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night before in an emotional victory

CHICAGO -- Now that the Chicago Cubs have clinched a spot in the postseason for the second consecutive year, lets take an early peek at what a playoff roster might look like. As manager Joe Maddon has indicated several times recently, some on the roster will be determined by who the opponent is, so adjustments will be made accordingly based on a first-round, best-of-five series.Because the Cubs used 11 pitchers and 14 position players last year in the National League Division Series, well use that as our standard here, but thats no guarantee as pitching coach Chris Bosio has already indicated they might want more help in the bullpen.Position player locks: Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell, Kris Bryant, Jason Heyward, Javier Baez, Jorge Soler, Dexter Fowler, Willson Contreras, David Ross, Matt Szczur, Tommy La Stella.On the bubble: Miguel Montero, Chris Coghlan and Albert Almora.My call: If the Cubs keep 14 position players, the decision may not be that difficult here. Montero and Coghlan would probably get the edge based on a couple of factors: Theyre both veterans and theyre both left-handed. The Cubs likely would be OK with carrying three catchers -- especially when one is a rookie and another is 39 years old -- as that would give Maddon more flexibility within a game. If Fowler needed to come out late for defensive reasons, a better case could be made for Almora. Szczur is more than capable as a late-inning defensive replacement as well.Coghlan might be on the outside looking in if the Cubs keep only 13 position players. La Stella and Szczur get the edge because of their ability to come off the bench and deliver a hit or walk. There is a chance Almora makes it over Coghlan no matter how many they keep, but with righty closers throughout the NL postseason, lefty bats off the bench could be most important.Pitching locks: Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Jake Arrieta, John Lackey, Aroldis Chapman, Pedro Strop, Hector Rondon, Justin Grimm, Travis Wood, Carl Edwards Jr.On the bubble: Joe Smith, Mike Montgomery, Rob Zastryzny, Trevor Cahill, Jason Hammel.My call: The Cubs are deeper in the bullpen this year than last, and if they play the Giants or Cardinals they will absolutely want another left-hander back there, so Montgomery actually might be closer to a lock than on the bubble. Remember, Wood has been awful against righties, so hes almost a one-batter pitcher in a close game unless lefties are stacked next to each other in the lineup.Smith and Hammel have allowed too many home runs, which can change a postseason game quickly. Zastryzny is a rookie and if not for Montgomerys presence, he might make the roster. Cahill could be the odd man out as he has been inconsistent and is best suited for long relief, a spot the Cubs hope they wont need come October.With weeks until the postseason, things could change simply based on who gets hot down the stretch. And how many pitchers versus position players?they keep will undoubtedly be an intense discussion between the Cubs front office and their manager. Anthony Davis is toiling on his own while putting up gaudy numbers to start the season for the New Orleans Pelicans.The superstar forward averages 30.5 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game for the 2-9 squad. He is shooting 48.7 percent from the floor, impressive for a high-usage player such as Davis.Davis, after a year dealing with injuries and his teams own struggles, is reclaiming his spot atop the league as one of the most unique and singular talents.Again though, the Pelicans injury issues and his teams struggles are holding his stardom back.New Orleans, which picked up its second victory of the season Monday night at home against the Boston Celtics, has only two other players averaging at least 10 points. The fourth-highest scorer, Lance Stephenson, was cut a week ago. The team is still hurting to score, averaging 98.9 points per 100 possessions.Davis takes a lot of attention, but he needs help. The good news is he may very well get it soon.Wednesdays game in Orlando may very well be the last one for Davis without former All-Star guard Jrue Holiday running alongside him. Holiday has been out the entire training camp and preseason to be with his wife, U.S. Womens Soccer star Lauren Holiday, after the birth of their child and surgery to remove a benign brain tumor.The Pelicans announced Tuesday that Holiday will return to the team for Thursdays practice and play Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers. New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters Holiday has been working out twice pper day and appears in great shape as he rejoins the team.ddddddddddddIt is something the Pelicans desperately need.It will probably take him a couple of games to get back, but as long as he is on the floor its going to be good, Davis told the New Orleans Times Picayune. When you are missing one of your guys and they come back around, its always a happy feeling.Holiday averaged 16.8 points per game and 6.0 assists per game in 65 games last year for New Orleans. Adding him back to the lineup will be a major benefit and support to Davis and the Pelicans fledgling offense.Until he returns, they can take solace in playing another team that is struggling as much as they are.The Magic (4-7) scored only 69 points against the Indiana Pacers in a 19-point loss Monday. Their 33 percent shooting continued to crater their league-worst 41.0 percent shooting this season. Like the Pelicans, the Magic rank near the bottom of the league in points per 100 possessions.We had a few games now where we just cant score, we cant find a rhythm offensively, Magic center Nikola Vucevic told the Orlando Sentinel following Mondays game. I dont know the exact reason for it. Were getting good shots. Maybe we can get better shots.Magic coach Frank Vogel called his teams performance Monday very disappointing, especially after scoring 119 points in Oklahoma City the night before in an emotional victory. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '

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