The Road To The Show: 2016 Chicago Cubs Preview

No team felt more rejuvenated than the Chicago Cubs in 2015. After years of despair in the Windy City, then newly acquired Joe Maddon put the team into high gear. Corner infielders Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant were a formidable combination and the rise of the pitching staff were cornerstones for Chicago. Despite the fact that they came short of making a World Series appearance, a 97 win season was an extraordinary accomplishment for the Cubs. During the off-season, General Manager Theo Epstein carefully evaluated available talent, to bolster the Cubs roster.

As a persistent fan of the game, Sam Bornstein stated that immense young talent needed to be complemented with experienced veteran players. Like any complete team, veteran leadership brings promise to the locker room and is a great tool for young, talented players. Epstein hauled in veterans Ben Zobrist (Utility Man) and John Lackey (Starting Pitcher) for key postseason experience and locker room mentors. Epstein's and Maddon's familiarity with Zobrist and Lackey was a key factor to signing both respected veterans. The departure of shortstop Starlin Castro to the Yankees and the late season fatigue Jake Arrieta endured, was another key factor to the veteran signings. Epstein also cashed in big with the signing of former St. Louis Cardinal and Atlanta Brave Jason Heyward. Despite the mega contract (8 Years, $184M), Heyward's recipient of another gold glove award and more consistent approach than switch-hitting Dexter Fowler, made him a can't miss. As a unit, Chicago prevailed in the error department (111 errors: 4th in MLB), ranking a mere 25 out of 30 MLB Teams. 

Pitching was a major key to the Cubs success during the 2015 campaign and should play a key role in 2016. As a staff, the Cubs ranked third in ERA (3.36), first in strikeouts (1,431), and fifth fewest in walks (407), according to Athlon Sports. Led by Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta (22 Wins, 1.77 ERA), Chicago pummeled opponents strike zones and dealed with consistency. Lefty Jon Lester recorded more than 200 innings and looks to gain more run support from a revamped offense. The acquisition of righty Adam Warren in the Castro trade was a great move for Chicago. When being denoted as a reliever, Warren compiled a 2.29 ERA, compared to a competent 3.66 ERA. Playing in the windy city should bode well for for the former Yankee. Chicago also hopes closer Hector Rondon to follow up a stellar second half (0.96 ERA), with a strong start to the 2016 campaign. The ceiling has rose, but the competitiveness continues to linger.

As the road to the show begins, Chicago prepares to hold off their arch-nemesis, the St. Louis Cardinals. A rivalry that continues to grow stronger, St. Louis poses as Chicago's biggest threat with similar, young talent, states Bornstein. However, what sets the Cubs apart from all MLB teams, is their loaded talent. Across the diamond, Chicago poses youth that endeavors underrated talent. Off-season acquisitions have demoralized team chemistry in recent years, (2011 Miami Marlins, 2012 Toronto Blue Jays) however, the likes of veterans David Ross, John Lackey, and Ben Zobrist should help regroup this club. Undermining the critiques and holding good team moral will key on the road to the show.