Chicago Cubs: Predicting the standings in the National League Central

Oct 26, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs players from left Addison Russell , Javier Baez and Kris Bryant celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game two of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs players from left Addison Russell , Javier Baez and Kris Bryant celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game two of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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Chicago Cubs
Sep 14, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; A Chicago Cubs fans holds his win sign as St. Louis Cardinals fans look on during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. The Cubs won 7-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Night is just days away. As teams finish Spring Training and trim rosters, the National LeagueCentral is coming into focus. It is the Chicago Cubs’ to lose?

The day 108 years in the making is upon us! The reigning World Series Champions will begin their repeat campaign in St. Louis. And, for once, it is not the team from that city. It is our beloved Chicago Cubs.

Now, let us not get (too far) ahead of ourselves. Defending a championship is difficult….unless you are the UConn Huskies Women’s basketball The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament will end with a new champion this year. The NFL has not witnessed a repeat champion since the 2004-2005 New England Patriots. One National League team has won the World Series in back-to-back years in the last 95 years. That was the 1975-76 Cincinnati Reds.

Before the Cubs can win the World Series, they must get through their own division. While that came easy in 2016, it may not be that way this season. Moves were made. Players changed teams. How will that affect the division? Here is how we see it shaking out.

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