Chicago Cubs: The underdog role, stil issues at the top?

PECOTA has projected the Chicago Cubs to finish dead last in the Central Division. The Cubs should embrace the underdog role, as the target has been on there back for several years. And do the Cubs still have a leadoff man issue?

So thanks to PECOTA, the Chicago Cubs are headed for last place in the Central. Yep. And you know, these projections are never wrong. *HEAVY sarcasm* But for the Cubs, it would be in their best interest to embrace the new underdog role. For the last two seasons, the target was on their back. Now, they have a reprieve. When everyone is looking at you like you need to win every game? That’s when good things can happen.

One thing that was never really solved last season was the leadoff man. Ian Happ didn’t work out. Albert Almora was better but didn’t take many walks. Anthony Rizzo had the most success. But that’s not where he belongs. Whether he’s strong in the leadoff spot or not, we need him driving in runs. There are options, but it is once again a fluid situation headed into camp.

Once again, the Milwaukee Brewers are doing their best to keep Cubs fans from Miller Park. Once again they’ve opened up pre-sale tickets to Wisconsin residents only. First, this doesn’t necessarily work like they hope because there are plenty of Cubs’ fans there. Second, CUbs fans spend money. Why is this a concern? Even the Reds Thom Brenneman has come to terms with it. As he says, their fans money spends just like Reds’ fans money. We’ll fill your stadium for you, and you can take last years final standings and tack it on your wall because you won’t be at the top of it after this year.

And don’t forget to check out Episode 57 of the Climbing the Ivy podcast hosted by our own Alex Patt and Adam McGinnis! They’re talking about PECOTA, Machado signing, Ricketts claiming no money and more!

Cubs on Twitter

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs should embrace the underdog moniker’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs need more consistency at the top’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs fans too big a threat to the Brewers?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs 2019 Spring Training Gift Guide’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Maldonado is holding out hope for a deal’ – Bleacher Nation

Be sure to check back later today for more Cubs news and analysis! And follow us on our Twitter @CubbiesCrib, like our Facebook page for more Cubs conversation! And be sure to check out our Climbing the Ivy Podcast each week as we cover even more Cubs baseball!