Chicago Cubs News: Top storylines for 2017; Maddon not caught up in the numbers game

Recently, we made our predictions for the Chicago Cubs season here at Cubbies Crib. We also discussed what we thought might be the biggest storylines of the year.

One of the best things about having a group of writers that are Chicago Cubs fans is the differences in opinion we have. When we started talking about biggest storylines for 2017, each of us had different ideas. How about a full year of Kyle Schwarber? What can he bring to the table when healthy? The continued dominance of the pitching staff, or the rise of Javier Baez? Check out what we think the top headlines will be this season.

When Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon named the rest of his starting rotation, many fans were upset that he had Kyle Hendricks in the fifth spot. For a man that loves his analytics, this was one time where the numbers weren’t going to influence what he’s doing. Maddon knows how good a pitcher Hendricks is. He’s just “deploying his troops” when and where he feels best about it.

The Cubs were homer happy yesterday as they split a pair of games during a split-squad session. Kris Bryant and Ian Happ–again–helped lead the Cubs to an 11-7 win against the Reds in Bryant’s hometown of Las Vegas. In Colorado against the Rockies, Jason Heyward hit a two-run home run as the Cubs fell 7-4 in that contest.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs’ biggest storylines for the 2017 season’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Maddon not getting caught up in the numbers game’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs beat Reds 11-7 as Bryant shines in return home’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Rockies beat the Cubs 7-4 despite Heyward’s home run’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Arrieta leads ‘pitchers who rake’ movement’ – Cubbies Crib

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