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Youth, balance, depth secret to Cubs’ recent run
Similar to the 2008 team, the Cubs are headlined by a first and third base two-headed monster. Of course, this duo features 2016 NL MVP Kris Bryant and first baseman Anthony Rizzo. This duo forms one of the most lethal combinations in the game today.
Last year, for example, the duo teamed up to blast 61 long-balls and drive in 182 runs. Of course, much was made of Bryant’s “low” RBI total – but given his career-high OPS, that seems to be a very small issue in KB’s offensive game.
As a team, Chicago took a step back from a dominant 2016 campaign, and led the National League in just one offensive category – on-base percentage. In their World Series title season the year prior, the Cubs led the NL in just two categories – OBP and walks.
This team, though, is about balance – and pitching has played a big part in this run of success.