Chicago Cubs News: A farewell to Arrieta; Schwarber ready to rebound

We take a look back at the Chicago Cubs’ Jake Arrieta and his time in Chicago. And is Kyle Schwarber ready to have a bounce-back year at the plate? PECOTA projections think so.

The Chicago Cubs’ Jake Arrieta had a spectacular run in Chicago. It seemed like only yesterday that we got the struggling Arrieta and Pedro Strop from the Baltimore Orioles. By the end of 2017, they were two of the better pitchers we had. Yes, Strop too. But all good things must come to an end, and with the signing of Yu Darvish, it indeed has. So we look back at what Arrieta meant to the Cubs, and why we’ll be grateful for what he’s done for the organization.

It was a tough first half for the Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber. The leadoff experiment failed, and it seemed to trickle down from there. Eventually, it led to a demotion to Triple-A Iowa so he could try to figure things out. Schwarber did, although some don’t seem to think so. But the PECOTA projections for him show a 30 home run and 80 RBI campaign. Who wouldn’t want that?

The Cubs’ Ian Happ is a player that it’s tough to get a read on. First off, because he doesn’t have a position to play. A second baseman by trade, he’s had to move around the diamond to get at-bats. But when he’s gotten them, he’s made them count. For a quick call-up last season, Happ ended up staying the rest of the year. So what are his contributions going to look like this year?

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘A thank you and farewell to Arrieta’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Schwarber projected to bounce back in 2018’ – Cubbies Crib

‘A look at what Happ can bring in 2018’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Dodgers still have the edge on Cubs’ – MLB.com

‘After a long offseason, baseball is back!’ – ESPN

#Cubs on Twitter

Next: Examining the importance of the 2018 Draft

Be sure to check back later today for more Cubs news and analysis! And follow us on our Twitter @CubbiesCrib, like our Facebook page and follow us on G+!