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What Cubs’ Fans Should Look Forward to in 2015
Mar 10, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant prior to the game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
For Chicago Cubs fans, the 2015 season can’t come soon enough. Expectations are as high as they have been in recent memory and excitement will be at its highest. So many things on the minds of the fans, so as we head into the New Year, here is a rundown of what Cubs fans should look forward to in 2015:
Sep 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of the 2014 American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jon Lester
The Cubs made the most massive move of the offseason after the team landed one of the best pitchers in baseball, and there is immense anticipation to watch the southpaw dominate at Wrigley Field. Many hoped the Theo Epstein/Lester “bromance” was a real thing. It appears it may have been.
The 30-year-old posted a career-low 2.46 ERA last season, as well as a 1.10 WHIP. Adding to that, his favorite batterymate from Boston David Ross has joined him on the North Side and will likely be his regular catcher.
Lester’s influence will bring constant buzz and energy both on and off the field. His fantastic personality and dedication will immediately make him a fan favorite.
Lester chose to come to a last-place team because of what the Cubs showed last season, what the future holds as far as prospects, and the challenge of bringing a World Series title to Chicago. He’s already done it in Boston, why stop there?
Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant against the West during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Kris Bryant
Following Bryant’s superior 2014 season with both the Tennessee Smokies and Iowa Cubs, the 22-year-old is poised for a greater role in 2015.
In 138 games, Bryant hit .325 and compiled a stunning 110 RBI, while he also posted a .438 on-base percentage and .661 slugging percentage.
With Spring Training and a young team with open competition, the third baseman has an opportunity to gain a favorable amount of playing time during the upcoming season. It’s likely Bryant will find himself opening the season in Triple-A Iowa, but more because of the business side of baseball. By waiting to call him up, the Cubs can avoid starting his arbitration clock for an entire season.
Bryant’s potential is evident and he is ready to become a similar type of game changer, similar to Mike Trout.
Nov 3, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; (Editor
Joe Maddon
The Cubs hired arguably the best manager in the league when Maddon joined the team.
The two-time AL Manager of the Year compiled a 781-729 record and .517 win-loss percentage in 11 years of experience. He also led the Tampa Bay Rays to the 2008 AL Pennant, doing so while consistently having one of the younger teams in baseball, as well as one of the lowest payrolls.
Maddon will be joined by a few familiar faces within the organization. He will be working alongside bench coach Dave Martinez, who was with the Rays. Maddon will also reunite with pitcher Edwin Jackson, who was with Tampa Bay from 2006 up until 2008.
Maddon has proven outstanding success and is capable of taking the Cubs to the next level.
Sep 28, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) hits a 2-run homer in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Rizzo
Rizzo has shown that a MVP award is soon approaching. He made great strides in 2014, improving on his contact against left-handers, which had been a knock on him the previous season.
The left-handed power hitter drove 32 balls out of the park and posted a career-high .286 batting average. He also maintained a powerful .386 on-base percentage.
Rizzo immediately established himself as a key leader and centerpiece for the Cubs’ future. He showed maturity and an eager work ethic, for which the young Cubs team needs. As a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor, Rizzo knows what it takes to battle, and what it will take to bring Chicago a winner.
More hardware is right around the corner for the 25-year-old first baseman.
Oct. 14, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell plays for the Mesa Solar Sox during an Arizona Fall League game against the Scottsdale Scorpions at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Top Prospects
Chicago’s farm system made a name for themselves last year. The youngsters are efficiently developing, and a few are already making impacts in the big leagues.
Both Bryant and Addison Russell were ranked within the top ten of MiLB’s ‘2014 Prospect Watch’ and MiLB.com announced that their Minor League farm system of 2014 was the Cubs.
“You can count the MiLB.com staff members among the believers. After a season in which the Cubs produced MiLBY winners for Top Offensive Player (Kris Bryant) and Best Team (Kane County), the MiLB.com staff has voted the Cubs as the Minor League’s farm system of 2014.”
Russell hit .295 with 13 home runs and 45 RBI apart of the Stockton Ports, Smokies and Midland RockHounds this past season. The shortstop continually managed to reach base and struck out just 49 times in 280 plate appearances.
Outfielder Albert Almora is also moving up the ladder quickly, as he hit .270 and drove in 60 runs.
This year, the Cubs’ top prospect’s talent will be flashier and their strides to improvement will be crucial for seasons to come.