Chicago Cubs: Expect chemistry if nothing else this season

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As the Cubs continue to let free agents slip away, the outlook of this group is uncertain, but we know but chemistry will be there with David Ross in charge

In recent days, the Cubs let two more key pieces slip away, as Brandon Kintzler inked a deal with the Miami Marlins and slugging outfielder Nicholas Castellanos joined the rival Cincinnati Reds.

Last season, Kintzler was a massive piece in the bullpen and it’s demoralizing knowing the team couldn’t dish out $3 million dollars to keep him. With Castellanos scoring a four-year deal at a $16 million AAV, you’re safe in assuming Chicago found themselves priced out for his services, as well

The Cubs still have an opportunity to make some impactful moves, but with spring training right around the corner, fans may have to accept the fact that this group may not get the help needed. On a brighter note, with David Ross at the helm, the chemistry of this team should be off the charts.

Expectations for the team this year are really unclear at this point, but fans err on the side of caution when thinking about the success of this group. Sure, there are a few exciting storylines heading into this season in the form of Yu Darvish and Kyle Schwarber, but that is accompanied by some uncertainty.

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The bullpen is far from complete at this point and no one really knows what the makeup will be after losing Steve Cishek, Kintzler and more than likely Pedro Strop.

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The starting rotation is iffy, including a Jon Lester that showed some regression in 2019 and a number five spot that seems like it’s going to someone like Tyler Chatwood or Alec Mills.

Second base is honestly up for grabs at this point, with Addison Russell gone and probably Ben Zobrist too. The job becomes either Daniel Descalso’s, David Bote’s, or Ian Happ’s.

The outfield situation is tough to stomach, as the front office has pledged their belief in Albert Almora, made Steven Souza the biggest offseason signing to this point, all while the Nicholas Castellanos situation has become a pipe dream.

Obviously there is still time to fix some of these needs, but fans should not be surprised if this group underperforms again.

With that being said, this group is going to be fun and lovable with Ross running the show. The Cubs became more individualistic at the end of the Joe Maddon era, which many believed was a big reason why things fell apart the way they did.

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Ross comes in looking to bring this group back together. Some would say he was the glue of the 2016 team, so fans and players should have no problem buying into his ideas. Sure, the “Grandpa Rossy” persona that was developed by Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant may not be totally intact, as Ross will more than likely be stricter as a manager than he was a player, but the connection he has with the group should not change.

We touched on the roster holes this group has and while underachievement may be there, do not be surprised if this group plays well together. Having fun playing the game is one of the most important things in baseball that often gets overlooked. Ross instilling culture back into this clubhouse will help in more ways than not, which is crucial for the outlook of this team.

The Cubs really aren’t that far off from major success again. Plagued by errors and late bullpen blunders in 2019, the potential is there for this group and fans still need to appreciate that.

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Growing up expecting disappointment from this team was the norm and no one should ever forget that. We still have a championship club and Ross is here to remind everyone that. Regardless of what happens in 2020, it will be a fun season and fans high and low should be looking forward to it.

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