aaaaand we're back- what say ye on the Cubs' chances this season?
They enter the year with more questions than last year and also a lot more potential for an up year and a down year -
STARTERS -
- Darvish was a total wash out last year. I don't expect a repeat. He will eat innings and he will strike out a lot of guys. That will by definition be a lift for the staff.
- Lester is a year older. How long can he keep it up?
- Hamels is a year older. How will he hold up?
- Chatwood cannot be as bad as last year
- Hendricks and Q will continue to be steady
- Monty is back
- Are they better positioned for spot starts from youngsters? They should be.
- All in all that is not an overwhelming staff, but it is really good and very deep
PEN -
- Lots of questions
- Frankly I think the season hinges on how well it holds up and performs
- And you can say that about an awful lot of teams
FIELD PLAYERS -
- I feel like they are in very solid shape across the diamond in terms of talent
- People bash on the OF, but Schwarber is no longer a massive liability, Almora and Happ are both solid, J-Hey was better offensively last year and continues to be a stud defensively
- Russell at this stage doesn't have to be there every single day
- Bottom line they are deep and they are good
Milwaukee will be really tough. St. Louis is better by definition save they are a year older again (they've got some creak in that team now).
No reason this team doesn't make the playoffs again and it could be a special season. BUT, the NL is full of haves and have nots at this time and there are a number of teams that will be able to challenge for the brass ring on paper (Philly, Atlanta, Milwaukee, Cubs, St. Louis, LA, Colorado) vs. just a few that have had a legit shot the last few years (just MO).