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Chicago Cubs: Is it beginning to look a lot like a potential repeat?
By David Miniel
Last year, the Chicago Cubs were favored to win the World Series right out of the gate. While most were surprised, those who put on that uniform believed they had the tools. Are they favorites to repeat?
Several teams made some huge moves this offseason. Yes, the Chicago Cubs pulled off a few moves of their own, but let’s recap a few trades. The Boston Red Sox acquired Chris Sale from the Chicago White Sox.
The White Sox received a handful of prospects, giving them a promising group of people who can follow Jose Abreu in the future. Meanwhile, St. Louis picked up both Brett Cecil and former Cubs outfielder, Dexter Fowler.
Losing Fowler hurts but watching him leave to the Cardinals stings a little. He does, however, deserve the money that the Cards are handing him over the next couple of years.
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As for Aroldis Chapman, we all know he returned to the New York Yankees. New York acquired two top prospects for the Cubs who are absolutely tearing up their farm.
With the addition of a few other rising stars to their big league roster, the Yankees could be close to reaching the top of the baseball mountain, yet again.
But for now, it looks like the Cubs are still at the top of the food chain. This club is built to compete for the next 10 or so years, it all comes down to people staying healthy.
Determination
Look at Kyle Schwarber. Tears up his knee and comes back in time for the World Series. Took everything in his power to get him back and he did just that. Kyle was determined to get back to baseball activities.
It was a shame that he missed out on the regular season and could have helped the Cubs win more than 110 games. His bat played a huge part in Cleveland as he filled in as Joe Maddon‘s designated hitter.
Having him back in the lineup to begin the year is a plus. In addition, he’ll have more playing time after Jorge Soler was shipped off to Kansas City. In return, the Cubs picked up another closer, Wade Davis.
Next: Cubs' Heyward, Russell's role in lineup
A man they checked on prior to acquiring Chapman but the asking price was for Schwarber. Thankfully, the Cubs passed. Now, it looks like the Cubbies may have a stronger team than their 2016 World Series roster.
If they can manage to keep up where they left off, the rest of the league will be in deep trouble come late October. Is a repeat possible? Yes.