Chicago Cubs News: New Year’s resolutions; Potential backup catchers

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 19: A general view of Wrigley Field at sunset as the Chicago Cubs take on the San Diego Padres on June 19, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 19: A general view of Wrigley Field at sunset as the Chicago Cubs take on the San Diego Padres on June 19, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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New year. New start. For some Chicago Cubs’ fans, this year will be about being more positive. With the winning ways the Cubs have developed, it seems the standard is a wee bit higher, now. We get that. But maybe just bring down the expectations a bit?

The Chicago Cubs expect to win. There’s no doubt about that. From what Theo Epstein came into, to what he’s produced, couldn’t be more different. But some fans think that anything less than a World Series is a failure. In a sense, that’s true. But the Cubs aren’t thinking like that, so maybe the fans should do the same? We’re not saying to lower expectations. Just, you know, don’t get so upset when they don’t win 162 games?

The Cubs still need a backup catcher, but whether they address it or not might be a different story. They have Victor Caratini ready to go, and he did an admirable job in his time up with them. Alex Avila is likely to move on, and Rene Rivera could work as well. The Cubs will also bring back Taylor Davis into camp as an NRI. Will they stay in-house, or look outside to fill the need?

Each team has something to look forward to in 2018. Some of them might be harder to find than others, but they’re out there. The Cardinals added Marcell Ozuna, and hope to narrow the gap the Cubs have created in the last few years. The Cubs made three playoff appearances from 1945-2014. From 2015-2017? You guessed it, also three. The Brewers have one of the most exciting outfields, including the always dancing Keon Broxton. Sometimes, you just have to look for the silver lining.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs’ fans resolution to be more optimistic’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Potential backup’s at catcher for 2018’ – Cubbies Crib

‘One reason for every team to be excited’ – MLB.com

‘Inside a Hall of Fame voters toughest decision’ – ESPN

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