Chicago Cubs: 2015 Cubbies Crib staff picks

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

So close, but not quite there yet

Andrew Fair – Staff Writer

I have the Cubs finishing 85-77 and narrowly missing the second wild card spot to the Giants. I think it would be a season to be proud of for the organization. There are so many young guys to rely on and they all won’t set the league on fire, but I think they’ll do relatively well.

NL Central

1. Cards

2. Pirates

3. Cubs

4. Brewers

5. Reds

Cubs MVP – Anthony Rizzo

World Series– Nationals vs. Royals

Nationals win

National League Awards

Rookie of the Year – Kris Bryant – CHC

Cy Young – Clayton Kershaw – LAD

MVP – Bryce Harper – WAS

Michael Niederman – Staff Writer

Baseball on the Northside will feel different this year. The Chicago Cubs season has a lot of promise and the energy following this team hasn’t been this high in years. The Cubs will be improved not only in the win/loss column, but I think we will see an improvement in their fundamentals. Despite the positive outlook, seeing the Cubs in the playoffs might still be a year a way. The Cubs will continue to move up the National League Central and will finish the year 3rd behind the Cardinals and Pirates respectively. I am confident the Cubs will be playing meaningful games well into August to but fall just short of the second wildcard slot. Here is my complete predictions for the Chicago Cubs and the NL Central:

Cubs Final Record/Standing- 3rd NL Central (Miss Playoffs)

NL Central

1. Cardinals   92-70

2. Pirates       90-72

3. Cubs           84-78

4. Brewers     79-83

5. Reds           76-86

Cubs MVP– Anthony Rizzo. He may be in the discussion for NL MVP if he continues to grow as a leader.

World Series– Nationals vs. Tigers

Nationals win

National League Awards

Rookie of the Year– Jorge Soler – CHC (Kris Bryant will finish 2nd)

Cy Young – Clayton Kershaw – LAD

MVP – Giancarlo Stanton – MIA

Jeremy Melendez – Staff Writer

The Chicago Cubs will be a much improved team in 2015. An addition like Jon Lester and the eventual call up of Kris Bryant will definitely give them a boost, but they are still at least a year away from true contention. However, they will enjoy their first winning season since 2009.

Chicago Cubs 2015 record: 84-78
3rd place NL Central

NL Central
1. Cardinals   90-72
2. Pirates       87-75
3. Cubs          84-78
4. Reds          80-82
5. Brewers     76-86

Cubs MVP – Anthony Rizzo

World Series –  Angels vs. Nationals
Angels win

National League Awards
Rookie of the Year – Kris Bryant – CHC
Cy Young – Madison Bumgarner – SF
MVP – Bryce Harper – WAS

Next: Still a year away...