Chicago Cubs: Offensive inconsistency a major concern for reigning champs
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Too many times, the Chicago Cubs offense followed an offensive outburst with a dud this season, leading to concerns over the team’s lack of consistency.
In 2016, the Chicago Cubs owned one of the best offenses in baseball. As a group, the Cubs ranked second in on-base percentage (OBP), tenth in slugging percentage, third in OPS and third in runs scored.
Aiding the Cubs’ efforts in 2016 was the MVP-caliber play of Kris Bryant. The young corner infielder slashed .292/.385/.554 with 39 home runs and 102 RBI. In addition to Bryant, Anthony Rizzo played a big part in Chicago’s offensive success. Similar to Bryant, Rizzo slashed .292/.385/.544 with 32 home runs and 109 RBI.
Behind the strong play of the duo many refer to as “Bryzzo,” the Cubs offense posted a plus 252 run differential and helped carry the team to the World Series.