DeacWatcher
Ricky Peral
Is this Maddon's last year?
Schwarbs gonna 40/40, we'll be fine
Good to read your positive outlook.
Cubs have taken a low key approach during the winter. The rest of the division has received most of the attention. I like it. Pull back, focus on your strengths and improve the areas that need attention.
The starting pitching is strong, deep and experienced. Montgomery is reliable depth and I expect Chatwood to improve. There are some dependable pieces in the bullpen and Maddon used Iowa to his advantage. The numbers were good last year even if the perception wasn't. The biggest upgrade to the bullpen would be Maddon trusting his starters for one more inning. They want it, he just needs to trust them. Make 200 innings a goal.
The everyday players are a known commodity. Rizzo is 30/100, Gold glove and leadership. Expect a Bryant bounce back. Hope that Baez has taken the big step. Three double triple players. I expect another player to take a big step up. Schwarber, Almora and Contreras seem most likely. Contreras needs more rest or needs time at another position to stay fresh and productive. Schwarbs needs plate discipline to make a leap like Baez. Almora has made progress each year. Just a matter of time until he puts a full year together. Albert won't be a shining star, probably the rock you can depend on to contribute every day. Like Zobrist. Heyward is a gold glove right fielder. Anything he gives you at the plate is a bonus. Caratini, Happ, Descalso, and Bote provide depth and flexibility. Russell is a question mark.
This team believes it is championship caliber. The record over the past four years supports that belief. Seems like the team looked in the mirror and realized the reflection was the problem and needs to improve. They appear quietly motivated and content to let their performance do the talking. Everybody in.
As an ever-optimistic Cubs fan, I think 88.5 wins is easily achievable. Anything under 90 and I'd be disappointed.
As an ever-optimistic Cubs fan, I think 88.5 wins is easily achievable. Anything under 90 and I'd be disappointed.
Making my first trip inside Wrigley for a Cubs game since the early 1990s. Over spring break. First visit for my kids. Pretty excited about it.
Zagunis had a better spring training than Happ. Happ is retooling his swing to improve contact and the Cubs want him to play everyday to expedite the process. Zagunis strength may be against LHP. If so, he may get starts.
Duensing DFA’ed. Happ is the very definition of the Cubs issues - can’t hit a straight fastball. They should have traded him last year when he had value.
Its possible they plan on platooning LF with him and Schwarbs. Dunno, even against lefties, would assume we would rather Descalso or Zobs in the lineup. Was really hoping the Cubs would surprise and go after Kimbrel on a massive short term deal, but they are really holding onto this no money thing.
Also, new reports out that Maddon is on the hot seat, and would need to at least win the Central with what he has to stay onboard.