2016 will no doubt be remembered as one of the worst years, with the death of celebrities such as Alan Rickman and Muhammad Ali, the numerous police brutality cases across the country, and the election of an incompetent political puppet who misrepresents the values of our country. While most people would rather forget 2016, there are a few memorable parts, and none more notable than the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series.
For the first time in 108 years, the Cubs brought happiness to their fans—but something was different. It seemed as if everyone in baseball was happy. No matter what team people supported, there was the impression that every baseball fan had a place in the bottom of their heart reserved for the Cubs. I am lifelong Phillies fan and will always be a Phillie Phanatic, but somehow I found myself rooting for the Cubs as well.
Their great success in the 2016 regular season made them the favorites for winning the World Series so like every other baseball fan, I tuned to see how far they would go. At first, I believed another Steve Bartman-esque play would prevent them from advancing but soon enough they were in the World Series. Although they went to being down 3-1 to a strong Cleveland team, it felt as if there was still hope. Over the next three games, the Cubs played well and on November 3rd (coincidentally my birthday), they became champions. In fact, Game 7 of the World Series is on my “I-know-exactly-where-I-was-when-it-happened” list. The Chicago Cubs were now the defending World Series champions, it just sounded strange.
While their 2016 season was remarkable, there is a good chance of them reclaiming their title in 2017. This isn’t just my inner idealistic self, but a notion that is supported by statistical evidence. At 15/4, the Cubs have the best chance of winning in 2017, due to a deep roster and farm system that has stemmed from great management. Theo Epstein, who was General Manager of the Boston Red Sox when they broke their 96-year World Series drought in 2004, was hired as President of Baseball Operations in 2011. Combined with Jed Hoyer, former General Manager of the San Diego Padres, and Joe Madden, who has an all-time managerial record of 981-852 (.535), the Cubs are an organization stacked with industry veterans.
While management is important, the Cubs’ success ultimately relies on the players’ performances. In 2016, few players failed to live up to their expectations and those who did not were replaced by young talent that needed playing time and experience. For instance, Miguel Montero, who was paid 14 million dollars in 2016, hit an abysmal .216 with only 8 HR and 33 RBI. In his place came Willson Contreras, who hit 66 points higher than Montero and had a higher HR and RBI average per 162 games.
There was concern after the 2016 season when two star players, Closer Aroldis Chapman and Outfielder Dexter Fowler, indicated that they were going to test free agency and not stay for the next season. Fortunately, the Cubs acquired veteran pitcher Wade Davis via trade with the Royals and signed outfielder Jon Jay. Davis was named the Cubs’ official closer but there are several players that could fill the role if Davis is ineffective in 2017, such as Héctor Rondón. Rondón had 18 saves in 2016 and 58 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched. As for Jay, he will primarily serve as a backup outfielder, either filling in for Albert Almora Jr. or Jason Heyward. Almora is young but may not perform as well as expected and Heyward only hit .230 with 7 HRs and 49 RBI. Jay, who hit .291 and had a .339 On Base Percentage (OBP) in 2016 is a solid option for both positions.
Other than Chapman and Fowler, the rest of the Cubs’ key players will remain in 2017. It is almost certain that the Cubs will piece together another good season with the help of players such as 2016 NL MVP Kris Bryant, 2015 Cy Young Award Winner Jake Arrieta, and Jon Lester, who went 19-5 with a 2.44 ERA in 202 2/3 innings pitched.
With the prospects of success in 2017, there is no reason why the Cubs should be bet against as the World Series winners. I realize that they first have to make the postseason, which is tough being in the most competitive division in baseball, but with the statistics on paper and hope that they can repeat what they did in 2016, the Cubs could possibly create a dynasty…
Ok maybe I am visualizing too much early on but I will no doubt be cheering on the Cubs—unless it’s against the Phillies, of course.
