http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-denSuggests that using small-sample 2017 defensive metrics, Happ scored better in center than Almora.
Not sure anybody really believes he's good or as good. But maybe kinda anti-awful?
Will be interesting to see how often Almora sits against RHP, and how often it's Heyward versus Happ who takes his place in center. When Almora sits versus RHP, I can see three ways to get two lefties in CF/RF:
1. Heyward center/Zobrist right
2. Heyward center/Happ right
3. Happ center/Heyward right
If Maddon wants Zo replacing Almora, Heyward has to play center. But if it's Happ and Heyward, probably makes best sense to leave Heyward in right where he's really good, and put Happ in center which is the easier position to play.
(Heh heh, obviously also possible if Zo bounces back and Heyward is auto-out that Maddon might at times play Scwarber-Happ-Zobrist even versus a RHP, and just bench Heyward for defensive-replacement purposes later.)
I'm also hoping that Happ will improve in LF and RF. Those are obviously harder spots to pick up; the foul walls add difficulty, fly balls get to the wall more easily, the lighting in RF is tough, and in general the spin and slice on balls hit opposite field can be much more difficult than in center. But the guy really doesn't have much LF/OF experience. Hopefully he'll improve there with time and practice.