Chicago Cubs: Staff predictions for the 2016 season

Tim Stebbins – Staff Writer

As good as the 2015 Cubs were, the 2016 team looks even better on paper. In fact, they look like one of the best teams in all of baseball, if not the best team. However, how much can a team truly improve over one season, especially a team that won 97 games? It’s not like the team won 90 games last year, after all. I think one huge difference this team will have in 2016 is how they win their games, not the total that they win. I see them winning 98 games, but with fewer close calls. Last season’s team had 13 walk-off wins, so clearly that made a difference in their record. Look for the 2016 Cubs to win more games decidedly.

As for the playoffs, I believe the 2016 team will win the NL Central, with the Cardinals finishing a close second. The team will avoid the dreaded one-game Wild Card game, guaranteeing them, at least, one full series in October. My prediction is that they will defeat the Giants to earn a trip to the World Series, facing off of last year’s champion, the Kansas City Royals.

NL Central Standings:

1. Cubs (98-64)
2. Cardinals
3. Pirates
4. Reds
5. Brewers

Erik Mauro – Staff Writer

Let’s start with the Cubs, winning anywhere from 91-94 games with a Central Division championship would be a fair and realistic prediction.  We will settle at 93-69.  97 wins are hard to beat. The Cardinals in third place? Yes, they are in the worst position of the three teams, with their core players getting old, they lack a shortstop, they lack a quality first baseman, and who’s to say Grichuk and Piscotty will repeat last year?  St. Louis has a lot of questions.

The Cubs have the potential this year to finally break the drought, and nobody would be surprised if they did, that is how talented this team is.  That’s exactly what it is, potential…I myself am a little cautious this season.  In baseball, teams underachieve all the time, and with how young the Cubs are, I would not be surprised to see that.  I hate to be a debbie downer but it is a possibility, however slim.  With Joe Maddon leading the way, though, that should keep everybody laid back enough to just do their thing.

NL Central Standings

1. Cubs (93-69)
2. Pirates
3. Cardinals
4. Brewers
5. Reds

Next: The wait is over