MESA, Ariz. – Even before right-hander Marcus Stroman took the mound in the Cubs’ Cactus League opener against the Giant on Saturday, he provided a catchphrase of sorts for the team.
When asked last week about the pairing of Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner up the middle, he said: “That sanker gonna be sankin’.”
The quote took off, referenced by players, coaches and media members alike in the coming days. Obvious Shirts even put it on a shirt. But more than providing a catchy mantra that tapped into the strength of this Cubs team – a group built on run prevention – Stroman’s sinker and its development served as a turning point in his career.