I do too. The Cubs have played at over a 100 win clip for four of the last five half seasons. Only the first half of last year was not up to that standard and that was following an off-season spent celebrating a historic title. The attention and pressure is off somewhat now and they can just settle in and play. They have a deep lineup, a deep rotation, get the bullpen figured out and they should run away with the Central like 2016 this year.
MLB: ***Official Cubs Offseason Thread***
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I do too. The Cubs have played at over a 100 win clip for four of the last five half seasons. Only the first half of last year was not up to that standard and that was following an off-season spent celebrating a historic title. The attention and pressure is off somewhat now and they can just settle in and play. They have a deep lineup, a deep rotation, get the bullpen figured out and they should run away with the Central like 2016 this year.
Here is the video they played at the game today. Epstein, Hoyer & Rizzo got LaStella pretty good:
I also really think Schwarber is going to have a break out year. Might be wrong but he looks really good. I think Heyward might find himself on the bench more and more throughout the season
Schwarber and Russell both got off to terrible starts last year, I look for both to be better this year. Bryant was historically bad with RISP, that has to improve. I agree with Heyward getting a lot fewer at bats, and think that will apply to Zobrist as well. Those two not being everyday players will help the offense.
I really like the way this year is setting up. This team is young but experienced. Lots of playoff games, a world series, and the difficulty of defending a championship. Most of these guys know the drill now.
Happ just led the game off with a 1st pitch HR from the lead off spot. Not certain, but that’s like 5-7 leadoff HR’s for him this spring.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
That surprises me. I like Caratini a lot, but I figured they'd get him playing time at Iowa.
Any predictions for the NL central this year? Here's mine.
1. Cubs
2.Brewers
3. Pirates
4. Cardinals
1. Cubs
2.Brewers
3. Pirates
4. Cardinals
Offensively I don't think there's much for him to prove in Des Moines, maybe they think the best way for him to improve defensively is being around the major league coaches at this point?
Cubs, Cards, Brewers, Reds, Pirates I think a lot of Brewers are in for some serious regression this year.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
The Brewers have some serious pitching injuries, right?
I'm going:
Cubs clinch by May.
Cards
Brewers
Reds
Pirates
Cardinals have an awful roster other than a couple players. Especially their starting pitching. No way they finish 2nd.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
I love your idea. The only trick is that the Brewers have injuries (unless I remember that incorrectly) and the Reds and Pirates are, well, not good.
Someone has to be 2nd. Cards are the best of that crippled bunch.
Fangraphs has them getting the first wild card. Most projection systems have Cubs and Dodgers in the mid 90s, the Nats around 90, Cards in mid 80s, and then a bunch of teams in the high 70s-low 80s. Vegas is higher on the Brewers than most projections, most sportsbooks have them around 85 wins.
