Chicago Cubs Spring Training Preview
The Chicago Cubs showed some signs of a World Series hangover a season ago, but it didn't stop them from winning the National League Central and reaching the National League Championship Series. Chicago was demolished in five games by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Cubs have made the playoffs three consecutive seasons (won 2016 World Series) and will they make it four in a row? They will have the offense to get back to the postseason, but will they have the pitching?
Chicago doesn't even have Jake Arrieta signed and it is unknown whether or not he will even be with the Cubs this season. Yu Darvish, Jon Lester, Jose Quintana, Kyle Hendricks, and Mike Montgomery will most likely be the starting rotation for the Chicago Cubs in 2018.
Brandon Morrow will be the Cubs closer in 2018. The Cubs have a good bullpen, but it could be shaky at times.
Cubs Projected Lineup: (C) Wilson Contreras (1B) Anthony Rizzo (2B) Javier Baez (SS) Addison Russell (3B) Kris Bryant (LF) Ian Happ (CF) Jayson Heyward (RF) Kyle Schwarber
Cubs Key Backups: (C) Victor Caratini, (IF) Tommy La Stella, (IF/OF) Ben Zobrist, and (OF) Albert Almora Jr.
Joe Maddon would like to see the Cubs get off to a better start in 2018 despite making it to the playoffs last season. They will most likely be the favorites to win the NL Central once again this season. Can they get back to the World Series for the second time in three seasons or will they not have enough to get there?
