cubs host one of their main National League Central Division rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers, on March 30.
Beyond thankful and grateful to be named the Opening Day starter for this year. Truly can’t wait to feel the energy in Wrigley. CUBS fans…THANK YOU in advance for the passion and vibe y’all provide each and every day. Can’t wait to compete for you all year! 🗣️ @Cubs
The Chicago Cubs' recent traditional opening day starter, Kyle Hendricks, is still recovering from a capsular tear in his right shoulder. Until he returns, and likely even after, Stroman is the team's No. 1 starter. In his first season with the Cubs after signing as a free agent from the New York Mets, he went just 6-7, but posted a 3.50 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 25 starts.
@STR0 is going to bring that WBC energy home to Wrigley! LFG!!! twitter.com/str0/status/16…
Ready for the Stro show! 🔥🔥#gocubs twitter.com/str0/status/16…
@STR0 @Cubs Fantastic news!! #FlyTheW #Cubbies https://t.co/bKhacVDkee
In his eight-year major league career, Stroman has a 67-67 record, 3.63 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. He began his time in the big leagues with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014.
@STR0 @CHGO_Cubs @Cubs Yessir! Been to Wrigley dozens of times but next Thursday is my first as a season ticket holder and first ever Opening Day! Let’s go Stro!
@STR0 @Cubs Effortless energy all year. Can’t wait to see you perform at Wrigley this year. Let people sleep! We comin.
🏽
@STR0 @Cubs I'll be there to make sure that sanker is sanking. 💪🏽🇵🇷🔥
Stroman has been largely absent from the Chicago Cubs' spring training camp as he pitched for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. He pitched in two games for Puerto Rico, logging an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 0.89 in nine innings, helping his team advance to the WBC quarterfinals.
After earning MVP honors for leading Team USA to the 2017 WBC championship, he switched to play for Puerto Rico in this year's tournament in honor of his mother, who is a native of the Caribbean nation.
@STR0 @Cubs You're the ace of that staff well deserved, and good luck this year!
@STR0 @Cubs Congratulations and best of luck this year! Go Cubs!
@STR0 @Cubs Very well deserved!!!! Wrigley will be rocking
And, yes, it is still cold in Wrigleyville in March. Chicago is a long ways from Miami, where Stroman threw his final pitch for Puerto Rico.
@STR0 @Cubs I hope it's not too chilly. March games at Wrigley can be cold. Go Cubs Go.
Stroman hopes to bring WBC energy to Chicago Cubs
Stroman spoke highly of playing in his second World Baseball Classic and hopes to bring that spirit and energy to Wrigley Field with the Chicago Cubs this season. He told MLB.com:
"I think it’s a great experience for everyone to get, even if they didn’t necessarily have success. It’s just being around the vibe, the environment. Kind of prepares you for October baseball and kind of is like, 'wow,' you have that buzz when people are screaming and the energy is very loud.
"It’s hard to kind of replicate, necessarily. I mean Wrigley is probably the best case to replicate in the league, as far as getting the vibe and the buzz each and every game. I don’t think many places do it like Wrigley, so I’m truly thankful and fortunate from that."