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The Chicago Cubs and their culture have changed
By Erik Mauro
The Chicago Cubs dropped a bombshell on the baseball world this past week with the reported signings of Ben Zobrist and Jason Heyward. Both Zobrist and Heyward turned down more money to come and play in Chicago.
The Cubs have clearly become the premiere destination for free agents. This all happened in such a short time, as it was not even less than five years ago that the Cubs won just 61 games, with Bryan LaHair and Darwin Barney as the right side of the infield.
What a change this organization has seen since then. The Cubs won 97 games last year, and advanced to the National League Championship Series, before getting promptly swept by the Mets.
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In just four years, they have gone from doormat to one of the best teams in baseball….and they’re only getting better. As noted before, they added new pieces to their puzzle by landing Zobrist and Heyward.
Zobrist, who has a history with Joe Maddon, has played for him for parts of eight seasons in Tampa Bay. He was rumored to have an $80 million offer on the table, which he turned down to reunite with his long-time skipper and the Cubs.
Chicago’s recently signed second baseman fits so perfectly with the Cubs in the way that he can play multiple positions, but, the better fit is his bat.
One downside of the 2015 campaign is the fact that the Cubs led the majors in strikeouts last season, and Zobrist rarely strikes out, which is the type of hitter they need.
Four years ago, would guys like Zobrist and Heyward want to come and play for a team like the Cubs? No. In 2015, the Cubs appeared to be the preferred destination. What a job Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer have done building this team into a powerhouse.
It’s taken four years. FOUR. Rebuilds are not supposed to take that short of time, and this front office may just be the best in baseball. The mission is clear, to bring a World Series championship to Chicago, and they appear to be well on their way.