Chicago Cubs: Six keys to the Cubs success in 2017

The expectations for the Chicago Cubs are there once again as they enter this season. The roster hasn’t changed all that much. And the goals of the individual players have had the bar raised.

Understanding what the “keys” are to a team’s success–especially the Chicago Cubs–is a fluid situation. What those keys are now might not be come May or June. The Cubs will enter the 2017 season as the defending World Series Champions. This is uncharted territory, at least for this generation of fans. Being a “clear favorite” means nothing once the season starts. So where is the focus of the Cubs?

Manager Joe Maddon–as usual–plans to do some different things this year. Who will win the No. 5 starter spot? That very well might be two pitchers. With Dexter Fowler gone, who is the new “you go, we go” at the top of the lineup? We take a look at six of the more important ones for the Cubs as the season begins. So without further ado, the questions that you as Cubs’ fans might be asking yourself–or not. But we’ll ask them for you.