Chicago Cubs News: World Series repeat?; Edwards shining bright

Like 2016, expectations for the Chicago Cubs are going to be through the roof in 2017. A fresh start with some new faces should still have the North Siders at the top of the food chain. Will they be able to repeat?

We are only a few months away from Chicago Cubs’ players reporting to Mesa, Arizona in hopes of another strong run. For the second year in a row, the Cubbies will sit at the top of nearly every power rankings list.

Something that should be expected considering the depth and youth that Joe Maddon has in his back pocket. From the top of the lineup all the way to the nine hole, Maddon could win his second consecutive N.L. Central title.

However, other teams across the league, including the Cardinals, are right on their tails. St. Louis managed to sign Dexter Fowler, a key piece of Chicago’s World Series team.

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Yet while one veteran got away from the group, again, youth plays a factor in the Cubs being so successful. Especially for years to come. Acquiring Wade Davis was huge following the departure of Aroldis Chapman.

But will Carl Edwards Jr. find himself closing out games in the future? Edwards emerged as a reliable arm for Maddon throughout the postseason.

Trustworthy Arms

At one point, it was Montgomery, Edwards, and Chapman doing most of the work while Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon watched. Surprisingly, neither men took to the media to express disappointment on how they were handled.

Yes, that was for Chapman and Miguel Montero. Now, Edwards is still a young arm but will evolve under Chris Bosio. As any other arm on this roster will do. Bosio is a mastermind, turning Jake Arrieta into an N.L. Cy Young winner and nearly did the same with Kyle Hendricks.

Hendricks or Jon Lester should have won Cy Young honors in 2016.

Next: Edwards: From Iowa to the World Series

Both Hendricks and Edwards were picked up from the Texas Rangers. Moves that required Ryan Dempster to move onto Texas is what opened the door for Hendricks and Edwards. Thankfully, both men are shining brightly and have a solid future ahead of them.